Basketball has long been a game that youths and adults enjoy. Basketball rims and nets come in various shapes, sizes and materials, but the NCAA, the NBA and most competitive youth leagues follow strict guidelines regarding these elements.
History
Basketball got its start in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1892. The harsh New England winters sent Dr. James Naismith, a physical education teacher, on a mission to find an indoor activity to keep his male students busy. With the help of a janitor, Naismith had two peach baskets mounted on opposite sides of a gymnasium. After making a basket, players would have to use a ladder to retrieve the ball.
Basketball Rims
The game of basketball and the materials used for it have evolved dramatically over the decades. All regulation basketball rims must now be mounted at 10 feet -- or 120 inches -- from the playing surface and must be 18 inches in diameter. The rim is mounted to the front of the backboard -- a rectangle that's 72 inches by 42 inches. A 6-inch box attaches the rim to the backboard. This box allows for flexibility when players dunk the basketball.
Basketball Nets
Youth, college and professional leagues require that basketball hoops have nets. Nets are made of nylon and typically are 15 to 18 inches long. They're generally woven, with the openings becoming smaller as the bottom of the net is reached. Basketball nets can also be made of chain. Chains are extremely durable, but you'll never see a chain net in regulation basketball. They're commonly used in parks or on home basketball hoops.
Basketball Courts
The foul line of a basketball court is 15 feet from the hoop's backboard or 13 feet from the edge of the rim. At the NBA level, a three-point shot is made from 23 feet, 9 inches from the rim. For players below the NBA level, a three-point shot is made from 19 feet, 9 inches from the rim. These numbers can vary. Individual youth leagues can move the three-point line up to make the shot a little easier for elementary school players.
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