Dr. James Naismith invented the game of basketball for the YMCA in 1891 by combining elements from outdoor games like soccer and lacrosse with a game he played as a child called "Duck on a Rock." The original basketball hoops were a pair of peach baskets that were nailed to the wall at a height of 10 feet. The modern game is more refined than Naismith's original creation, but the height of the basketball hoop remains at 10 feet at almost all levels.
Hoop Height
The 10-foot regulation height for a basketball hoop is measured from its top edge to the floor. The hoop must be level and parallel to the floor at every point. This regulation height applies to basketball games played at the high school, college and professional levels. The hoop must also be directly attached to the backboard, so it remains at a stable height.
Hoop Thickness
According to the National Collegiate Athletic Association, or NCAA, the metal that forms the basketball hoop cannot be more than 5/8ths of an inch in diameter. However, the loops on the underside of the hoop can extend down to a lower height so a net can be attached. There are no regulations for how far down the net attachment loops can extend.
Backboard
High school basketball requires the backboard to be 42 inches tall from its lowest point to its highest point; this applies to fan-shaped and rectangular backboards. The college and professional basketball levels require the backboard to be the same height as in high school, but it must be rectangular shaped. The upper edge of all backboards must be 13 feet above the floor.
Movable Rims
All levels of the sport allow movable basketball rims (which have some give and snap back into position when a ball is dunked) to prevent glass backboards from breaking. Occasional testing may be required for these types of rims to ensure that they maintain their vertical and lateral positioning on the basketball goal. High school basketball allows non-movable rims, but these must be sturdy so they do not bend, in order to maintain a hoop height of 10 feet.
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