What Is a Basketball Rim?

The rim, or basket, in basketball is the metal circle through which a shot must go for a point to be scored. It is fastened to the backboard and hangs below and behind the hoop. A standard rim is circular in shape and has an inside diameter of 18 inches. It is about two times larger than the basketball and is located 10 feet off the ground.

Sanctioned basketball games at the collegiate and professional levels require that the rim and hoop meet certain safety requirements. This includes the ability for the rim to break away under pressure from a slam, or dunking, as specified in section 14.3 of the NCAA rules. This feature, called a breakaway rim, helps protect players from injuries such as broken hands or concussion. Breakaway rims also help improve the shooting experience for players by providing more bounce and rebounding.

It’s important for youth athletes to play on a properly sized rim. Shooting on a rim that is too high can discourage good form, leading to improper technique. Fortunately, most hoops are adjustable to allow users to change the height as they progress.

When shopping for a new rim for your school, park or rec center, there are many options available. The type of basketball rim you choose depends on the level of play, expected use and other factors. Our expert team can recommend the best rim for your specific needs, based on 35 years of basketball equipment and hoop sales expertise.