Basketball Court Buying Guide

This basketball court buying guide was designed to help you build the perfect basketball court for your driveway, backyard, school, church, playground, or recreational facility. Whether you are designing an indoor or outdoor court, the same basic factors will go into planning: determining size and layout, choosing the flooring surface, and picking the right basketball goal. Referring to official basketball court dimensions is helpful if you are building a residential backyard basketball court, and of course is essential for building courts that conform to all college and high school regulations. At First Team, we manufacture a complete line of basketball goals for every situation, including portable basketball goals, fixed height basketball goals, and adjustable basketball goals. We also offer roof mount goals, which are ideal for homes where there is not enough room for a backboard and basket on a pole set into the ground. Basketball is a great sport that is fun for players of every age and ability, whether you are playing on a team or just playing a casual pick up game with friends and family on the weekends. Call First Team today for more information on choosing the right basketball goal system for your home, school, or commercial court.

Competition Grade Courts

What are the differences between high school basketball, college, and NBA courts?

The first step in the basketball court design process is determining who will be using the court and for what purpose. If it will be an indoor court for competition level play, the basketball court and backboard must meet NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) or National High School Federation regulations. Although there are many similarities between high school basketball, college, and National Basketball Association (NBA) courts, if you consult a diagram, you will see that there are also differences when it comes to features like the shape and size of the three-point arc, width of the free throw lane (the “paint”), and the radius of the restricted area arc (the restricted arc is not present on a high school court). The three-point line is 20 feet 9 inches in college and 19 feet 9 inches in high school. The NBA three point line is 22 feet, as measured where a line parallel to the baseline intersects the long axis of the court and the center of the basket. This is because the NBA three point arc is not a true arc as in NCAA and high school. The NBA arc is formed by the straight lines on the side of the three-point line which are three feet from the sideline in a zone starting at the baseline, and ending when it crosses the 23′ 9′ arc at the top of the key. One basketball court dimension which is consistent for all levels of play is the distance of the free throw line / foul line: 15 feet from the front of the backboard (not from the center of the rim). Another consistent measurement is that the front of the rim is 24 inches from the backboard. Referring to a template is the best way to see how all of the markings on basketball courts work together.

Residential Courts

The basketball court buying guide for residential courts covers many options. Look at pictures of home basketball courts, and you will see everything from a portable basketball goal at the end of the driveway to professionally installed full sized regulation backyard courts with custom logos and high end flooring. These are questions to ask when designing a basketball court for a home:

• What are the ages of the players who will be using it? An adjustable hoop with a free-throw line might be fine for young kids, while a more serious player will definitely want a three point line for perfecting his long field goal shots.

• How much space do you have? Plan on at least 30 – 32′ for a driveway court with a regulation NCAA three point line, accounting for the line distance and the backboard extending out from the base at least 3 – 4 feet. Make sure that there is sufficient space beyond the three-point line so the player’s foot does not cross the line when he goes to shoot. Regulation NBA and NCAA basketball court dimensions measure 94′ long x 50′ wide. If you have room in the back of your house for a full sized court with the center circle (6 foot outside radius) for the jump ball, go for it! Then when your friends ask, “Where’s the best basketball court near me?”, you can tell them it’s at your house.

• How much can you invest? Prices vary tremendously, depending on the size of the court, how the lines are applied, the type of surface used, and the basketball goal selected. If you are ambitious or on a limited budget, there are stencil marking kits available to apply the required 2 inches wide straight line and curved line markings directly on your concrete or blacktop driveway. Wood game court surfaces are traditional for indoor courts, while game court tiles are popular basketball court surfaces for premium playground or backyard basketball courts. Passionate basketball players in cold weather areas can even layer radiant heating under the court surface to keep it clear of snow all year long. Some families opt for multi-purpose courts made of shock-absorbing materials that are also used as tennis courts or for other sports. While budget will naturally enter into the decision-making process, most homeowners find that they get the most value from their courts when they invest in durable materials with long warranties.

Contact First Team for more assistance planning the right type of court for your home.

Complete Your Court With the Right Goal

One of the most important pieces in court design is shopping for the basketball goal. There are numerous combinations of backboard sizes and materials, post construction, hoop types, nets, specialty features, and accessories. Indoor competition courts optimally have wall mount basketball goals. Tempered glass backboards offer the best shot rebounding and play, while acrylic provides a similar look to glass at a lower cost. Other backboard materials include fiberglass, smoked tempered glass, steel, and perforated aluminum. An NBA or NCAA regulation backboard has a width of 72 inches, and this is also an excellent choice for a residential court to simulate a more realistic playing experience and to practice for team sports. Whenever players of different ages or abilities will be using the hoop, it makes sense to choose an adjustable goal that can be changed from about 6 feet high up to regulation 10 feet tall. Portable systems are perfect for spaces where it is not feasible to permanently install a goal. First Team makes portable goals that are suitable for homes, recreation centers, and gymnasiums.

What are some home basketball court essentials?

• Bleachers and chairs or benches for ring side seating

• Ball carriers

• Safety padding for posts, bases, and backboards to protect players from collisions beneath the basket and in the post area

• Ball retention nets to keep stray balls from damaging property

• Handle locks for adjustable goals

• Rebounder training aids

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 with questions about our basketball court buying guide and to find the right First Team basketball goal for your field house, gymnasium, playground, or home.

Basketball Goal Buying Guide

Basketball Goal Basics

A quality basketball goal is a must-have piece of sporting equipment for any school, gymnasium, recreational facility, church gym, or playground. Basketball goals are also extremely popular among homeowners, as they are a fun and easy way to keep the whole family active and playing together. At First Team, we make basketball goal systems to suit every situation. Whether you are looking for a basketball goal for kids, an ultra-durable system for a busy playground, a portable basketball goal, or competition level basketball equipment that meets all official NCAA and high school requirements, we have exactly what you need. From complete sets to individual basketball hoops, First Team has all of the sports equipment basketball lovers need for outdoor or indoor games. Our basketball buying guide will help you determine which type of basketball system is best for your facility or home. Call us today to learn more about our wide variety of Made In the USA basketball backboard systems and accessories.

Home Courts

When you shop for a basketball system to use in your driveway or backyard, the first step is to look at the space and consider who will be using the basketball hoop.

What questions should I consider when deciding what kind of basketball hoop to buy or my home?

• Will kids be using the goal? If so, choose an adjustable system so the basketball goal height can be lowered for younger players. Adjustable basketball goals are made with a variety of height options. The First Team Olympian, for example, is infinitely adjustable from regulation 10′ all the way down to 5’6″. Safety precautions are a must for young or aggressive players, which is why we offer heavy duty padding for the majority of our posts and backboards. If your home court is likely to see a lot of dunking action, be sure to shop for an in ground or portable goal that will not tip over when players hang from the rim.

• Are inground basketball goals permitted? Some homeowners associations do not permit an in ground basketball goal to be installed. If that is the case, a portable basketball system is the solution. All of First Team’s portable basketball goals are designed to be easy enough for one person to move, yet are also extremely durable and stable when locked into place. They are not like the flimsy basketball goal Walmart or other discount stores sell as portable basketball sets. Every First Team portable basketball hoop is built to last, and they come with the warranties to back them up. Many of our portable goals even have a folding extension arm that makes it simple to maneuver them under door frames and through garage doors to store by your outdoor power equipment. If you are permitted to mount your system in ground, keep in mind that a top quality basketball goal can be relocated to your new home if you should move in the future.

• Do you have limited space? When there is not enough room for outdoor sports equipment in your driveway, backyard, or side patio, roof mount basketball hoops are a great option. Our RoofMaster Adjustable Roof Mount backboards are uniquely designed to work with any roof or vertical wall surface, no matter how extreme the pitch of the roof may be. No other roof mount basketball goals have the same range of height adjustment as the RoofMaster; it can be set anywhere from 6′ to 10′ to accommodate the youngest kid to the most serious player polishing his game for competitive team sports. To complete your home recreation set up, remember that First Team also makes swimming pool basketball hoops. Just swim up and dunk!

First Team is dedicated to helping our customers find the right home equipment basketball backboard, so call us today with any questions about this basketball buying guide.

Recreational Facilities and Playgrounds

Basketball goals for recreational facilities and playgrounds are available in a wide variety of custom configurations. Whether you need an indoor basketball hoop, playground sports equipment, basketball backboards for heavy action, or commercial basketball goals, First Team has the right package to fit your requirements and your facility’s budget. We are proud to be considered one of the top brands for quality and durability among companies that manufacture recreational equipment, basketball backboards, and seating. These are some things to consider when buying a fixed height, portable basketball hoop, or wall mount basketball goals for your playground or gymnasium.

What questions should I consider when buying a basketball goal for a recreational facility?

• What are the basketball court dimensions? If you are installing the goal in a regulation size basketball court, then choose a goal with a 5′ extension arm to create the regulation 4′ overhang for the safe play area (the distance between the backboard and base). For smaller courts in rec centers, churches, or junior high schools, a 3′ – 4′ overhang may be sufficient. When very aggressive play is expected, opt for a 5′ or larger overhang and plenty of safety padding to avoid dangerous collisions with the base or corners of the backboard. The First Team Hurricane portable goal, for example, has a 96″ extension, meeting all NCAA and National High School Federation requirements.

• What will the level of play be? Adjustable goals are a must if the hoop will be shared by players with a wide range of ages and abilities. On the other hand, fixed height basketball goals are ideal when a regulation 10′ height is desired at all times. Also consider how aggressive the level of play will be. For gyms and playgrounds where fast action, slam dunking, and hanging from the rim are how the sport will be played, it is critical that you choose a basketball goal designed to withstand rigorous play. Sets like our Tyrant fixed height goals are virtually indestructible under any conditions. Men running into the base, players hanging off the rim, harsh weather – nothing phases the Tyrant! In fact, we are so certain that the Tyrant is tough enough to hold up to anything the playground can dish out that we back it with our incredible Lifetime Unconditional Warranty.

• What Backboard Size and Materials Are Required? Backboards typically range in size from 54″ wide to regulation 72″ wide. Smaller backboards are appropriate for younger players, smaller spaces, and when budget is a factor. For competition level play, 72″ wide is the standard. We offer many different backboard materials to suit a range of conditions and budgets. When you look at NBA basketball goal pictures, the backboards you see are made of 1/2″ thick tempered glass, which provides an outstanding rebound action. 3/8″ thick tempered glass is suitable for courts where a rigid backboard is desired at a slightly lower price. Other backboard materials include acrylic, aluminum, steel, and fiberglass. First Team also offers specialty materials for outdoor courts, including glare-reducing smoked tempered glass and wind-resistant perforated aluminum.

Regulation Competition Systems

For competition level play made to meet all NCAA men’s and women’s and National High School Federation requirements, First Team has the right basketball goal for the job. Our top-of-the-line fixed height and wall mount backboards are available in tempered glass with white markings fired into the glass so they will never fade. The superior 360 degree competition breakaway rim is so strong it can support multiple players hanging from it. Our competition tempered glass backboards come pre-drilled for easy installation of optional TuffGuard padding. Choose from rectangular or traditional fan shaped backboards for both new and existing courts. Padding is available in many colors to match the colors of team apparel, and custom lettering is available on many sets as well. Systems like the FoldaMount wall mount backboard are ideal when you need a competition level backboard that can be folded against the wall when not in use. The exceptionally easy to use system comes with a crank that allows it to be folded without the use of any ladders or tools. Forget standing on a table trying to fold back the goal at the end of a game; our FoldaMount makes it a snap!

First Team: Manufacturing Basketball Goals and Much More

Since 1996, First Team, Inc. has been manufacturing top quality sporting goods equipment for basketball, lacrosse, soccer, volleyball, and football. Bring your football or basketball, cleats or shoes, and we will provide the rest. 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. Our basketball court buying guide will help you assemble the right combination of indoor or outdoor sports equipment, basketball accessories, and seating for your court. Call us today for help finding the best basketball goal for your home, recreation center, playground, or gymnasium.

What are basketball rims made of?

Typical basketball rims are manufactured using high tensile carbon steel.  The basketball hoop or ring (the part the ball goes through) is made from 5/8″ diameter solid steel rod.  This rod is formed into a ring that measures 18″ across the inside.  This is known as “inside diameter” (I.D.).  The back plate of the rim is the part that attaches to the front face of the backboard.  The back plate is commonly made from 3/16″ think steel. 

First Team is one of the few manufacturers that also features thicker back plates made from 1/4″ thick steel.  A thicker back plate is desirable because the rim back plate absorbs the stress of a dunk when players hang on the rim. 

What to Avoid when Shopping for a new Basketball Rim

Basketball rims should be hand welded, stay away from automated “spot welded” rims.  These rims do not have the holding strength to give long term durability.  Finally, the steel the rim is constructed from should be protected from rust using a high quality powder coat finish for durability.  Stay away from rims coated with standard “wet” paint.  Powder coat will provide the scratch resistance needed to protect against rust long term.

How to Adjust Basketball Goal Height

The process used to adjust the basketball goal height depends completely on the type of basketball system you own.  Please note:  if you own a “fixed height” basketball system, your basketball goal height may not be changeable.  Some fixed height units are made with a solid pole that has no moving parts.  Other fixed height basketball goals employ an extension arm that is clamped to the post using bolts to hold the arm in place.  To change the rim height simply loosen the bolts, slide the arm up or down the post and tighten the bolts to hold in place.

Below is a summary of some of the more popular adjustment methods on the market.

Rear Crank – basketball goals of this type have a crank handle on the back side of the post.  Turn the crank handle clockwise to raise the rim height, counterclockwise to lower.

Front Crank – basketball goals of this type have an adjustment cylinder located on the front side of the post.  The adjustment cylinder has a loop at the bottom that receives a removable crank handle.  Insert the hooked end of the crank handle into the adjustment loop.  Then turn crank handle clockwise to raise rim height, counterclockwise to lower.

Quick Pin – these basketball goals have a spring balanced removable pin on the back side of the post.  To change rim height simply slide pin to remove, then raise or lower rim height by pushing or pulling adjustment handle up or down.  Replace pin at any desired height setting.

Squeeze trigger – this type using a pneumatic cylinder and a squeeze trigger on the back side of the post.  Squeeze trigger, then pull down or push up on handle.  When rim reaches appropriate height, release the squeeze trigger.  The rim height will stay at the height where you released the trigger.

InstaJust – also known as a “stick adjust” this type of adjustable basketball goal uses an adjustment mechanism located directly behind the rim.  Using a broom handle, insert one end then room handle into the cupped area of the instajust bracket and push up.  Then allow the backboard and rim to descend to it lowest possible height.  Then remove the broom handle and use it to push up on the bottom of the backboard.  You will hear a “click” every six inches.  Simply stop pushing upward when you reach the appropriate rim height.  The rim will stay at the height when you stop pushing.

Shown Below: First Team Force Pro

How To Measure Basketball Hoop Height

There is a simple way to measure the height of a basketball hoop.  However, most people don’t know the proper way to check official basketball rim height for the sanctioned games.

To check the true height of a basketball rim you will need:

• A tape measure

• A ladder 

Have one person climb the ladder and place one end on the tape measure at the front tip of the rim so it is even with the TOP side of the rim.  Drop the tape measure straight down to the playing surface to check the distance.  The tape measure should read 10 feet for regulation basketball, typically ages 11 and older.  Next perform the same steps at the back side of the ring.  If one side of the ring is off the 10′ mark, you will need to make adjustments to the rim or backboard to compensate until perfect 10′ height is achieved front to back on rim.

Shown below: Measuring basketball hoop height

Acrylic vs. Polycarbonate Backboards

When shopping for a basketball backboard you will discover many different materials that basketball backboards are made of.  When it comes to clear backboards, two types you will commonly see are acrylic and polycarbonate.  Most consumers do not understand the difference between these two types.  Below we will provide some information to help you make a more informed decision regarding which type of basketball backboard to purchase.

Acrylic and Polycarbonate are essentially very similar materials.  They are basically both clear plastic materials.  However, polycarbonate is marketed as being bullet proof whereas acrylic is not.  Unfortunately, polycarbonate has one major drawback.  When polycarbonate is exposed to UV light it becomes yellow, cloudy and brittle.  When basketball backboards made from polycarbonate are used outdoors, they become very ugly due to yellowing, cloudiness and brittle in a matter of 3-5 years.  This actual means a polycarbonate backboard, though marketed as a “bulletproof” backboard, will actually become brittle and very easy to break when used outdoors.  This is why First Team does not offer any backboards made from polycarbonate, due to its imminent failure long term.  Below you will see some examples of polycarbonate backboards used outdoors.

Acrylic on the other hand, is unaffected by UV light.  An acrylic backboard will remain clear and will retain its vandal resistant properties even when exposed to UV light outdoors.  If someone throws a rock at an acrylic backboard, it will likely just bounce off with little or no damage and will remain mostly clear for 15-20 years when used outdoors.  When choosing between Acrylic vs Polycarbonate for an outdoor basketball backboard, acrylic is clearly the best choice. 

Shown Below: Polycarbonate Backboards become Yellow and Brittle when Exposed to UV

Shop First Team Acrylic Backboards