The Basketball Hoop: Its Story
Basketball is a game won by the team with the most points. These points are scored by getting a ball to go through metal ring that is placed 10ft high. In America the two main basketball associations are the NBA and the NWBA. The official rules state that the basketball hoop has to be 18in wide. From the hoop a net is attached this varies in length from 15-18in. In most cases this net is made from nylon. The material commonly used to produce the metal ring is steel. This hoop is attached to a backboard in most cases when games are placed competitively.
The creator of basketball was Dr. James Naismith. He created basketball in 1891 at the College of Springfield. He used a football as the ball and a peach basket as the hoop. He attached the hoop to the balcony of the gym, which was 10ft high. A person had to stand by the basket so that when points were scored they could throw the ball back to the players so the game could restart. This was thought to be impractical so a hole was cut in the bottom.
During its infancy the hoop was attached to a balcony in the gym, this meant spectators were able to affect shots. This prompted the need for the backboard to be brought in, to which the hoop would be attached. Another advantage of this was that for the first time rebound shots could be played.
Hoops can be purchased with a spring mechanism attached. This mechanism allows for the hoop to be moved downwards. This means that if pulled whilst performing a move such as the 'slam dunk' it is able to resist the force put on it but it also makes the move a lot easier. After it has been pulled it returns back to its normal place.
Red is the most popular color of basketball hoop however there are loads of different colors to choose from. Another type of hoop system has hoops that can be detached from the back plate. These are known as 'break away rims'. The advantage of these 'break away rims' is that when a large amount of force is placed on the hoop the rim breaks off before any damage to the backboard occurs. They are commonly used in the NBA and NWBA. The rims are easy to replace. For good quality replacement rims to pay $30-$50 for these would be reasonable.
There are many versions of hoops on the general market. The cheaper models that do not include this spring based system start from as little as $20. 00 whereas the spring fitted systems can be as expensive as $300. It is possible to purchase a model where by the hoop, backboard and base are packaged together therefore not requiring a wall to affix the hoop too. These models can range from around $80 to in excess of $600.
These models have various functions and features, such as an adjustable pole. This allows younger players of the game to play the sport with a basket height that is appropriate to their size. The size ranges from 7. 5ft to 10ft.
There are loads of suppliers of basketball hoops some of which are Huffy, Lifetime, Spalding and Hybrid.
