Abstract: A basketball hoop or goal associated with a backboard in a conventional manner with the hoop including a laterally extending, downwardly inclined shield terminating in a peripheral ring located outwardly of the annular ring defining the hoop or goal through which the ball passes to score points when playing basketball. The shield requires that players release the ball at a point spaced peripherally of the rim of the hoop thereby eliminating the capability of the players "dunking" the ball through the hoop. The replacement of the conventional hoop and net with the hoop and shield reduces the advantages that tall players have while increasing emphasis on speed, team work, long range shooting ability and finesse while decreasing slam dunking, hanging on baskets and contact fouls by spreading the players out rather than having them concentrated in a very small area under the conventional basket.