[rbmj]

I would say shooting for the backboard increased our shot consistency significantly.

Also, if you use a flexible back plate, make sure its braced to handle the force from the ball. Ours would lose a lot of energy as it was only held in place at a single contact point by a winch. You could see the plate buckle somewhat as the ball forced it back.

1218 had a similar back plate if i remember correctly, but it was braced by a solid assembly with multiple contact bearings so they had greater range and accuracy.