Basketball rules and regulations often depend on the level of play, but the rules for basketball backboards are standard across the board. The backboard is a clear, flat rectangle that sits behind the rim and is attached to it. Basketball leagues have specific requirements regarding a backboard's size, shape, height and markings.
Backboard Area
According to the National Basketball Association (NBA), regulation backboards must be rectangular and measure 6 feet horizontally and 3.5 feet vertically. These measurements include any markings on the perimeter or sides of the backboard. However, these measurements do not include any padding or devices, such as the shot clocks, that are attached to the backboard.
Rim Regulations
The rim, or hoop, is the place that the ball must pass through in order for a team to score a basket. The diameter of the rim must be 18 inches, and the rim must be attached to the backboard with a six-inch space between the two. The rim attaches to the backboard with a longer piece of metal that is known as the back rim. The NBA website notes that regulation rims must be painted orange.
Height
According to the NBA website, the upper edge of the rim must be 10 feet above the floor, parallel to the floor and equidistant from the vertical edges of the backboard. This means that the rim is centered on the backboard, and the centering is determined based on the upper edge or top of the rim.
Markings
According to the NBA website, the backboard must be flat and transparent. However, backboards have distinct markings to help players. NBA backboards are required to have a two-inch white rectangle centered behind the rim with outside dimensions of 24 inches horizontally and 18 inches vertically. This is meant to aid shooters when they're using the backboard to make shots. All backboards also have a painted white line that surrounds the perimeter of the board. This helps players and officials to see the backboard.
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