Basketball Equipment Key Terms

Score with a good understanding of basic basketball terminology
By Thomas Langford When it comes to equipment, basketball is one of the simplest sports. All you need to play is a ball and a hoop. But over the years, the design of basketball equipment has evolved, resulting in several types of backboards, rims and basketballs. This guide will help you understand the differences between major types of basketball backboards, rims and balls so that you can decide which will be the best to purchase for your business or organization.

Tempered glass backboard

Tempered glass is the type of backboard used by the National Basketball Association and is considered the best type of backboard. It is scratch-resistant, cleans easily and does not attract mold. Most importantly, it has excellent rebounding characteristics. A tempered glass backboard is typically 1/2 inch or 3/8 inch thick.
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Acrylic backboard

An acrylic backboard is made from a clear plastic material. It is lightweight, but the acrylic can scuff over time. Most acrylic backboards are between 1/2 inch and 3/8 inch thick, with the thicker 1/2-inch backboard providing better rebounding.
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Wall-mounted basketball hoop

A wall-mounted basketball hoop consists of the backboard, net and rim. There is no pole. The hoop can be mounted to the inside wall of a gymnasium or the exterior wall of a building. Brackets extend the hoop away from the wall so players can safely play without hitting the wall.
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Synthetic basketballs

Synthetic basketballs are made with a synthetic leather cover. This helps to enhance a player's grip on the ball and makes the ball more durable when it is being used outside. Synthetic basketballs are typically less expensive than leather basketballs.
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Leather basketballs

Leather basketballs are the balls traditionally used by college and professional players. The leather cover is stitched together in an eight-panel design. Leather basketballs are more expensive and less durable than synthetic basketballs.
Try:  Spalding discusses leather basketballs and how they are best used.

Breakaway basketball rim

The basketball rim is the circular piece of metal that the ball passes through when a basket is scored. A breakaway basketball rim will provide flexibility so that it bends or "gives" when it is hit by the ball or a player's hand.
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