Backboard (basketball) facts for kids
A backboard is an important part of a basketball hoop. It's the flat, tall board that the basket is attached to. The basket includes the hoop (the metal ring) and the net. Backboards are usually made from strong, clear materials like Plexiglas or special tempered glass. This glass is also a type of safety glass, so it's safer if it ever breaks.
Most professional basketball games, like those in the NBA or college games (NCAA), use rectangular backboards. But for fun games, you might see backboards that are oval or even shaped like a fan!
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How Big Are Backboards and Hoops?
The top of the basketball hoop is always 10 feet (about 305 cm) above the ground. This height is the same for all official games, from school to professional leagues.
Standard Sizes
- Official backboards are usually 6 feet (about 183 cm) wide and 3.5 feet (about 107 cm) tall.
- All basketball hoops (the metal rings) are 18 inches (about 46 cm) across.
- There's a smaller rectangle drawn on the backboard. It's 24 inches (about 61 cm) wide and 18 inches (about 46 cm) tall. This rectangle helps players aim their shots, whether they are doing a layup or shooting from far away.
What Else is on a Backboard?
Besides the aiming rectangle, you might see other things on the backboard:
- Logos of the league or organization.
- A national flag.
- Sometimes, a team's website or a sponsor's logo is placed on top. This is because TV cameras often show this area during replays of exciting plays like slam dunks.
Different Types of Backboard Setups
Backboards are set up in different ways depending on where you play.
Professional and College Courts
In professional and many college arenas, the backboard is part of a special stand called a "portable stanchion." This stand can be moved around. This allows the venue to be used for other sports or events when there isn't a basketball game.
School and Gym Courts
Many high schools and some college gyms have backboards that hang from the ceiling. They are supported by the building's ceiling beams. This way, they can be pulled up and stored out of the way when not in use.
Practice and Outdoor Courts
For practice or gym class, backboards are often attached directly to a wall. These usually have solid boards made of fiberglass or thick metal instead of clear glass. You'll also see these types of strong, opaque backboards in most outdoor parks.
The History of Glass Backboards
Did you know that the first glass backboard was used a long time ago?
Indiana University's Innovation
The Indiana Hoosiers men's basketball team was the first to use a glass backboard. This happened at their Men's Gymnasium at Indiana University in 1917. When they first started playing in their new gym, fans complained. They couldn't see the game because the backboards were made of solid wood!
So, a company in Bloomington, Indiana, was asked to make new backboards. They created boards from thick plate glass. This allowed fans to see the game without anything blocking their view. It was the first place in the entire country to use glass backboards!
Modern Backboard Strength
Older professional glass backboards could break if hit with a lot of force. But modern backboards used in professional and high-level college games are designed differently. The glass itself doesn't hold any weight. This design helps prevent the glass from breaking, even during powerful plays.
