Types of Backboards

Basketball backboards keep the ball from going out of bounds when a shot doesn't go into the basket. They also provide a surface for shooting a "bank shot" or a shot that hits the backboard first before going in the hoop. Basketball in America is played on all levels from elementary school to professional leagues. Backboards perform the same function at those levels but may differ in composition and shape.

  1. The Shape of the Backboard

    • Shots that hit the backboard, rarely hit the upper corners of the backboard. To save weight and cost, some backboards for home use remove the upper corners and change the backboard to a fan shape. The traditional square backboard is 3.5 feet by 6 feet. The rim is always ten feet off the ground.

    The Composition of the Backboard

    • Backboards used in the U.S. are composed of polycarbonate, plastic, acrylic, fiberglass or tempered glass. The choice of material comes from the ability of the material to remain stiff when hit by a basketball. If the backboard bends when hit by the basketball, the rebound won't be consistent. Tempered glass has the best stiffness, followed by acrylic, polycarbonate and plastic. Fiberglass backboards are used only in situations in which cost is important. It is not transparent and doesn't give the best rebound consistency. Clear backboards, made of glass, polycarbonate, plastic or acrylic, are used in college and professional courts so that the fans sitting directly behind the backboard will be able to see the game.

    The Frame

    • Whatever the composition of the backboard, the frame should be at least two inches thick and solid. Thin frames allow the backboard to flex when hit by the ball making rebounds come off the backboard erratically. The frame can be mounted against a wall in small arenas. It must be installed at least eight feet away from the wall to allow players running toward the basket a place to land outside the court. Large arenas use a free standing basketball standard which sits on the floor and can be removed after the game.

    Additions to the Backboard

    • All backboards have a square painted in the bottom middle in two inch lines. The square measures 1.5 feet high and 2 feet wide. The square is an aid for the shooter for banked shots. Backboards used in high school, college and professional leagues feature a time light. These leagues use a shot clock to make the game more interesting by requiring that a team shoot at the basket within a time limit. Besides a square electronic sign at each end of the court showing the actual seconds remaining, the backboard has a set of red lights mounted to the side or rear that flash when time runs out.