What happens when the ball passes over the rectangular backboard?

When the ball passes over the rectangular backboard, it is considered out of bounds. This is based on the official rules of basketball, which specify that the ball cannot go beyond the plane of the backboard at any point. Once it crosses this vertical plane, the ball is deemed out of bounds, and play stops to award the ball to the opposing team.

The decision is critical for maintaining the flow of the game, as it helps to define the boundary of the playing area. It ensures clarity in situations where the ball might otherwise remain in play if not for the backboard boundary. Understanding these rules helps players and officials make quick and accurate decisions during the game, reflecting the importance of court awareness in basketball.