There is nothing as exhilarating as sitting in the stands, listening to the cheers and jeers from the excited spectators surrounding you. Everyone has an opinion about the game; some participants are killing it, while others should sit on the bench. The refs are making great calls, or they are blind. The coaches make excellent strategic decisions or throw the game away. The feelings are intense and full of passion. The game is all black and white, there are no grey areas.
Once the game is over, the participants leave feeling accomplishment or the sting of defeat. The final score has answered the question of which team would come out on top.
However, one debate remains. It is a subtle question surrounding the terminology of the most important piece of basketball equipment— the basketball hoop. Or, as some prefer to call it, is it the basketball goal? Which is it? Is there a difference between the two terms? Let’s discover the truth and settle this debate once and for all.
A Basic Understanding
Whether the system is portable or in-ground, all basketball hoops (or basketball goals?) have the same basic parts. A complete basketball system has five main elements.
- The backboard
- The rim
- The net
- The extension arm (boom)
- The post/pole
The Backboard
The backboard is a flat board to which the literal hoop is attached. It helps the players see the hoop and adjust their aim when shooting the ball. It also provides a hard surface for the ball to bounce off after being shot, allowing players to catch the rebound and continue play.
There are two basic backboard shapes: rectangular and fan-shaped. Backboards come in various sizes and are made from many different materials. Regulation backboard sizes range from 72″ x 42″ to 72″ x 48″ for the NBA, NCAA, and high school basketball. In professional basketball, backboards made of tempered glass can withstand the high level of play seen in those arenas. Other materials used in high schools or gyms include acrylic, fiberglass, aluminum, or steel.
The Rim
Technically, the rim is the “hoop” everyone refers to when discussing the game. It is the ring attached to the backboard. The basketball must pass through the rim to score points. Not to complicate things, but the rim is also referred to as the “goal.”
Rims are made of steel and can have other components like springs and hinges. These springs allow the rim to bend or break away from the backboard when stress is applied. A flexible rim protects the backboard from shattering and prevents the players from injuring themselves.
The Net
Nets are the nylon chain that hangs from the orange basketball rim. They help guide the ball down a smooth path to the court. Most nets are made of nylon; however, some outdoor playgrounds use metal nets. These metal nets are durable and can withstand the sun, wind, rain, and snow.
Nets hold sentimental value for teams that win national championships and other big tournaments. After a major win, it is a tradition to cut down the net as a symbolic gesture of victory.
The Extension Arm
The extension arm is an integral part of the basketball system that connects the main support post to the backboard. It projects out about five feet, bringing the backboard and rim away from the pole or wall it attaches to and creating an overhang that allows for safe play under the basket. These arms are designed for versatility. Folding them down lets portable systems fit through doors and into storage spaces. Some arms fold sideways, creating more convenient storage solutions
The Post/Pole
This pole is often called the “standard” or the support structure. It is the vertical piece that rises from the ground—either on a portable system or an in-ground basketball hoop. The extension arm is attached to the pole, the backboard connects to the extension arm, the rim attaches to the backboard, and the net attaches to the rim. With the exception of wall-mounted hoops, every basketball system starts with the post.
Many posts can be raised or lowered according to the players’ needs. The standard height is ten feet for all players twelve and older, though the height is often lowered for children and those who need different accommodations.
The Verdict
Now that we understand the basic components of a basketball system, it is easy to see why the terms “goal” and “hoop” are confusing. What is the correct way to refer to these systems? The answer is that there is no right or wrong answer. The terms “hoop” and “goal” are used interchangeably and can refer to the entire system or specific parts of the system. Using either phrase will not lead others to question your knowledge and dedication to the game. It is the hoop. It is also the goal. They both win. This competition ends in a draw.