Helena Frye
Basketball is a team sport played between two teams of five players each. The objective of the game is to score points by putting the ball through a hoop, also known as a 'basket'. The game is played on a rectangular floor called the 'court', with a hoop at each end. The court is divided into two sections by the mid-court line. The team with the ball is called the offense, and they can move the ball down the court by passing or dribbling. The team without the ball, called the defense, tries to steal the ball, contest shots, and deflect passes. Points are scored by making baskets or field goals, with the value of the basket depending on the location of the shot. Basketball games are divided into halves or quarters, depending on the level of play, and the team with the most points at the end of the game wins.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of teams | 2 |
| Number of players per team | 5 |
| Objective | Score points by putting the ball through the hoop |
| Ways to move the ball | Dribble or pass |
| Steps allowed after picking up the ball | 2 |
| Points for inside the arc | 2 |
| Points for outside the arc | 3 |
| Game format | 4 quarters of varying length |
| Winner | Team with the most points |
| Types of shots | Jumper/jump shot, dunk, layup |
| Fouls | Personal fouls, illegal pick/screen |
| Free throws | 2 for a 2-point shot, 3 for a 3-point shot, 1 extra if the shot is made |
| Drills | Dribbling with wrist weights, one-handed passes against a wall |
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Learn the rules
Basketball is played by two teams of five players each, with the aim of the game being to score points by putting the ball through a hoop, or basket, more times than the opposing team. The game is played on a rectangular court, with a hoop at each end. Each team can substitute players in and out, but only five players can play for each team at a time.
There are four 15-minute periods in a game, known as quarters, and the length of each quarter depends on the level of play. Teams can score two or three points, depending on where they are on the court when they shoot. If a shot is made within the arc on the floor, it is worth two points. If a shot is made outside of the arc, it is worth three points. Teams have a limited amount of time to shoot the ball during a given possession, known as a shot clock. In the NBA and WNBA, teams have 24 seconds, while NCAA teams have 30 seconds. If the shot clock elapses, the opposing team takes possession of the ball.
When a player has the basketball, they must dribble (bounce the ball with one hand) while moving both feet. If both hands touch the ball or the player stops dribbling, they can only move one foot, known as the pivot foot. A player can only dribble once, and if they start dribbling again, it is called a double-dribbling violation and the player loses possession of the ball. Players can also move the ball by passing to a teammate.
Fouls are an important part of the game. A foul is when a player makes illegal physical contact with an opposing player, giving them an unfair advantage. If a player is fouled while shooting, they get to take free throws from the foul line, which are worth one point each. Technical fouls are a penalty for violating the game's administrative rules, such as fighting or verbal abuse.
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Basic terminology
Basketball is played by two teams of five players each, with the objective of scoring points by putting the ball through a hoop, or basket, that is elevated 10 feet above the ground. The game is played on a rectangular floor called the court, with a hoop at each end. The court is divided into two main sections by the mid-court line.
The team with the ball is called the offense, and the team without the ball is called the defense. The offense must move the ball from one end of the court to the other by dribbling or passing. Dribbling involves bouncing the ball on the floor with one hand while moving both feet. Passing involves throwing the ball to a teammate.
Points are scored by putting the ball through the basket. A basket, or field goal, made within the three-point line is worth two points, while a basket made from outside the three-point line is worth three points. Free throws, which are shots taken from a line in front of the basket, are worth one point.
Fouls are violations that occur when a player makes illegal physical contact with an opponent or breaks another rule. Personal fouls, such as charging or illegal screens, result in penalties such as free throws or changes of possession. Technical fouls are penalties for violating administrative rules, such as fighting or verbal abuse.
The referee is responsible for judging the ball, deciding when it is in play, and enforcing the rules. The umpire judges fouls. The NBA refers to the lead official as the "crew chief" and the others as "referees".
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How to shoot
Shooting is one of the most important skills in basketball. Here is a guide on how to shoot a basketball:
Foot and Body Positioning
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, with your shooting foot (the foot on the same side as your shooting arm) slightly ahead of your non-shooting foot. Your feet should be turned 10 to 45 degrees towards your non-shooting side, and your shoulder, hip, and elbow should be aligned with the basket. Keep your knees slightly bent and your back leaning towards the basket.
Ball Grip
Position your shooting hand so that your fingertips are perpendicular to the seams of the ball. This hand will be responsible for launching the ball. Place your non-shooting hand on the side of the ball to guide the shot. Leave a little space between your palm and the ball, allowing the ball to roll off your fingertips easily. Spread your fingers wide for greater control.
Aiming and Shooting
Locate your target. If you want the ball to go directly into the net, focus your eyes on the net. If you're aiming for the backboard, look at the spot you want to hit. To shoot, jump slightly forward, keeping your shoulders back and relaxed. Use your legs to propel the ball by jumping upward as your shooting hand launches it. Your shooting arm should be slightly bent, thrusting upwards as the ball is released with a flick of the wrist.
Advanced Shots
There are many variations of shots that you can practice once you master the basics. The jump shot is commonly used for mid to long-range shots. To execute this, take a wide stance, bend your knees, and square your shoulders to the basket. Make an explosive upward leap and shoot at the apex of your jump, keeping your elbows straight. The hook shot is another option when your body is not directly facing the basket. Face the basket sideways so that your shooting hand is facing away from the basket. A bank shot is when the ball hits the backboard before going into the net. To do this, aim slightly higher than the basket and jump higher or slightly backward to prevent defenders from blocking your shot. Finally, the dunk is a spectacular and challenging shot. Dribble and charge toward the hoop, then jump as high as possible, lifting the ball above the rim and forcefully pushing it through.
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How to dribble
Dribbling is a fundamental skill in basketball, and with practice, you can master the basics and even some fancy moves! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to dribble:
Get in the Right Stance
Before you start dribbling, it's important to get in a low, defensive stance. Spread your feet shoulder-width apart, bend your knees, and drop your hips back slightly as if you were sitting in a chair. Keep your back straight, head up, and shoulders square. This stance provides balance and stability, allowing you to react quickly to defenders.
Hand and Finger Placement
Hold the basketball with your fingertips, not your palms. Your dominant hand should be on top of the ball, and your non-dominant hand should be at the side, ready to support and guide the ball. Keep your hands active and use them to control the force and direction of the dribble.
Dribbling Motion
In your low stance, bend your knees and drop your dominant hand down to the side of your leg. The ball should be dribbled with low, quick motions. The highest point of your bounce should be around your hip level. You don't want to dribble too low, as this can make it difficult to change directions and increase the risk of losing control of the ball.
Keep Your Head Up
When you're first learning to dribble, it's natural to look at the ball. However, it's crucial to practice keeping your head and gaze up. During a game, you need to be aware of your teammates, defenders, and the basket's location. By keeping your head up, you can make better decisions and react to your surroundings.
Practice, Practice, Practice!
Dribbling is a skill that improves with muscle memory and consistent practice. Find dribbling drills online or on YouTube, and practice regularly. Work on your dominant and non-dominant hands, and don't be afraid to play with friends to get more comfortable handling the ball in different situations. With time and dedication, you'll develop smooth and effective dribbling skills.
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How to play defence
Playing defense in basketball requires a combination of technical skills and a competitive mindset. Here are some tips to improve your defensive game:
Communication is key. Always talk to your teammates during defensive possession to let them know your position and what's happening on the floor. Use phrases like "Ball, ball, ball!" when pressuring the ball, "Deny, deny, deny!" when defending a player who's one pass away, and "Screen right/left" to warn about an incoming block.
Stay in a low defensive stance with your feet moving, ready to react. This gives you balance and allows you to move quickly. Keep your eyes on the ball handler's chest or waist; it's harder for them to fake you out this way. Use one hand to track the ball and the other to block passing lanes.
Your goal is to deny the offense as many options as possible. Use your body to force them to shoot from farther away or take a tougher shot. Be aware of the rules and what you're allowed to do. For example, you can move your feet to get in front of an opponent but can't stick out your elbows or knees.
Always stay in an athletic stance, even off the ball, to maintain your quickness and explosiveness. When guarding in the post, you can stand up to prevent an offensive player from finishing over you.
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Frequently asked questions
Each basketball team fields 5 players at a time. Substitutions are allowed, and casual games may feature teams of 2 or 3 players.
Points are scored by putting the ball through the hoop. Shots taken inside the arc on the floor are worth 2 points, while shots taken outside the arc are worth 3 points.
Dribbling is the act of bouncing the ball off the court. Players must dribble to move the ball. Practising dribbling with wrist weights and gloves can help develop fingertip sensitivity and ball control.
A free throw is worth 1 point and is taken by a player who has been fouled while shooting. If a player is fouled while making a shot, they get 2 free throws if their original shot does not go in, and 1 free throw if it does.
In addition to dribbling, you should learn how to shoot, pass, and play defence. Practising these fundamentals is key before moving on to more complex techniques.
