Playing the HOOP mode is rather difficult. Any pointers on scoring goals/dunks?
In hoops mode, I have found that despite the fact that people with Ariels is going to have an advantage, the best way to score is to look for angles. There are certain angles where if you push the ball with full force it will redirect to the basket. The best strategy to goal in hoops is to go slow. Since the arena of hoops is small, running around in full speed is not the best idea (its not a good idea in any map for that matter).
So waiting patiently and waiting for the ball to come towards you is best sometimes, so that you can hit the ball straight into it, which leads the ball to fly upwards. The angle to hit the ball is also important since with just the right angle you can hit the ball straight into basket.
One other thing is jump. Jumping at just the right moment and angle when ball is above you is critical. Although you get very little chance to do so.
Btw, in hoops best defense is not to allow the player to strike. Since if they do, and ball is flying over the basket, little you can do to dodge it, except helplessly trying to jump and looking foolish doing so in replay.