Regulation hoops are hoops used in NBA and NBCAA tournaments. They are designed to be sturdy and durable, especially to bear the weight of a player slam dunking. The measurements of size and dimension of a regulation basketball hoop is determined by the tournament committee. Any changed to these measurements should be conveyed to all the teams.

A regulation basket should ideally be 18 inches in diameter, and at least 5/8 inches thick, clamped to the backboard with steel clamps painted orange. The backboard is made of transparent material, glass for example, with a red light to signal the end of the playing period. This red light must be visible to all. The backboard measurements are 72 inches across, 42 inches high and 1/2-inch thick. This is by comparison much larger compared to home backboards which range from 40 to 60 inches across, with a thickness that varies from 5/16-inch to 1/2-inch. The surface of the backboard should be smooth and firm with some bounce in it. Regulation poles that connect to the back board should be 6 inches in diameter. Home poles are of course much shorter.

In summary, regulation and home hoops differ in terms of material, size and price as they cater for different needs. Home hoops are used primarily for leisure activities while regulation hoops are used for professional play.