When it comes to professional basketball, the NBA uses a specific kind of backboard. It is a big part of the game, directly impacting the players and the shots during the play games. What type of backboard does the NBA use? Let’s take a closer look at the NBA’s backboard, the regulation size, and why they chose it.
How Many Types Of Basketball Backboards?
Basketball backboards come in three main types: polycarbonate, acrylic, and tempered glass.
Polycarbonate backboards: Polycarbonate is the strongest material, making the backboards shatterproof. When the ball hits the surface, it doesn’t bounce as much. They are great for beginners who want a sturdy and long-lasting option.
Acrylic backboards: Acrylic offers more rebound than polycarbonate but is not as fragile as tempered glass. With a near-glass appearance, it can withstand outdoor factors well.
Tempered glass backboards: These options provide exceptional rebound, similar to those found in indoor recreational facilities. They’re ideal for players who want to train at the highest levels and transition easily between outdoor and indoor play.
What Type Of Backboard Does The NBA Use?
In NBA competitions, they use backboards made of tempered glass. This is a special kind of strong glass, created by heating and then cooling it rapidly. It’s different from what’s in the car windshield but similar to the car’s side windows.
According to the NCAA and NBA rules, the tempered glass backboards in their games must be about ½ – inch thick. It’s important because they give players a good surface for rebounding and shooting, making the game fair and fun to watch.
Why Does The NBA Use Tempered Glass Backboards?
Performance/ Rebound Capability
Tempered glass backboards offer great performance due to their stiffness, allowing for an optimal ball bounce. It also ensures that the ball rebounds predictably off the backboard. Thus, it provides players with a consistent experience during games.
In addition, tempered glass minimizes the “drum effect” and vibrations. Unlike other materials, tempered glass minimizes the amount of energy absorbed upon impact. Therefore, the ball can rebound with sufficient force.
This consistency in performance is crucial for in-game players as it can help them make precise shots and strategic plays.
Durability
Tempered glass is among the best basketball backboards for its durability and scratch resistance. It’s also shatter-resistant, making it 5 to 10 times stronger than standard glass. This strength is achieved through rapid heating and cooling.
Thus, these backboards can handle the intensity of NBA games without frequent replacements due to damage or wear.
Besides, tempered glass backboards do not require extra bracing. This provides a sleek playing surface. Although they’re prone to damage from hard objects like rocks or stray basketballs, indoor environments can eliminate these risks.
Due to its excellent longevity and performance, tempered glass remains a preferred choice for professional basketball competitions.
Safety
Tempered glass is a type of safety glass that shatters into small, harmless pieces upon breakage. It can help reduce the risk of injury to players and bystanders.
This feature is especially important in NBA games where players may collide with the backboard or attempt forceful dunks that can break the board. This feature also ensures that any breakage poses minimal danger, maintaining the safety of everyone involved in the game.
Also, a coating on the glass holds the shattered pieces in place, further enhancing game safety.
Appearance
The last reason for choosing tempered glass for NBA competitions is its appearance. In addition to its performance and safety benefits, these backboards offer a clean and professional look on the court.
Unlike acrylic or polycarbonate materials, tempered glass remains clear and free from scratches, hazing, or discoloration. It preserves its initial appearance throughout its lifespan. These backboards don’t need extra support behind them, so they look cleaner.
Some have support bars, but others don’t. Those without bars are called “clear view” backboards. They have a sleek design with no bars blocking your view.
You can find these backboards from Goalrilla, like the CV72, CV60, and CV54 models. Overall, this aesthetic appeal enhances the overall visual experience of NBA games.
What Are The Regulation Backboard Sizes The NBA Uses?
Regulation backboards in the NBA are 6 feet wide and 3.5 feet tall. This size is standardized across professional basketball leagues, including the NBA.
These dimensions provide a consistent playing surface for players to aim their shots accurately. This also helps referees to assess game situations uniformly.
Moreover, the inner rectangle on the backboard is ruled around 24 inches wide and 18 inches tall. This dimension helps shooters determine their aim and banking for layups or distance shots.
Conclusion
What type of backboard does the NBA use? They use tempered glass backboards for their performance, rebound capability, durability, safety, and aesthetic appeal. These backboards can keep things fair, and referees can judge the game better, making NBA games top-notch and professional.
