This is a good tetherball system; the pole can be removed (ours is at the bottom of our sledding hill, so we will take it out of the hole in the winter).  BUT...the ball is not of very good quality.  We have had it in the yard for only four weeks and the ball is bleached by the sun on the top and the rope already broke.  But you can buy another ball.  The best part is the pole is solid, and as I said, removable.  I would recommend this set.