Definition

Noun: A basketball backboard is the rectangular or fan-shaped board, usually made of transparent material like tempered glass or an opaque material like acrylic, to which the basket (rim and net) is attached. It serves as a rebounding surface for shots.

Usage

The term basketball backboard refers specifically to the board component of a basketball goal. It is a key piece of equipment in the sport. - The primary function of a basketball backboard is to provide a surface for banking shots. - A regulation basketball backboard is 72 inches (183 cm) wide and 42 inches (107 cm) tall.

Examples

• The player skillfully used the basketball backboard to make the layup.
• They installed a new basketball backboard and rim on their driveway.
• The ball hit the top corner of the basketball backboard and bounced away.

Advanced Usage

• "To bank a shot off the backboard": This is a common phrase describing the act of aiming a shot to bounce off the basketball backboard and into the basket.
  • For a difficult angle, it's often better to bank the shot off the backboard.

Variants and Related Words

• Backboard: Often used as a shortened form of basketball backboard in a sporting context.
• Glass: A slang term for a transparent basketball backboard, especially in professional contexts (e.g., "He shot it off the glass").
• Basketball hoop / Goal: The entire structure, which includes the backboard, rim, and net.

Synonyms

• Rebound board (less common, descriptive)

Related Phrases

• Bank shot: A shot that utilizes the basketball backboard to score.
• Off the backboard: Describes a shot or pass that makes contact with the basketball backboard.

Noun

1. a raised vertical board with basket attached; used to play basketball
   • he banked the shot off the backboard