The Real Reason Why Basketball Hoops Have Nets

Basketball has come a long way since Dr. James Naismith first installed peach baskets mounted on an elevated track. With the peach baskets bottoms still intact, the first few games required a player to reach into the basket to retrieve the ball after a successfully made field goal.

Those fears and dilemmas are, thankfully, long gone, with a standard basketball hoop now containing a nylon net beneath the hoop. And while, intuitively, the use of a basketball net makes sense, there is definitely more than meets the eye.

That’s why, below, we are going to look at and discuss the real reason why basketball hoops have nets, what different types of nets are available for a basketball hoop, the pros and cons of each, and what are the standard dimensions and sizes of a basketball net.

What Is a Basketball Net?

In a regulation or pick-up game of basketball, only a few pieces of equipment are really needed to get the game started. A standard, size 7 basketball for the men’s game and a basketball hoop, attached or affixed 10 feet above the ground.

The basketball hoop, though, has a few additional components which help the flow of the game. However, although these additional components are useful, not all of them are necessary. And although in a regulation game or an NBA one, you will see all components mentioned below, many non-regulation games are played without.

• Basketball backboard – the basketball backboard is the flat, rigid piece of the overall hoop structure. Typically containing a small rectangular outline on the front, the basketball backboard is typically made of a Plexiglas or tempered glass material to avoid shattering. And while the most common basketball backboards are designed in a rectangular shape, many non-regulation courts feature oval or fan-shaped designs. Similarly, regulation basketball backboards have a width of 72 inches and a height of 42 inches. Further, the inner rectangle measures at 24 inches wide and 18 inches in length.

• Basketball Rim or Hoop – similarly, attached or affixed to the basketball backboard is the basketball rim or hoop. Either term may be used to describe the circular extension in which a basketball player shoots into. In a regulation game, and in most non-regulation games, the basketball rim is 10 feet above the ground. Similarly, all basketball rims are 18 inches in diameter.

• Basketball Net – lastly, in a regulation game of basketball, the basketball rim or hoop will have a net suspended from the hoop. This net can consist of a nylon material, which is what is used in the NBA and most regulation games, or can utilize a metal chain, which is more commonly seen in pick-up and street ball games. Similarly, the basketball net hangs approximately 15-18 inches below the rim. While nice to have, there are some fields and basketball courts, particularly ones in an outdoor setting, that do not utilize a basketball net.

What Are Basketball Nets Made From?

While the look of a basketball net may appear to be made from a cotton or cotton-like material, regulation basketball nets, and the ones used in the NBA, are actually made of polyester. Similarly, another common material utilized on basketball hoops are nylon nets. And, lastly, a common net material used in outdoor settings is the chain net. Below, we will look at the benefits of each different net material.

• Polyester and Nylon Nets – polyester and nylon nets share many of the same qualities and although polyester nets are more durable, nylon nets tend to be a bit cheaper. Both nylon and polyester offer a quieter and softer sound when playing and both provide that “swish” sound when a basketball moves through the bottom of the net after a successfully made field goal. Similarly, both polyester and nylon nets are great at not tangling and are typically used in most indoor basketball courts and rims.

• Chain Nets – chain nets are a popular choice for an outdoor basketball hoop. Typically seen in public parks and courts, the chain net is one of the most durable and long lasting nets of all net options. However, chain nets do not provide the “swish” sound so commonly associated with a game of basketball. In addition, chain nets can cause injury to both person and basketball. Accidentally hitting the chain net can cause pain and frequent usage of a chain net on a basketball can cause deformation and wear-and-tear.

What Is The Purpose of The Net in Basketball?

While, admittedly, the net serves an aesthetic function, the basketball net serves more purpose then simply looking good. Below, we are going to review the four main reasons why basketball nets are utilized in a game of basketball.

• To control the velocity of the basketball – the main reason why basketball and regulation basketball games utilize basketball nets is to control the velocity of the basketball on its downward trajectory after it enters the hoop. With little resistance against a shot basketball, without a basketball net, the basketball would fall directly onto the ground, potentially injuring a player beneath the basket.

• To control the flow of the game – similarly, a basketball net controls the flow of the game. As a successfully made shot must make its way through the net, it allows players an opportunity, albeit a brief one, to recollect and resume the game. Without the net, the flow of the game would be much quicker, but it would come at the expense of a more beautiful design.

• To confirm a successfully made field goal – in addition, particularly off a directly made shot, it can be difficult to determine just whether or not the basketball field goal attempt was successful. With a basketball net, players, fans, coaches, and referees can all confirm that the field goal attempt was, indeed, successful.

• To provide that “swish” sound – although a bit of an extraneous reason, one of the most satisfying sounds in a game of basketball is that “swish” sound. Occurring when a shot touches nothing but the net, players and fans alike all enjoy the sound of a “swish” and the sound is uniquely exclusive to the game of basketball.

What Colors Are Basketball Nets?

While most basketball nets, and those used in the NBA, are an all-white color, there have been some notable colored basketball nets. In addition, in recent years, more multi-colored net designs are beginning to show on the market, providing individual basketball players with a way to distinguish and customize their own basketball hoops.

Besides the all-white colored basketball nets, the second most popular ones are the red, white, and blue colored ones. An ode to the colors on the American flag, these basketball nets are similarly popular and utilized by many basketball players across America.

Lastly, many newer versions of the basketball net have been produced to better help basketball players to play late at night and in the dark. With glow in the dark styles or with luminescent coloring, these basketball nets help an individual basketball player to better ascertain the direction of the basketball hoop when natural light is low.

Best Replacement Basketball Nets

If you’re in the market to purchase a new basketball net, we’ve listed a few of our favorites below. In addition, we’ve listed a couple of unique and different options you may want to consider for added customization and personalization on your basketball hoop.

• Spalding Heavy Duty Basketball Net – the official net of the NBA, the Spalding Heavy Duty Basketball Net is made of a polyester material and is designed for both indoor and outdoor use. This is the basketball net we use and the one we highly recommend. Durable and capable, this basketball net will last you for years to come and will show little wear-and-tear even after repeated and multiple use.

• Spalding Basketball Net – another option from Spalding, this basketball net differs from the one above in that it comes in a variety of available colors. From red, white, and blue to green to orange, you can choose the one that matches your personality and personal preferences.

• Glow in the Dark Basketball Net – lastly, another rather cool basketball net option are ones which glow in the dark. Now, we’ll admit, we haven’t purchased one ourselves and the reviews seem mixed on its effectiveness at glowing in the dark, but with a more fluorescent color, it should definitely be easier to see in the dark and at night then alternative basketball hoops.

How to Install or Replace a Basketball Net

Replacing or installing a new basketball net is relatively simple and takes only a few minutes to do. However, you will likely need to utilize a ladder to reach the old net and install the new one, so definitely be careful while doing so.

• Place a ladder directly beneath your basketball hoop
• Climb the ladder and remove the old basketball net. You can use scissors to cut the net, which will make the removal process easier.
• With the longer loops facing towards the hoop, hold a loop between your index finger and thumb and squeeze it through the rim hook from the inside of the rim to the outside of the rim.
• Release the help loop and hold it in place with your other hand firmly pulling the loop from the inside of the rim so that the loop tightens firmly in the hook.
• Repeat for the remaining basketball net loops and pull down on the net once completed to confirm the net is properly in place and steady.

When Should You Replace a Basketball Net?

With regular and frequent use, a basketball net should be able to withstand most conditions for 1-5 years. However, if you have a basketball net outside that frequently encounters rain or snow, that timeline may be reduced.

And while you can wash a basketball net, there are some times when replacing the net is a smarter idea. If you begin to notice that the basketball net is fraying or tearing, then it is typically a sign that it will need to be replaced.

Similarly, if the basketball net appears to be stiff and is getting tangled more easily, then that is another sign that a replacement net is needed.

Additional Accessories for Your Basketball Net

While none of these accessories are a necessity, many of them make the game more enjoyable and fun. Below, we’ve listed some additional accessories you can purchase for your basketball net to make the game more enjoyable or to just make the net more personalized.

• SKLZ Kick-Out Basketball Return Attachment – one of our all time favorite basketball net attachments is the SKLZ Kick-Out Basketball Return Attachment. Placed and installed directly beneath the net, it allows for a successfully made field goal to automatically return to you. No more chasing after a loose ball after a made shot!

• LED Basketball Hoop Light – we also love our LED Basketball Hoop Light. Meant to provide some light and color to the hoop of the basketball, this one has 32 different color options, all of which can be controlled by the included remote. A ton of fun and adds a dash of personality to your basketball hoop.

• Netbandz – if you’re looking to showcase your NBA team fandom, then Netbandz has you covered. Featuring all 30 NBA teams, these bands affix over the basketball net to provide a bit more personalization and can easily help you to showcase your team loyalty.