backboard
Quick Summary
In sports, particularly basketball, a backboard is a board placed behind the basket. Its primary functions are to prevent missed shots from going out of bounds and to allow the ball to rebound into the basket.1
The backboard was introduced to basketball in its early years. Initially, screens were used to prevent interference from spectators, but wooden backboards proved more effective. Glass backboards were later legalized, and their placement has been adjusted over time to reduce out-of-bounds plays.2
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basketballThe early yearsSoon after, wooden backboards proved more suitable. Glass backboards were legalized by the professionals in 1908–09 and by colleges in 1909–10. In 1920–21 the backboards were moved 2 feet (0.6 meter), and in 1939–40 4 feet, in from the end lines to reduce frequent stepping out-of-bounds. Fan-shaped backboards…
Read MoreSoon after, wooden backboards proved more suitable. Glass backboards were legalized by the professionals in 1908–09 and by colleges in 1909–10. In 1920–21 the backboards were moved 2 feet (0.6 meter), and in 1939–40 4 feet, in from the end lines to reduce frequent stepping out-of-bounds. Fan-shaped backboards…
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…diameter is suspended from a backboard at each end of the court. The metal rim of the basket is 10 feet (3 meters) above the floor. In the professional game the backboard is a rectangle, 6 feet (1.8 meters) wide and 3.5 feet (1.1 meters) high, made of a transparent…
Read More…diameter is suspended from a backboard at each end of the court. The metal rim of the basket is 10 feet (3 meters) above the floor. In the professional game the backboard is a rectangle, 6 feet (1.8 meters) wide and 3.5 feet (1.1 meters) high, made of a transparent…
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