The rim on a basketball net was not always there, and some slight changes were made to it after it was first implemented. The few altercations to the basketball hoop in general in the past 100 years have been in its size, composition and flexibility. Many of these changes were made to keep the game running smoothly, eliminate delays and keep the players constantly involved.
Origins of Basketball and the Goal
Dr. James Naismith created the concept of basketball to give athletes an indoor activity to do during bitter cold and harsh winters. The first official basketball game was played on Dec. 21, 1891. William Baker, author of "Basketball: Its Origin and Development," states that Naismith wanted an elevated goal into which players had to toss to get points. Naismith used a gym floor for the playing ground in his YMCA and attached a goal to the edge of the indoor track. That edge was 10 feet above the ground, and the goal has stayed at that height ever since.
Original Set-Up
Naismith's original goal was a peach basket. Players scored points by shooting into the peach basket if the ball stayed in. A spectator, referee or player had to climb a ladder to the basket and retrieve the ball every time a point was scored. This undoubtedly grew cumbersome since it slowed the game, so changes needed to made. Eventually Naismith removed the bottom of the peach basket.
The First Rim and Net
The peach basket was retired and the introduction of the first rim and net was made in 1906, according to Baker. The rim was made of iron and the net was made of a steel mesh. The implementation of the net helped the referee know that the ball went through hoop during a shot, states Baker.
Today's Rim
According to the NBA, the rim is now 18 inches in diameter and has a 15-inch nylon cord net attached underneath it for the ball to travel through. The rim still is made from iron, but the breakaway rim was created in 1975 to let the rim snap back undamaged after a slam dunk. Outside of the gym, you will find many double-rims, which are designed to maintain durability through constant wear and tear.
References
- "Basketball: Its Origin and Development,"; Naismith, J., Baker, W.; 1996
- NBA: Rule No. 1-Court Dimensions-Equipment
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