Basketball backboards are available from 40 to 72 inches. 40 to 60 inches are your typical home sizes and 72 inches is regulation. The rule for basketball backboards is that the bigger the backboard the easier it is to make a shot.
If you are interested in replacing your basketball backboard, you need to know a few things. For example, the dimensions that you want to use. If you already were using a backboard but were unhappy with the shot support received from the backboard, then you may want to go larger. Basketball backboards are available from 40 to 72 inches. 40 to 60 inches are your typical home sizes and 72 inches is regulation. The rule for basketball backboards is that the bigger the backboard the easier it is to make a shot.
Basketball backboards are also available in a couple of different thicknesses. Regulation is 1/2” thick, for home use; however, you should determine the thickness based on your need and amount of use it will receive. The thicker the backboard is, the longer it will last and the more durable it will be. However, affordability will most likely play a big part in your purchase, especially for a home purchase, and the thinner the board (as well as the smaller) the less expensive it will be. Backboards are available in several different types of materials, which include acrylic, tempered glass, plastic, aluminum, steel, and fiberglass. Each one of these materials has their own merit for basketball players. Most decisions are made about materials based on durability and affordability. Using the different kinds of materials while playing basketball will often make it easier for you to make your decision when the time comes. When choosing your shape you have two choices, either rectangular or fan shaped. Each one has their own benefits. The rectangular shape is what the Pro's use, as it's the best for making shots and improving free throw and other shooting skills. The fan shaped is typical for a home setting, this is because it is much more affordable than the rectangular shaped. However, if your game is already good, then the fan shape will do fine for practicing. There is a backboard for every budget and for every situation, whether for serious play or for recreation. Choose the right size and materials based on your needs, your support equipment (such as the pole) and your budget and you will be happy with your purchase.
These come in one of two shapes: rectangular and fan shaped. Generally speaking, rectangular is better because it has more area and therefore has more opportunity for bank shots. It also can come in a variety of sizes, anywhere from forty-two inches for the cheaper residential hoops all the way to the seventy-two inch monsters that high school, college, and pro basketball players play on.
It can also be one of four materials: glass, acrylic, molded plastic or steel. Glass is the preferable material, as it is the most rigid (and it?s also what the pros use.) A lot of people make the mistake of choosing acrylic over glass because they are afraid glass will break easily. Unless you have a three hundred pound NBA center as a regular houseguest, this will not a be a real issue.
Neither heat-tempered glass nor acrylic break very often even with very rough use. If it?s a real concern of yours though, make sure your basketball hoop is by First Team, which is the only company I?m aware of that sells a few basketball hoops that include dunking damage in their warrantee coverage.
When looking to purchase a backboard, you should be looking for one main thing: rigidity. Get the biggest and most rigid backboard that you can afford. There is something a little disheartening about trying for a bank shot and watching the ball stop dead against the backboard and drop to the ground instead of bouncing cleanly into rim. A nice, rigid backboard gives you solid rebound and a more pro feel.