Basketball Hoops: Backboard Basics

For fans, watching the game of basketball is exciting and entertaining. It can leave us wondering how the athletes do what they do and make the plays that they make. Surely many days and nights of practice have helped them hone their skills in order to become good players. What fans might not notice is the player's best friend on the court, the backboard.

The backboard is the place of redemption during a game. If a player misses a shot, the backboard gives them another chance, if they can get the rebound. If a defensive move is missed, the backboard gives the opposing team the same opportunity. Rebounding is a vital part of the game, and the backboard is where it takes place.

Backboards range from very basic to high quality. For the top of the line ultimate backboard, a tempered glass backboard is the right choice. Tempered glass is used in the NCAA, NBA, and many high schools. Glass is the professional choice because it has the best ball reaction. When a ball rebounds off of glass, there are virtually no vibrations. This sends the ball back into play in a split second.

Glass backboards do not dent or scratch so there is no chance of a ball being delayed by hitting a dented area. Glass backboards are also easy to keep clean and attract little dust. Many tempered glass backboards are guaranteed to be shatter proof ensuring years of great game play and ball interaction. If you are looking for a professional style backboard, glass is the way to go.

Another choice for backboards is acrylic. Acrylic gives the look and feel of glass but is more economical. From a distance, most people cannot tell the difference between glass and acrylic backboards. But a skilled player will notice the difference when it comes to ball interaction. Though not as crisp as glass, acrylic is still a great choice for a competitive style backboard.

Steel and aluminum backboards are good for outdoor use. They are ideal materials for a community center or park. They can withstand a lot of play and are weather resistant. This makes them a good choice for basketball systems that won't be locked up and can be accessed at all times. Both are sturdy and durable.

When deciding on the size of the backboard you want, take into consideration who will be playing. Regulation size used in high school, college, and competitively is 42" x 72". So if play will be by teens and adults the regulation size is best. If children and pre-teens will be playing, you can get a smaller size which will still teach them rebounding, but won't be overwhelming.

Adding backboard padding can help protect your backboard from other equipment that may bump it. No point losing great play time to preventable injuries! This extra layer of protection can give you more use out of your backboard. Most padding comes in a variety of colors. This makes it easy to pick your favorite color or match your team colors.