How High Should a Basketball Hoop Be?
Is it a basketball court you’re setting up in your backyard? Is it an official club that you’re planning for and need instructions to set up a hoop? Or is it a portable basketball hoop that you wanna set up? Whatever your answer may be, it will lead you to the next obvious question, which is: what is the height of a basketball hoop? Is there a basketball goal regulation height? The answer to which is yes, the height of your basketball hoop is the same no matter what system you’re talking about unless you’re talking about kid’s practice, of course.
Height of Basketball Hoops for Adults:
Since its invention by James Naismith, despite many changes in the sport’s rules, one remained the same for more than a century: the height of the hoop! Yes, the standard height of the hoop in NCAA, high school, WNBA, FIBA and NBA basketball is 10 feet. As the average height of the players increase gradually, with the current average being 6’7’’, many challenges are raised to increase the height. But after many debates, the height remains the same. So, for the time being, you’re in the safe zone if you assemble the rim of your hoop at 10 feet from the surface.
Height of Basketball Hoops for Children:
In order to maintain proper shooting mechanics, the proper height of the basketball hoop should be in accordance with the height of the children. According to American Sport Education Program (ASEP), the proper height of the rim of the hoop is as follows:
- 6-foot rims for kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grades;
- 8-foot rims for 3rd and 4th grades (8 to 10 year olds);
- 9-foot rims for 5th graders;
- 10-foot rims for 6th grade and above
While most parents or adult trainers often set the traditional 10 feet high hoop for kids, the main objective of the height is ignored as it does not favor the children’s physical ability. Instead of teaching the children to shoot too high and the basics of shooting mechanics, they will teach the children ‘heaving mechanics’
LASTLY,
If you’re warming up for an upcoming competition, 10 feet high hoop will serve your purpose. Otherwise, setting the hoop lower for ease of novice players and gradually increasing the height is recommended. The 6’11’’ NBA player Dwight Howard successfully completed a 12-feet-two-handed dunk in 2009, increasing the proponents of 11 feet hoop. So, while the future remains uncertain, it is best to practice in the time being with your 10 feet high hoop. But if it is adjustable, feel free to calibrate! Happy dunking!
