How did the design of the physical basketball change after its invention?

The design of the basketball has evolved since its invention by James Naismith in 1891. Initially, peach baskets were used as goals, giving the sport its name. The first balls were similar to soccer balls, but by 1894, the first basketball was marketed. This early basketball was laced, larger than a soccer ball, and weighed less than 20 ounces. By 1948-49, the laceless molded ball became official, with its size standardized to approximately 30 inches in circumference.1

The hoops, originally peach baskets, were hung on a gym railing that was 10 feet high, establishing the standard height that remains today. Early uniforms varied, and courts sometimes had obstructions. Over time, innovations like iron hoops, open-bottomed nets, and wooden backboards were introduced to improve gameplay and ball retrieval.21