Selecting Basketball Equipment
This information is designed so that when you're ready to make your school basketball equipment purchase, you can buy smart.
Backboards
First, let’s start with basketball backboards. There are two main shapes of backboards: rectangular (graphic depicting shape) and fan (graphic depicting shape).
Backboards are made of a variety of materials like glass, steel, fiberglass and aluminum.
If being used in competitive play, one should determine the regulations in their area and organization for required backboard dimensions, shape and material.
Backboards are either front mount or rear mount. This specifies how the rim will be mounted to the board. Front mount means the rim will bolt directly into the front of the backboard. Rear mount means the rim will bolt to the backboard, via a mounting bracket on the back of the backboard and hang out from underneath.
Rims
Regulation size rims are 18 inches in diameter. Rims are either front mount or rear mount. One should purchase a rim to fit the type of backboard they have.
Rims are either stationary or breakaway. Breakaway rims pull down slightly when force is applied such as when a player "slam dunks" the basketball. Having a break-away rim is highly recommended in facilities where hard play is expected, such as high schools and recreation areas. Breakaway rims take the stress from the backboard and rim and transfer it to the springs of the breakaway system. This helps prevent shattered glass, bent rims and broken backboards.
Some rims are offered as double rims. This type has two steel hoops one on top of another to provide added strength and help prevent bent rims.
Basketballs
First, what size should you use?
|
Category |
Users |
Circumference |
Diameter |
|
Regulation Men |
High School |
29.5"-30" |
9.4"-9.6" |
|
Regulation Women |
High School |
28.5"-29" |
9.0"-9.2" |
|
Intermediate |
Junior High |
27.75"-28.5" |
8.8"-9.1" |
|
Junior |
Elementary School |
27.25"-27.75" |
8.7"-8.8" |
|
Mini |
Early Elementary |
22.5" |
7.2" |
Although diameter is not a standard for measuring basketballs, it is easier than circumference for most people to visualize.
Ball Channels
A commonly asked question is, “What is the difference between wide and narrow channel? The channels of the basketball are the black, indented stripes that wrap around the ball. A wide channel ball has a wider and deeper groove than the narrow channel. Some players find a wide channel ball easier to grip. Check to determine if a wide or narrow channel is required.
Another popular question is, “How do manufacturers get the channel lines on rubber balls?” On almost every rubber basketball ever made, those black lines are hand-painted on the ball. This is done before the final processing, so by the end it looks like a separate piece of rubber molded into the ball.
Ball Options
Most companies offer many different brands and sizes so that schools can determine which style of ball they want to use.
Leather cover balls are premium products. They are designed for league and competitive play, for use indoors only. Leather does not hold up on rough concrete or asphalt surfaces very well.
Composite/synthetic cover balls contain some leather, mixed with a leather synthetic. Almost every manufacturer uses different materials at different quantities, making each ball feel different. Synthetic covers are made of artificial leather products. These balls can be used indoors or outdoors, and are very durable.
Rubber basketballs are made with natural rubber covers. These are the most durable and affordable basketballs. These balls are recommended for heavy use, indoors or outdoors or for institutional programs.
Why do some companies offer yellow basketballs? Research has shown that yellow is the most visible color in the spectrum. Thus, a yellow ball is easier for a child to see and therefore catch (remember: keep your eye on the ball!). Yellow basketballs are also easily identified as school or institution property.
Source: Sportime
