Abstract: Equipment for playing hoop ball comprises a hollow inflatable balloon of toroidal shape having a central circular opening of sufficient diameter for passing a ball through it. A basket which may be somewhat similar to a basket used in playing basketball is attached to the balloon around the central opening and a tether is attached to the basket and secured to a suitable anchoring device which may be placed on the ground so that when inflated with a gas lighter than air, the balloon floats upward to an extent permitted by the length of the tether and in a position such that the central toroidal axis is in a vertical position so that a ball thrown upward can drop through the central opening and into the basket.