Having coached basketball at various levels for over two decades, I’ve always been fascinated by the subtle constants in our sport—those unchanging rules and measurements that shape how the game unfolds. One of the most fundamental, yet often overlooked, is the height of the rim. Officially, an NBA rim stands exactly 10 feet from the floor—a standard that dates back over a century to the early days of basketball. Now, you might wonder why something so fixed matters so deeply, especially in a league where players seem to defy gravity on a nightly basis. But as I’ve seen time and again, that 10-foot mark isn’t just a number; it’s the great equalizer, the silent referee in every possession, and a reminder that no matter how high you jump, the game always brings you back down to earth.

Let’s talk about why this height has endured. When Dr. James Naismith first nailed a peach basket to a balcony railing in 1891, he probably didn’t imagine his makeshift setup would become a global standard. But here we are, over 130 years later, with rims still at 10 feet in every professional and amateur league worldwide. I’ve stood under countless rims—from high school gyms in Indiana to arenas in Manila—and that consistency is part of what makes basketball so universally relatable. It’s a shared challenge. For a 7-foot center, it might seem within easy reach, but for a crafty 6-foot guard, it demands creativity, timing, and sheer will. That tension is where the magic happens. I remember watching players like Michael Jordan and Vince Carter elevate not just above the rim, but above expectations, turning that 10-foot barrier into a canvas for athletic artistry.

But the rim’s height isn’t just about individual brilliance—it shapes team strategy, defense, and even coaching decisions in ways that casual fans might miss. Take, for example, a moment from the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals I observed recently, where Barangay Ginebra turned the tide in Game 5. During a third-quarter huddle, coach Tim Cone and his staff weren’t just drawing up plays; they were emphasizing vertical spacing and rim protection. On the other side, TNT’s coach, Chot Reyes, had a heated exchange with Poy Erram on the bench, partly fueled by defensive breakdowns near the basket. Erram, standing at 6’8”, has the length to challenge shots effectively, but when players fail to contest at that 10-foot level, it can swing entire series. In that game, Ginebra capitalized on second-chance points and drives to the hoop, reminding everyone that no matter how flashy the offense, games are often won or lost within inches of the rim.

From a physiological standpoint, the 10-foot height pushes players to develop explosive leaping ability and precise timing. Studies—and my own experience training athletes—show that the average NBA player has a vertical leap of around 28 inches, with elites like Zion Williamson or Derrick Jones Jr. exceeding 40 inches. That means even a 6’3” guard can get his eyes above the rim, but finishing consistently requires more than hops. It’s about body control, angle of approach, and reading defenders. I’ve worked with young players who obsess over dunking, thinking it’s the ultimate measure of skill. But honestly, some of the most effective scorers I’ve seen, like Stephen Curry, rarely leave the ground near the rim—they use floaters and layups that arc perfectly over shot-blockers. That 10-foot height forces variety, and that’s what keeps the game beautiful.

Now, could the rim be higher? I’ve heard debates about raising it to 11 or even 12 feet to account for modern athletes’ freakish athleticism. Personally, I think that’s a terrible idea. Changing the rim height would disrupt the rhythm and history of the game, alienating purists like me who cherish its traditions. Besides, data from informal experiments suggests that even a 6-inch increase would reduce field goal percentages by roughly 15–20%, turning games into sloppy, low-scoring affairs. The 10-foot standard is perfect because it balances accessibility with challenge. It allows a diverse range of players to thrive—from towering centers to shifty point guards—and ensures that fundamentals like footwork and positioning remain as relevant as ever.

In the end, the rim’s height is more than a measurement; it’s a symbol of basketball’s democratic spirit. Whether you’re playing in the PBA finals or shooting hoops in your driveway, that 10-foot target is the same. It demands respect, rewards creativity, and humbles even the greatest players. As I reflect on moments like that TNT-Ginebra game, where strategy and emotion collided under the basket, I’m reminded why I love this sport. The rim doesn’t care about your height or your vertical—it only asks for your best effort. And in a world full of variables, that’s one constant worth preserving.

LIGHTING, LIGHTING, AND MORE LIGHTING
People are typically drawn to bars solely based on their atmosphere. The best way to knock your next commercial bar design out of the park is using the perfect amount and type of lighting. Use standout light fixtures as their very own statement piece, track lighting for adjustable ambiance, hanging pendant lights over tables, and ambient backlighting to display the alcohol. Bartenders need to serve and customers need to order, so make sure it’s just functional as it is attractive. 

CHOOSING YOUR BARTOP
What may seem so obvious, is often so overlooked in commercial bar design- the material of your actual bartop itself. While we realize stone and marble are as classy and elegant-looking as can be, the reality is that they just aren’t your best option for a durable and long lasting bartop. They crack, have no grip, and break way too many glasses. Opt for a high-quality wood bar instead. Oaks, maples, mahoganies, and ashes are sturdy and provide your customers with a firm grip for their glasses. 

THEME 
In a sea of millions upon millions of bars, how can you make your commercial bar design stand apart from the rest? The answer is to pick a unique, centralized theme and run with it. Whether it’s your next sit-down restaurant bar design, or remodeling the small, locally-favorite gem, you have to find out what your clientele wants. Survey the neighborhood of your establishment and find out what the demographics are there. Maybe a gritty, western bar would be a hit. Or maybe a more modern, sleek design is what’s missing in the area. Whatever theme you decide upon, hit it out of the park with the perfect lighting, wall art, music, and furniture. It’s all in the details. 

THE GUIDE TO YOUR NEXT RESTOBAR 
You’ve got the food, you’ve got the restaurant, you’ve got the customers, now all you need is a beautifully designed bar to top it all off.  Small bar designs for restaurants have a tendency to be a little thrown together and incohesive with the rest of the establishment. Stay on brand- create consistency with tying in the same color scheme, furniture, art, and overall ambiance of the pre-existing restaurant. Make sure the placement of your bar makes sense as well, have it in a place where it’s visible and easy to navigate but not in the way of servers and other guests. If the bar is going to serve food, be sure to consider the location of the kitchen to not obstruct traffic flow. Consider all of these small tips as you work through your next restaurant bar design. 

SPACE CONSTRAINT 
It’s no secret that bars have the reputation of being a little cramped, and in some cases- way too cramped. Consider all of the space constraints while designing your next commercial bar design and we can change that bad rap that bars have been holding for far too long. First and foremost, be sure to measure your bar, barstool, cabinet, and equipment height. Generally, a bar is 42” in height while a stool is 30” in height. Also be sure to allow at least 3’ of space between the bar and the alcohol for the bartender’s functionality and efficiency. Consider multiple register and drink-making stations for bartenders as well. Allowing 2’ between patrons is going to give them enough space to eat and drink, and most importantly, simply be comfortable. All of these considerations are especially helpful if it is a restaurant bar design, where the space is even more valuable.