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Selecting the Location for your new Basketball Hoop

When the time has come for amateur athletes of all stripes to purchase that basketball hoop and backboard that might just transform you from an average Joe into the next NCAA superstar, that long awaited moment also brings with it some tough decisions. One of the most critical is where to install the hoop.

In the Driveway

A basketball hoop can be the ticket to hours of fun right in your own driveway or backyard, but not everybody who has taken the plunge to bring home their own basketball system has thought it through and figured out exactly where the system fits best on your own property. First of all, the kind of system you bought is going to have a big impact on where it goes. For instance, if you purchased an in-ground basketball hoop, your margin for error is, well, nil. You must make sure that the spot you have picked out for your hoop and backboard is the ideal spot, because once you have installed it, going back is costly and a lot of work.

On the other hand, if you have brought home a portable basketball system that is weighted down with a base filled with either water, sand or concrete blocks, you have a little more wiggle room if you decide your initial spot isn’t the best and you decide to move it. But even in that circumstance, a rim and backboard setup with a heavy base filled with sand, water or blocks can be tough to keep shifting around, so it’s still a good idea to be fairly certain that the spot you choose for the hoop is the right one.

In the Backyard

Is it preferable to have a basketball hoop in my driveway or backyard?

If you have enough room in the backyard, that might be preferable to putting the hoop in the driveway, but this is really only a viable option if you have a concrete area like a court or a patio in your yard. If you have ever tried to dribble a basketball in the grass, you’ll understand why. Whether you put the hoop in the yard or the driveway, you’ll want to make sure you have a sufficient playing area so that you can take jump shots from straightaway or from either side of the basket. You don’t want to put it in a space that’s so confined that you are limited to short layups. That’s no fun. And you will also want to choose a spot with a surface that’s fairly level. Don’t put the hoop on a steep slope, hill or any kind of embankment. And, if you have a hoop that mounts to a wall or to the roof, you might want to make sure that it’s far enough away from any windows, so none of your shots result in collateral damage.

If you are dealing with limited space, you might want to opt for a hoop with a shorter overhang so you’ll have more space in front of the backboard. Most professional grade hoops have an overhang that ranges from 3 feet to 4 feet. Choosing a system with a 4-foot overhang will enable you to set the main pole just off the playing area and still have a regulation 4 feet from the baseline.

Choosing the Right Basketball Hoop for Your Gym

Keep your gymnasium up to date with the very best equipment. Since basketball hoops are the focal point of many gyms, what are some of the tips you should be following in your quest for the best basketball hoop you can afford for your gymnasium?

What kind of basketball hoop is right for my gym?

Wall-Mounted Basketball Hoops

For indoor gyms, basketball hoops and backboards usually come in one of three types: mounted to the wall, mounted to the ceiling or portable. Wall-mounted hoops are attached permanently to the walls at both ends of the court. You can usually find professional-looking basketball hoops of a fairly high quality for an affordable price. While wall-mounted backboards are not removable, they can be made adjustable. Most wall-mounted hoops either have an adjustment feature built in or can be made adjustable vertically between 8 feet and 10 feet in height by purchasing an optional backboard height adjuster. Some wall-mounted hoops can be folded out for the optimum desired placement, or swung up for gyms that require room for other sports. Installation of wall-mounted backboards admittedly can be a cumbersome process, but once they are in place, wall-mounted hoops afford you easy access and convenience, and they are available in several setback distances.

Breakaway basketball rims like the kind sold at First Team have sturdy and dependable positive-lock mechanisms and an adjustable breakaway feature to withstand the tension associated with athletes who play above the rim and are capable of dunking the basketball. Built to conform to all NCAA and high school standards, First Team breakaway rims also feature anti-whip nets that do not tangle and durable, no-chip finishes. Most indoor basketball systems, whether portable, wall mounted or ceiling mounted, typically include a breakaway or flex style rim.

Portable Basketball Hoops

On the lower end of the budget spectrum, you do not have to spend a fortune to put a basketball hoop in your gym if you opt for a portable system. These tend to be the most accessible, affordable and versatile choices, as portable hoops can be set up quickly and easily and moved around or stored away without much muss or fuss. Most portable basketball system have features to adjust for different heights, catering to players ranging in age from kids to adults, and more upscale portable backboards also have necks that adjust to extend further outward. Most adjustable hoops can be moved from 6 feet to 10 feet, so if kids are going to be using the hoop, they won’t be discouraged by starting out on a system that’s just too high for them.

Portable basketball hoops are on the lower end of the budget spectrum, you do not have to spend a fortune to put a basketball hoop in your gym if you opt for a portable system. These tend to be the most accessible, affordable and versatile choices, as portable hoops can be set up quickly and easily and moved around or stored away without much muss or fuss.

Choosing the Right Basketball Hoop for Your Home

If you want to place a recreation center in your own yard or driveway, or if you have kids who fashion themselves as the next NBA All-Star, it might be time to price out and shop for a basketball hoop for your own property. Once you have made the decision to purchase a basketball system for your home, the next question is which type of system will best suit your needs.

Basketball systems made for a driveway or a yard are a lot different than ones made for a gymnasium. Sure, they all have a hoop, a backboard and a shooter’s square to aim for. But beyond that, there are big differences between the kind of hoop you’d play with in a gym and what you can realistically place in your driveway or backyard. Your choices at home boil down to in-ground, portable, hoops that mount to a wall or a roof and poolside basketball goals.

How to choose the right basketball hoop for your home?

In-Ground Basketball Hoops

An in-ground basketball system is anchored underground and encased with cement. Among the choices for a driveway basketball system, none offers better stability than an in-ground system. But you have to know for certain that the place you intend to plant your in-ground basketball hoop is the right location, because once you break ground and install the backboard, going back can be a big hassle. The spot must have enough room for play and not interfere with your day-to-day life. Avoid putting that backboard near trees or shrubs, and look for an anchor bolt mounting system or a ground sleeve that can protect the pole’s base from any elements that might cause the pole to corrode over time.

Portable Basketball Hoops

A portable backboard gives you a lot more flexibility and versatility. While some portable goals sacrifice physical stability, most First Team portables are as stable as their in-ground counterparts. Portable basketball systems can either use water, sand or cement blocks for ballast. If the base is weighted down by water, you must be vigilant that the water does not evaporate over time, or else it could tip over. Water obviously costs less than sand or concrete blocks, but First Team recommends them both over water for safety. Sand or block based systems have the advantage of greater density and the ability to stand firm for a longer period of time without any maintenance.

 

My driveway has a slope, can I install an in-ground basketball hoop?

Obviously a flat court surface is best. True basketball court surfaces do not have slope to them. Many customers ask if they should install a basketball hoop next to their sloped driveway. This is not normally a problem. While practicing on a perfectly installed rim at exact 10’ height is best, A small 1/2” to 1 1/2” deviation will not ruin your game. Many players and spectators don’t realize this but 90 percent of rims installed even on game goals used in high schools are not installed perfectly at 10’. Practicing on a slope will still give the player the desired benefit from practice time. The hand eye coordination is improved regardless of the rim height. However, if the slope exceeds 3” deviation, you should consider a roof mounted option or a dedicated court in the backyard. 

 

 

Basketball Hoop Maintenance Checklist

You have invested money in a basketball hoop to add recreational value to your driveway, improve your game, or give your kids something to do when you chase them outside to get some exercise and fresh air. Now you have to make sure you know how to keep that hoop and backboard in good shape so that your investment pays off.

Getting Ready for Use

Although most basketball systems made for outdoor use are rust-resistant and designed to last a long time, it still doesn’t hurt to be fully aware of everything you can do to keep your hoop and backboard in tip-top shape for an extended service life. Portable basketball system weights are either water-based, sand-based or use concrete blocks. If your system is sand-based, it has more density than water, so the goal is likely to stand firmly in place for a long time. Water-based systems are susceptible to gradual evaporation when the weather is very warm, a drawback that is not a factor with sand-based systems. Â Sand-based systems, however, are more expensive, because sand costs more than water. If you have a water-based system, refill it periodically to maintain stability and also to ensure safety. If too much water evaporates without being replenished, the hoop could fall over and possibly injure you or your kids. First Team does not recommend using water for ballast on any First Team portable unit.

Another aspect of taking good care of your basketball system has to do with how it is actually used. If you purchase an inferior brand, rough, aggressive treatment will hinder the longevity of a hoop, backboard and pole. Anyone can dunk on an adjustable basketball goal, and if your system is going to be used by advanced hoopsters whose aggressiveness and athletic ability frequently takes them above the rim, it only follows logically that a hoop that is being dunked on is subject to significantly more abuse than a hoop that only receives jump shots, free throws and gentle layups.

Routine Maintenance

What kind of regular maintenance should I do for my portable basketball hoop?

Even the best basketball system will need some attention from time to time. The net will need to be replaced every 1-5 years. The paint may also fade or get scratched or chipped. When this happens make sure to touch up the paint using a satin black outdoor spray paint such as Rust-Oleum. Make sure proper ballast is installed and remains installed on any portable basketball system. Lack of ballast in a portable basketball goal is the number one cause of rim and backboard damage due to tip over caused by strong winds. Portable basketball hoops can be brought down to their lowest possible setting so you can wheel the system into a garage in anticipation of an extended stretch of nasty or inclement weather. Pole padding may also be removed on in-ground units during winter months if desired. Check nuts and bolts for tightness once per year. When you limit your basketball system’s exposure to adverse elements like bad weather, you are proactively prolonging the life of your hoop and backboard through vigilant maintenance practices.

Things To Consider When Purchasing a Portable Basketball Goal

A basketball goal is an essential part of any recreational facility, school gymnasium, or home court. At First Team Sports, we manufacture a wide variety of basketball goals to fit all situations, including fixed height backboards, adjustable basketball goals, competition basketball backboard systems, and roof mount basketball goal systems. For those situations where an in ground basketball goal is not an option, a portable basketball goal is the answer. It is ideal for homes in communities that do not allow permanent installation of basketball goals, as well as for multi-purpose recreational facilities, churches, and gyms that do not have wall mount basketball goals. There is a tremendous range in the adjustability, portability, and durability of portable goals, so it is important to do your homework before buying a portable basketball hoop system. You will choose something very different if you need a basketball goal for kids as compared to basketball equipment that meets NCAA and High School regulations for competitive indoor games. This basketball goal buying guide covers key things to consider when purchasing a portable basketball goal. Please call us for answers to your specific questions about which portable goal is right for you.

Durability: Stability and Weight Are Key

The very first question to consider when you start to shop for portable basketball hoops is: who will be using the equipment? If a little kid will be using the outdoor sports equipment on your patio, a simple system that allows you to lower the basketball goal height may be just what you need. First Team’s OmniChamp portable basketball system fits the bill when budget and space are the top priorities. On the other hand, if teenagers, men, or women will be using the goal for aggressive recreation or team sports, lightweight sets are not stable enough. The type of basketball goal Walmart sells will tip over if players hang on the rim, posing a potential player safety concern. Outdoor sports equipment also needs to hold up to the elements, especially wind. When you need an outdoor or indoor basketball hoop that can withstand slam dunk action and players hanging on it, it is time to move up to First Team’s Thunder, Storm, or Hurricane heavy duty equipment basketball backboard systems. One look at the basketball goal pictures reveals why we are able to back the Thunder, Storm, and Hurricane with our unmatched Lifetime Superior Warranty: they have broad stable bases, large overhangs, and safety padding to endure fierce competition. The Hurricane also comes with the complete sets of the back tie downs required to meet NCAA competition standards. With a shipping weight of nearly 1600 pounds, you won’t find a more stable and durable basketball system made by any of the top brands of commercial basketball goals.

Range of Adjustability

Is the basketball goal adjustable? That is the next question that needs to be considered when purchasing portable equipment basketball backboard sets. The great thing about adjustable hoops is that they allow you to set a custom height based on the age and ability of the players. An adjustable basketball goal height is particularly recommended when shopping for a basketball goal for kids. The majority of First Team’s portable basketball goal are adjustable from regulation 10 feet down to as low as 7 ½ to 5 ½ feet, depending on the model. Our RollaSport is the only portable basketball goal we make that is considered to be a fixed height sports equipment basketball backboard set, although it too has some rim height flexibility. These are questions to ask about the adjustability of portable basketball goal systems:

  • What is the range of height adjustment? Every First Team model goes up to the full regulation 10 feet height, while many of the warehouse store goals only go up to 7 feet high. The lowest rim height adjustment on our portable goals goes as low as 5 ½ feet on our Storm goal.

  • What is the adjustment mechanism? The spring aided crank system that First Team uses is far superior to typical spring-slide methods. Our goals all feature a built in rim height indicator for precision, and most models offer infinite adjustability.

  • How easy is it to change the rim height? You should not need to use special tools or stand on a table to adjust the height of the goal.

  • Remember to keep the age and ability of your players in mind when considering adjustability, and feel free to contact us for additional guidance.

Ease of Portability

By definition, portable basketball goals are self contained units that are not installed in one place like inground basketball goals. That is not to say that all portable systems are equally easy to move, however. For instance, the most basic junior basketball goal Walmart sells does not have wheels to facilitate rolling it from the driveway to the garage for storage. Every First Team portable basketball system has easy gliding wheels to make it simple for one person to roll. Our Invader model uses a simple tip and roll technique, while the other units offer a variety of folding mechanisms to lower the backboard for rolling under a door. Like all of our indoor and outdoors sports equipment, basketball goals are made to be extremely user friendly. Residential portable sets such as the RollaSport and RollaJam roll right into your garage to be stored by the outdoor power equipment between games. If basketball is your sport, you definitely want a portable basketball goal that is easy to move into place so you can start playing right away!

Other Important Considerations

In addition to durability, adjustability, and portability, quality of construction and available features should be considered. First Team’s Invader and RollaSport portable basketball hoops are made with high quality clear acrylic backboards. All other models are available with your choice of acrylic, tempered glass, or smoked tempered glass backboards. Either recreational or heavy duty flex goals are offered with our portable systems. Base padding for player safety is available with most models, in a range of colors. Our basketball buying guide has more information on available features, and we also have plenty of basketball goal pictures and specs on our website to help you make the best decision for your needs. Like every piece of sporting equipment First Team makes, every portable basketball goal is manufactured with pride in the USA. Since 1996, First Team, Inc. has been manufacturing top quality sporting goods equipment for basketball, men’s lacrosse, soccer, volleyball, and football. You will find First Team basketball equipment and other products at top sporting equipment stores nationwide; our ever-growing network of over 1000 authorized dealers ensures that our products are available at your favorite place to shop for gear for basketball, cleats and running shoes, swim suits, athletic apparel, and all of your athletic equipment. Call us today to find the best portable basketball goal for your home, recreational facility, or school.

What things should I consider when buying a portable basketball goal?

  • Durability

  • Range of Adjustability

  • Ease of Portability

  • Quality

Basketball Goal / Basketball Hoop: Is There a Difference?

Basketball goal and basketball hoop are two terms which are often used interchangeably. Our customers frequently ask us if there is a difference between basketball hoops and basketball goals. When it is time to shop for sports equipment, it is helpful to understand the terminology, after all. Technically, the goal or hoop refers to the orange rim that is mounted to the backboard, but in common language, the terms are used when people are referring to the complete sets that make up basketball systems. Here at First Team Sports, we use the term basketball goals when referring to either complete basketball goal systems or the rims themselves. We offer a comprehensive line of made in the USA indoor and outdoor sports equipment: basketball backboard systems (wall mount basketball goals or on a post) for team sports, adjustable goals for kids, portable goals for indoor games and driveway outdoor play, and commercial basketball goals that can stand up to the most aggressive playgrounds. Our basketball buying guide and basketball goal pictures can help you understand the differences between the types of basketball equipment for sale. Call First Team today to get started!

Parts of a Basketball System

A complete basketball system consists of the same general parts, whether it is an in ground basketball goal, a portable basketball goal, or an adjustable portable goal.

What are the basic elements of a basketball goal system?

  • Backboard: Backboards can be rectangular or fan shaped, and are available in many different sizes and materials. First Team offers everything from regulation size tempered glass wall mount backboards for colleges to an affordable acrylic backboard and rim combo-portable basketball system units for home use. (Acrylic provides a better rebound than a polycarbonate backboard). We also offer backboards in steel, perforated aluminum, fiberglass, and smoked tempered glass.

  • Rim: The orange ring from which the net hangs. Can also be called the goal or hoop. Options include the competition breakaway steel rim, heavy duty or recreation flex goal, and the fixed rim. First Team also offers ultra heavy double rims for playgrounds where aggressive play is the norm.

  • Net: Made of nylon or metal chain (for playgrounds).

  • Extension Arm (or boom): The extension arm projects forward from the vertical post to create the overhang for the safe play area. On fixed inground basketball goals, the extension arm does not move. On a First Team portable basketball goal, the extension arm folds down to a height that can easily fit under a door frame for storage next to your outdoor power equipment in the garage or roll into a storage closet in your gymnasium. Many of our wall mount acrylic or glass backboards offer an adjustable arm that allows you to set a custom distance from wall to backboard to align with your existing basketball court markings. Some models also feature an arm that folds back to one side to store the backboard safely to make room for other sports in multi-use facilities.

  • Post / Pole: Also called the support structure or standard, this is the vertical piece to which the backboard is attached. Depending on the model, our adjustable units can easily moved from as low 5’6” up to the full 10′ regulation basketball goal height. Wall mount and roof mount products will not have a vertical post.

Quality Counts

The basketball goal vs. basketball hoop terminology can also have to do with the quality of the basketball training equipment. If you are shopping online for a cheap portable unit for a toddler or little kid, it will be called a hoop. The same is true for a table basketball game, a cheap pro mini hoop with over the door mounts, flimsy plastic units for pools, or a product like the Spalding acrylic backboard set or Spalding polycarbonate portable basketball goal Walmart sells. Top brands in the sport generally call their equipment basketball goals or systems. At First Team, we take great pride in manufacturing the most well made goals and accessories for your home, school, recreational facility, gymnasium, playground, and even your pool. Read the reviews to learn how different a heavy duty American made basketball system is as compared to lightweight units. When you want sports equipment that will last for years, or even a lifetime, call First Team. From ultra-safe and sturdy patio basketball goals for kids to a regulation tempered glass backboard with a breakaway basketball goal that meets all standards for NCAA men and women’s competition, we manufacture it all to the most exacting standards right here in the USA. If you are training basketball players to excel at their sport, get on board with the best!

Shopping for First Team Sports Equipment

Since 1996, First Team, Inc. has been manufacturing top quality sporting goods equipment for basketball, men’s lacrosse, soccer, volleyball, and football. Based in Hutchinson, Kansas, we are dedicated to Made In the USA domestic manufacturing, quality assurance, friendly customer service, and providing the safest, most durable and dependable products available every time. First Team believes in offering our clients value-added information like our basketball buying guide for regulation and home courts. We are proud to be the top choice of athletic directors, coaches, facility directors, equipment managers and homeowners across the nation. You can find First Team basketball equipment and other products at top sporting equipment stores nationwide; our ever-growing network of over 1000 authorized dealers ensures that our products are available at your favorite place to shop for gear for basketball, cleats and running shoes, swim suits, athletic apparel, and all of your athletic equipment. Contact us to learn more about First Team basketball goals / basketball hoops for field houses, gymnasiums, playgrounds, and homes.

Basketball Goal Regulation Height

Basketball goals are often made with adjustable basketball hoops, which can cause some confusion over setting the appropriate rim height. Customers often ask us if there is a uniform basketball goal regulation height. The answer is yes: the regulation height of the top edge of the rim of the basketball hoop is 10′ from the ground. This is true for inground basketball goals, wall mount basketball goals, indoor basketball hoop systems, and outdoor basketball goal systems. No matter which type of basketball system you are talking about, the regulation rim height is the same. First Team Sports offers a complete selection of basketball backboard systems for men’s and women’s team sports, at all levels of play. We also manufacture commercial basketball goals for playgrounds, complete sets for recreation centers, adjustable and portable goals. Whether you need a great basketball goal for kids or a competition grade fixed height basketball goal, First Team has the basketball equipment to fit your needs and your budget. If basketball is your sport, a friendly First Team associate can help you find exactly what you want. Read our basketball buying guide to learn the difference between an in ground basketball goal and a portable basketball system, and be sure to call us with your questions.

Rim Height Measurements

What is regulation height in basketball?

Measuring for the correct regulation basketball goal height is straightforward: the top of the rim should be set 10′ above the playing surface. The 10′ rim height measurement should not be confused with the top of the backboard or the bottom of the net. First Team offers backboards in a variety of sizes, from 30″ x 44″ up to traditional competition size 48″ x 72″ tempered glass. Whatever the size of the backboard, the rim is set at the same regulation height. When you look at basketball goal pictures, you will see that the variation is in the height of the backboard above the rim. Our adjustable basketball goals feature a built in rim height indicator to make it easy to see the exact height of the rim at any given time.

Why Is the Regulation Height 10′?

Now that you know that the basketball goal rim height is 10′, have you stopped to wonder why? Whether you shop for outdoor sports equipment, basketball backboard systems, and accessories at a specialty shop that carries the top brands or look at a basketball goal Walmart carries, basketball goals are a far cry from their origins. The sport was invented by James Naismith, who created the first basketball hoop by nailing a peach basket to a track. Because the basket was closed, play would have to stop after every score to retrieve the ball. Can you imagine climbing up on a ladder or table to get your ball back after every basket? Sports legend has it that the height of that first basketball goal was 10′, setting the standard that is used even today. However, Mr. Naismith’s original written rules did not mention the height of the basket, so it is not clear if the origins of the regulation rim height are fact or fiction. Whatever the case, 10′ has long been the standard in NCAA, high school, and NBA basketball.

Why Set the Rim Lower Than Regulation?

While the regulation height is required for competition at the high school level and above, there are certain times when it makes sense to choose a lower height. An adjustable portable goal or adjustable in ground goal is the answer when 10′ is too high for your players. These are some reasons to lower the rim:

  • For junior level play. Although there is no standard rim height for young men and women in junior high, 8′ or 9′ is common. The league will set the rules for rim height for junior competition.

  • To allow younger or novice players to improve their shooting mechanics. Have you ever seen a young kid trying to heave a basketball high enough to reach the hoop? Lower the rim while he develops his shooting technique, then gradually increase the height up to 10′ to increase the challenge.

  • For dunking competitions. If you and your kids like to shoot hoops on your back patio, lower the rim so you can have a dunking contest once in a while. Families with children aged 10 or under are advised to select an adjustable goal. Our basketball buying guide can help you determine which sets are best for your family.

Call First Team today for answers to all of your questions about finding the right basketball system for outdoor or indoor games. Choose a portable basketball hoop that folds down to roll under a door frame to store in the garage by your outdoor power equipment. Or select one of our superior wall mount competition level systems with backboard and post padding with custom lettering in colors to match team apparel. We also manufacture tough-as-nails playground systems with industry leading lifetime warranties. All of our sporting equipment is made with pride in the USA.

Shown below: Measuring basketball hoop height

Where to Find First Team Products

Since 1996, First Team, Inc. has been manufacturing top quality sporting goods equipment for basketball, lacrosse, soccer, volleyball, and football. Based in Hutchinson, Kansas, we are dedicated to Made In the USA domestic manufacturing, quality assurance, friendly customer service, and providing the safest, most durable and dependable products available every time. We are proud to be the top choice of athletic directors, coaches, facility directors, equipment managers and homeowners across the nation. You can find First Team products at top sporting equipment stores nationwide; our ever-growing network of over 1000 authorized dealers ensures that our products are available at your favorite place to shop for gear for basketball, cleats and running shoes, swim suits, and all of your athletic equipment. Contact us to learn more about First Team basketball goals for field houses, gymnasiums, playgrounds,and homes.

 

Further Reading:

How to Measure Basketball Hoop Height

How to Adjust Basketball Goal Height

Basketball Court Dimensions and Planning

 

Basketball Court Planning

When planning a new basketball court, the first step is to determine for what it will be used. Basketball court dimensions are standardized by the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) for competition. There are some variations between NBA and NCAA courts, and also between college and high school courts. If you are planning an outdoor basketball court for a playground or residential backyard basketball, space and player age may dictate whether you opt for a full regulation size court, a half court, or a small court with only a free throw line (which is typically what will fit in a two car driveway). Basketball court prices will vary considerably depending on the size of the court, the materials used for the flooring (often a maple wood surface with a highly polished top layer, but can also be made with game court tiles similar to some tennis courts, or even a pole set into concrete ground), and how the markings are applied. Whatever court size you are planning, First Team has the basketball goals you need. Our Made In the USA backboard and basket sets are available in a wide range of sizes, materials, and configurations. Choose from portable basketball goals, adjustable basketball goals, fixed height basketball goals, and roof mount styles to fit your gymnasium, recreation center, playground, or home court. The one thing that all of our basketball equipment has in common is that it is made to meet the highest standards for durability to last for many years of play. Call us today to learn more about choosing the right First Team basketball goal to fit your court size.

Basic Dimensions

There are different standard court sizes depending on the level of play, although the basic basketball court layout is fairly similar for professional, college, and high school games (with some differences that we will cover later). A basketball court diagram is useful when determining regulation court sizes and placements of markings like the free throw line, the three point line, the width of the key, the circle at the top of the key, where substitutes enter, and where lines should be painted in relation to the center of the basket, the edge of the hoop ring, and the backboard.

What are the outside measurements of different levels of basketball courts?

  • NBA: 94′ long x 50′ wide from side to side

  • FIBA (International Basketball Federation) / Olympics: 28 meters long x 15 meters wide (approximately 91′ 10.4” x 49′ 2.6”)

  • NCAA / College: Usually the same as NBA, but some older courts may be 84′ long

  • High School: 84′ long x 50′ wide

  • Junior High School: 74′ long x 42′ wide

The dimensions are measured inside the court lines formed by the endlines / baselines and sidelines. The terms endline and baseline refer to the same marking; the term baseline is used for the offensive end of the court and endline is used to refer to the defensive end, depending which team has possession of the ball. The baseline runs from sideline to sideline, and meets the sidelines at the corners of the court.

Location of the Three Point Line and Free Throw Line

The free-throw line (or foul line) on a basketball court is located at the top of the key, 15 feet from the front of the backboard (not from the of center of the rim, as is sometimes thought). That basketball court dimension is the same, whether it is for a professional, college, or high school court. Accounting for the regulation 10′ height of the basket, the actual distance the ball has to travel is approximately 17′ 4” for a free throw / foul shot. When players shoot free throws, their feet must stay behind the line until the ball reaches the rim of the hoop. The free throw lane, also called “the paint” is 16′ wide in the NBA and 12′ wide for college and high school basketball. The low post area is the section of the court just outside of this lane. The three point line is different for NBA and NCAA play. Looking at a basketball court template, you will see that the shape of the arc is not the same, nor is the three point line distance.

Where is the three point line located for different levels of basketball?

  • NBA: The NBA lines for the three-point line are 2 inches wide, and consist of an arc at the top of the key which meet a straight line at either side. The straight lines on the side of the three-point line are three feet from the sideline in a zone starting at the baseline, and ending when it crosses the 23′ 9′ arc. The official distance of 22 feet for a three point shot actually only applies where a line parallel to the baseline intersects the long axis of the court and the center of the basket.

  • NCAA: At the College level for the women it is a true arc shape. The distance is a 20’9” radius. For the men it is a straight line on the side of the three point with a distance of 21’ 7 7/8” to the outside edge from the center of the hoop and 40 1/8” from the out of bounds line. This straight line is 9’10 -3/8” long from the out of bounds line. Then it will start the arc at a distance of 22’ 1 ¾”. Click here for the diagram. 

  • High School: The three-point line is 19′ 9”, and the shape of the three-point arc is a true arc, as in a college game court. Click here for the diagram. 

In addition to scoring three points, instead of two, shots made behind the three point line have special foul rules. If a foul is committed in the act of shooting beyond the three-point line, the player gets three free throws if the ball does not go in (and one if it does).

Restricted Area Arc

When you look at basketball court pictures, you will see a semi-circle beneath the basket on NCAA and NBA courts. This is the restricted area arc (called the no-charge semicircle in FIBA terminology). The restricted arc measures 4 feet in the NBA and 3 feet in the NCAA. A two inch width line is used to mark the area. Within the restricted area, defensive players cannot draw charging fouls. High school courts do not have a restricted area arc, nor do most backyard basketball courts.

Finding the Right Goal for Your Court

Basketball court dimensions help to dictate the placement of the basketball goal. The regulation distance from the baseline to the front of the backboard is 4 feet. The pole should not be on the baseline, so to establish an official regulation perimeter boundary, the basketball goal should have at least a 5 foot extension arm. This creates a 5′ safe play area, which is the distance from the front of the pole to the front of the backboard. For an outdoor court, smaller playing area, or youth team play, a smaller overhang is often appropriate. Most of First Team’s goals are available with optional base padding with custom logo design to further ensure player safety. We offer goals with different extension options to fit any situation, including:

  • FoldaMount 82 Wall Mounted Goals: With wall to backboard distances of anywhere from 8′ – 12′ long it is easy to adjust the backboard to achieve perfect alignment with existing markings on basketball court surfaces.
  • Tyrant and Brute Fixed Height Goals: 72” overhang for maximum safe play area.
  • Hurricane Portable Goal: Its massive extension arm measures 96” from base to backboard.
  • Storm Adjustable Portable Goal: Its unique telescoping arm provides 5’6” overhang with the basket at 10′ tall and no less than 4′ overhang when the arm is lowered for younger players.

Since 1996, First Team, Inc. has been manufacturing top quality sporting goods equipment for basketball, lacrosse, soccer, volleyball, and football. Based in Hutchinson, Kansas, we are dedicated to Made In the USA domestic manufacturing, quality assurance, friendly customer service, and providing the safest, most durable and dependable products available every time. We are proud to be the top choice of athletic directors, coaches, facility directors, equipment managers and homeowners across the nation. Call us today for more help understanding the relationship between the size of the basketball court and backboard placement, and to find the right First Team basketball goal for your field house, gymnasium, or home.