Can a basketball legally hit the top of the backboard?

Answer 1

It is not legal under NCAA rules:

Art. 3. The ball shall be out of bounds when it passes over the backboard

from any direction.

In NBA the rule is slightly different:

b. Any ball that rebounds or passes directly behind the backboard, in either direction, from any point is considered out-of-bounds.

Note the word 'directly'. Here's the official interpretation from NBA vice president of referee operations Joe Borgia in 2009:

"Think of the backboard as a long tunnel that goes straight back," Borgia said. "If the ball goes through that tunnel, it's a violation. If you looked at Rondo's shot, it was an arching shot up and over the backboard. It never passes through the tunnel."

This is why Bird's shot is waived off while other shots that flew over the backboard but not from behind the backboard are valid.

Bird's shot is legal under FIBA rules.

Answer 2

Yes, as long as the ball bounces back towards the free throw line. There is a plane not only on the top of the back board but on the sides as well and if the ball bounces fully past it on the top or the side it is considered out of bounds.

Answer 3

Sure you can shoot the ball over the backboard but it will be out of bounds and the other team will get posession.

Answer 4

as log as the player's feet remain in bounds and the ball is not obstructed by the shot clock or the top of the backboard the basked is legal.

Answer 5

Yes, it is. As long as the ball does not hit the back of the backboard or the shot clock, the shot is valid.

Answer 6

yes but you have to be tall and have great sturture and to be sure try to hit the red box on the goal but make it a little bit soft so the ball will bounce into the hoop

Answer 7

yes but only if it hits the rim

Answer 8

no