2. The only essential equipment in a basketball game is
the basketball and the court: a flat, rectangular
surface with baskets at opposite ends. Competitive
levels require the use of more equipment such as
clocks, score sheets, scoreboard(s), alternating
possession arrows, and whistle-operated stop-clock
systems.
A regulation basketball court in international games is
91.9 feet long and 49.2 feet wide. In
the NBA and NCAA the court is 94 feet by 50 feet.
Most courts have wood flooring, usually constructed
from maple planks running in the same direction as
the longer court dimension. The name and logo of the
home team is usually painted on or around the center
3. THE BASKET
The regulation
distance from the
ground to the top of
the rim is 10 feet for
all levels of play.
Regulation
backboards are 6 feet
wide (72 inches) by
42 inches tall. All
basketball rims
(hoops) are 18 inches
in diameter. The inner
square on the
backboard is 24
inches wide by 18
5. COURT SIZE
NBA and College – 94 feet long and 50 feet wide
High School – 84 feet long and 50 feet wide
Junior High – 74 feet long and 42 feet wide
6. THE FOUL LINE
For all courts the “foul
line” distance is 15
feet from the foul line
to the front of the
backboard. This
measurement is
commonly confused
as from the center of
the basket and front
of the rim.
All line markings on
the floor are 2 inches
wide and can vary in
7. THE 3 POINT LINE (ARC)
Women’s College and High School Basketball
Courts – the 3 point arc is 19 feet 9 inches.
NBA Basketball Courts – the 3 point arc is 22 feet
to the center of the rim on the sides with a
straight line extending out 16 feet 9 inches from
the baseline. Past those points the line extends
out 23 feet 9 inches from the center of the rim.
Men’s College Basketball Courts – the 3 point arc
is 20 feet 9 inches.
8. CLOTHING
Players of each team should
wear the same outfits which
must not clash with the
opposing team. Each player
should wear a numbered shirt
and no two players in the same
team should wear the same
number. Players are numbered
between 4 and 15. Loose-fitting
shorts for mobility, and
sleeveless vests are the
standard attire. Basketball
shoes should be rubber-soled
and with protected ankle
supports, although these are not
necessary. Most important of
all, make sure your clothing is
comfortable. It is important to
wear toweled socks; and it is not
a bad idea to buy a pair of
shoes a little too big to enable
you to wear two pairs of socks
which will reduce the risk of
blistering.