Basketball Systems: The 3 Main Hoop Features

Having a basketball system as part of your home, your local community center, school, church, or park can bring people together. Both the skilled player and an amateur can shoot some hoops and play some one on one. When purchasing a basketball systems for your home, school, or community there are three main features to consider. They are the backboard, the rim, and the net.

The backboard is an important feature of a quality basketball system. To some they may all look the same but there are a variety of different kinds. The material that the backboard is made out of will determine the type of ball interaction players will receive.

For high school and NCAA regulation backboards the material is tempered glass. Glass backboards are almost exclusively for indoor use. They are more prone to breaking but they give the ultimate ball interaction and best rebounds.

An alternative to glass is acrylic. Acrylic backboards give you the look of glass but are more affordable. They also are great for outdoor use. Acrylic backboards won't give you the ball response that glass does but they are more than adequate for all types of play.

Backboards also come in steel, aluminum, and fiberglass. These types of backboards are more economical than glass or acrylic and are good for outdoor use. They are sturdy and weather resistant. If you are looking for a system for practicing basic skills or just having fun, any of these backboards would be a good choice.

Backboards come in two shapes, rectangular or fan shaped. Rectangular backboards are more popular since they provide the most room for rebounds. All backboards come with outline markings around the perimeter and a shooter's square above the rim. Backboards come in a variety of sizes all the way up to 42" x 72" which is regulation size.

The second important part of a quality basketball system is the rim. All rims have a diameter of 18 inches. They come with steel brackets to mount the rim to the backboard. Rims will come with clips or hooks to hold the net securely in place. Beyond these features, there are some different choices.

Flex rims are spring loaded and give a little when pressure is applied. A flex rim is needed when aggressive play will be taking place such as slam dunks. Fixed rims stay in place even when pressure is applied. Fixed rims are a good choice for a system that will have less intense play or for younger kids. Breakaway rims actually release the rim when pressure is put on. This allows the backboard to be protected. It is also a good choice for competitive play.

The last feature of a quality basketball system is the net. The most common net is made from nylon cord. This cord is sturdy and durable. Nylon nets have an anti-whip material that helps prevent injuries if a hand or finger becomes entangled. Nylon nets are available in a variety of colors and patterns to add some style to your game.

When your backboard, rim, and net come together, you will have a great basketball system to bring you years of enjoyment.