Basketball hoops are circular metal hoops toward which players shoot the ball during games. In professional and school league basketball, the dimensions and placement of the hoop are regulated by rules. This helps to ensure a fair game no matter where you are or who you're playing against.
Description
A basketball hoop extends horizontally from a backboard and has an open net attached underneath. The backboard is a support for the net and prevents the ball from passing out of bounds when shots are taken. The hoop itself is the goal toward which players shoot the ball. The net acts to momentarily slow the ball down after it passes through the hoop.
Hoop Dimensions
A standard basketball hoop measures 18 inches across the rim. The rim is 10 feet above and parallel to the floor. A 6-inch support connects the hoop to the backboard. The net hangs from 15 to 18 inches below the rim. The rectangular backboard is 6 feet across and 3.5 feet high.
Construction
Basketball hoops are made of strong metal. They are usually painted orange. The net is constructed of white cord that is supposed to fall within a certain thread count range. Backboards can be made of several different materials. Acrylic, polycarbonate and glass are the most common kinds of backboards. Fiberglass and steel backboards can sometimes be found in prisons, schools and other institutional settings.
Divisions
Basketball court regulations are divided into NBA, college, high school and junior high. Each division has it own set of rules about the layout of the court. However, hoop and backboard dimensions and height stay constant through all divisions.
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