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Glossary
Basketball Gear terms, explained
Short, plain definitions of the words you'll see on product pages and spec sheets. Each one links to a guide when there's more to know.
B
- Ball return
- A net or chute that sends made and missed shots back to the shooter. Read the guide →
- Break-in
- The period of use that softens a genuine leather ball's grip. Read the guide →
- Breakaway rim
- A spring-loaded rim that flexes under force. Read the guide →
C
- Composite leather
- A synthetic ball cover that grips well without break-in. Read the guide →
H
- Herringbone
- A zigzag outsole pattern that grips in many directions. Read the guide →
L
- Lace-up brace
- An ankle brace secured with laces and straps. Read the guide →
- Lockdown
- How well a shoe holds the foot in place during cuts. Read the guide →
O
- Overhang
- The distance from the hoop pole to the backboard. Read the guide →
S
- Size 6
- The 28.5-inch women's and girls' 12+ basketball. Read the guide →
- Size 7
- The 29.5-inch men's and boys' 12+ basketball. Read the guide →
T
- Tempered glass backboard
- The backboard material that plays closest to a gym. Read the guide →