Basketball goals are often made with adjustable basketball hoops, which can cause some confusion over setting the appropriate rim height. Customers often ask us if there is a uniform basketball goal regulation height. The answer is yes: the regulation height of the top edge of the rim of the basketball hoop is 10′ from the ground. This is true for inground basketball goals, wall mount basketball goals, indoor basketball hoop systems, and outdoor basketball goal systems. No matter which type of basketball system you are talking about, the regulation rim height is the same. Gecko Sports offers a complete selection of basketball backboard systems for men’s and women’s team sports, at all levels of play. We also manufacture commercial basketball goals for playgrounds, complete sets for recreation centers, adjustable and portable goals. Whether you need a great basketball goal for kids or a competition grade fixed height basketball goal, We have the basketball equipment to fit your needs and your budget. If basketball is your sport, a friendly customer service associate can help you find exactly what you want. Read our basketball buying guide to learn the difference between an in ground basketball goal and a portable basketball system, and be sure to call us with your questions.

Rim Height Measurements

What is regulation height in basketball?

Measuring for the correct regulation basketball goal height is straightforward: the top of the rim should be set 10′ above the playing surface. The 10′ rim height measurement should not be confused with the top of the backboard or the bottom of the net. Gecko Sports offers backboards in a variety of sizes, from 30″ x 44″ up to traditional competition size 48″ x 72″ tempered glass. Whatever the size of the backboard, the rim is set at the same regulation height. When you look at basketball goal pictures, you will see that the variation is in the height of the backboard above the rim. Our adjustable basketball goals feature a built in rim height indicator to make it easy to see the exact height of the rim at any given time.

Why Is the Regulation Height 10′?

Now that you know that the basketball goal rim height is 10′, have you stopped to wonder why? Whether you shop for outdoor sports equipment, basketball backboard systems, and accessories at a specialty shop that carries the top brands or look at a basketball goal Walmart carries, basketball goals are a far cry from their origins. The sport was invented by James Naismith, who created the first basketball hoop by nailing a peach basket to a track. Because the basket was closed, play would have to stop after every score to retrieve the ball. Can you imagine climbing up on a ladder or table to get your ball back after every basket? Sports legend has it that the height of that first basketball goal was 10′, setting the standard that is used even today. However, Mr. Naismith’s original written rules did not mention the height of the basket, so it is not clear if the origins of the regulation rim height are fact or fiction. Whatever the case, 10′ has long been the standard in NCAA, high school, and NBA basketball.

Why Set the Rim Lower Than Regulation?

While the regulation height is required for competition at the high school level and above, there are certain times when it makes sense to choose a lower height. An adjustable portable goal or adjustable in ground goal is the answer when 10′ is too high for your players. These are some reasons to lower the rim:

• For junior level play. Although there is no standard rim height for young men and women in junior high, 8′ or 9′ is common. The league will set the rules for rim height for junior competition.
• To allow younger or novice players to improve their shooting mechanics. Have you ever seen a young kid trying to heave a basketball high enough to reach the hoop? Lower the rim while he develops his shooting technique, then gradually increase the height up to 10′ to increase the challenge.
• For dunking competitions. If you and your kids like to shoot hoops on your back patio, lower the rim so you can have a dunking contest once in a while. Families with children aged 10 or under are advised to select an adjustable goal. Our basketball buying guide can help you determine which sets are best for your family.

Call Gecko Sports today for answers to all of your questions about finding the right basketball system for outdoor or indoor games. Choose a portable basketball hoop that folds down to roll under a door frame to store in the garage by your outdoor power equipment. Or select one of our superior wall mount competition level systems with backboard and post padding with custom lettering in colors to match team apparel. We also manufacture tough-as-nails playground systems with industry leading lifetime warranties. All of our sporting equipment is made with pride in the USA.