Backboard shattering

A backboard shattering is an accident or stunt in basketball. It occurs when a player slam dunks the ball hard enough to break the 1/2" tempered glass of the backboard. The stunt has caused games to be canceled or delayed, serious injuries to occur and expensive costs of cleanup and replacement. Shattering a backboard is extremely dangerous, sending shards of glass flying over the players and fans. In the National Basketball Association (NBA), shattering a backboard during a game is penalized with a technical foul and a possible fine towards the player.

Backboard shattering has altered the game in many different ways. In 1967, the dunk was banned in high school and college basketball. The rule-makers claimed the dunk was outlawed to prevent injury and equipment damage. After multiple issues with the new rule, nine years later they allowed the slam dunk to be legal again due to the invention of the breakaway rim. The NBA began using them after Darryl Dawkins shattered two backboards with his slam dunks during the 1979-80 season.