Specifications for Basketball Nets

To ensure that all basketball nets are the same no matter where you play, specifications for the nets must be adhered to. The backboard, the hoop and the netting all have specific dimensions in order to ensure that the game adheres to official regulations.

  1. Backboard

    • The backboard must be rectangular and transparent. Vertically, a backboard must be 6 feet tall, and horizontally, it must measure 3 1/2 feet wide. Since the backboard is transparent, the hoop should center on a taped rectangle, and it should be 24 inches wide and 18 inches high.

    Hoop

    • The hoop must be securely fastened to the backboard 10 feet off the floor. The ring should be pressure-released with an 18-inch diameter, and the hoop must be painted orange for official recognition.

    Netting

    • Either nylon or chain will work; however, only nylon is acceptable by NBA standards. The netting should have between 30 and 120 threads and should be between 15 and 18 inches in length. The netting should also catch the ball for a moment before it falls through.