1964structural
Backboard Made Rectangular and Moved Closer
The Rule Change
The NBA standardized the backboard as a rectangular 6-by-3.5-foot surface and moved it from 2 feet behind the baseline to directly over it. Fan-shaped backboards were phased out, and the uniform rectangular design improved shooting consistency and bank shots.
Statistical Impact
Standardized the playing environment across all arenas. The rectangular backboard provided a more consistent target for bank shots and rebounds. Moving the backboard closer to the baseline gave players more space to operate behind the basket, opening up new angles for passing and scoring.
3-Year Average: Before vs. After
| Stat | Before | After | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| PPG | 117.4 | 112.4 | -5.0 |
| Pace | 124.5 | 118.5 | -6.0 |
| 3PA | 0.0 | 0.0 | +0.0 |
| FTA | 36.8 | 35.9 | -0.9 |
| FG% | 42.7 | 43.1 | +0.4 |