Amanda Knapp
Basketball is a team sport played by two teams of five players each, with the aim of scoring points by getting the ball into the hoop. To get into 'basketball mode', you need to master the fundamentals of the game, such as dribbling, passing, and shooting. You should also be familiar with the basic terminology and rules of the game, such as free throw, jump ball, and the paint. Practice different moves like the jab, floater, and reverse layup, and work on your ball-handling skills. Learn to cut to the rim for a pass and layup, or pop out for an open jump shot. Develop your defensive skills by focusing on position defence and using your shoulder to initiate offence. Finally, build your confidence and don't be afraid to go at defenders.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players | 5 players per team |
| Team positions | Point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward |
| Basic skills | Dribbling, passing, shooting |
| Passing types | Chest passes, bounce passes, overhead passes, full-court passes |
| Scoring | Hoop/basket, free throw, jump ball |
| Court areas | The paint/interior, the court |
| Movement | V cut, curls, back door |
| Defence | Position defence, on and off-ball |
| Offensive moves | Jab, punch moves, hesitation |
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What You'll Learn
Learn the basic rules and terminology
Basketball, like any other major sport, has its own extensive vocabulary of unique words and phrases. The terminology varies depending on the region and level of play, and new slang is constantly being generated, especially in street pick-up basketball culture. Here are some basic terms and rules to help you get started on your journey to "basketball mode":
Terminology:
- Baller/Player: A basketball player, especially a very good one.
- Foul: Gaining an unfair advantage through physical contact. Illegal contact results in a foul, and when a player fouls another, the referee rewards the fouled player with unguarded free throws.
- Free Throw: A free throw is awarded to a shooter who is fouled while scoring. If they make the first free throw, they can attempt a second.
- Double Dribble: When a player dribbles, they must use one hand while moving both feet. If they stop dribbling, they may only move one foot, called the pivot foot. A "double dribble" occurs when a player starts dribbling again, resulting in the other team gaining possession.
- Airball: An off-target shot that completely misses the rim and the backboard.
- And 1: An opportunity to make an extra point by shooting a free throw if a player is fouled while scoring a basket.
- Ankle Breaker: When an offensive player outmaneuvers their defender, causing them to stumble or fall.
- Box Out: A defensive strategy where players create a box-shaped space between the basket and the person they're defending to secure the rebound.
- Buzzer Beater: A successful basket that occurs just before the buzzer rings to signal the end of a quarter, half, or game.
- Coast to Coast: When a player gains possession on the defensive side and dribbles down to score without passing.
- Crossover: A move to avoid or confuse a defender by switching the ball from one hand to the other.
- Cylinder: An imaginary space above the rim of the basket, extending upward in a cylindrical shape. Players are not allowed to touch the ball within this space, as it is considered basket interference or goaltending.
- Jab: A move to get out of pressure without passing or when playing ISO.
- Punch Move: A move where you can "punch" or slam the ball to the ground to create space.
- V Cut: A type of cut made to get within your range, forcing the defender to be honest.
- Benchwarmer: A player who spends most of the game on the bench and doesn't get to play much.
- Brick: A missed shot attempt that hits the rim and bounces off without going in.
Rules:
- Each basketball team can have a maximum of five players on the court at a time.
- The objective of the game is to shoot the ball through the basket, a metal hoop suspended above the ground.
- Teams have a limited time to shoot during a given possession. In the NBA and WNBA, this is 24 seconds, while NCAA teams have 30 seconds.
- Players may only advance the ball by passing or dribbling. They must bounce or dribble the ball with one hand while moving both feet.
- If a player stops dribbling, they may not resume dribbling and must pass or shoot the ball.
- Players must not touch the basketball while it is traveling downward towards the basket or if it is on the rim (goaltending).
- No kicking or hitting the ball with a fist is allowed.
- Illegal contact, such as pushing, blocking, or striking another player, results in a personal foul.
- Technical fouls are penalties for violating administrative rules, such as fighting or verbal abuse.
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Master dribbling with your fingertips
Dribbling is a fundamental skill in basketball, and one that takes a lot of practice to master. It's important to get the basics right, and that starts with how you hold the ball.
When dribbling a basketball, you should only be using your fingertips. This gives you more control over the ball, and the more control you have, the less strength you need to keep it bouncing. Using your fingertips also allows you to bounce the ball faster.
Make sure your fingers are spread out across the surface of the ball to create a wider, more balanced contact area. Avoid slapping the ball with your palm, as this will slow you down. Indiana Pacers’ player Paul George recommends against palm-to-ball contact.
Keep the palm of your hand directly over the ball as you move so that when the ball bounces, it will bounce back up into your fingertips. Keep the ball low and close to the ground. The shorter and quicker the ball bounces, the harder it is for your opponent to steal.
You should also practice dribbling with both your right and left hands. This will make it easier to manoeuvre around the court without getting the ball stolen.
Drills
There are several dribbling drills you can practice to improve your ball handling. Try lining up along the sideline and dribbling from one side to the other, first with your right hand and then with your left. Set up cones or chairs and pretend they are defenders. Make your move quickly in front of the cone/chair and then turn around and attack from the opposite direction with your other hand.
You can also try dribbling with your eyes closed or looking forward, not down at the ball. This will help you develop a sense of where the ball is without having to look, so you can focus on what's happening on the court.
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Practice different types of passes
Passing is an essential part of basketball and a necessary offensive fundamental that all players should learn. There are two broad categories of passes in basketball: Air Passes and Bounce Passes.
Air Passes reach their intended receiver without hitting the floor, while Bounce Passes hit the floor before reaching the receiver. Each type of pass has its own variations, which can be practised through various drills.
Chest Pass
This is one of the most widely used passes in basketball. To execute a chest pass, grab the ball with both hands and bring it down to chest level. Spread your fingers and place your thumbs pointing towards each other on top of the ball. This pass can also be practised by bouncing the ball off a wall and catching it.
Overhead Pass
For an overhead pass, extend the ball over your head with both hands and throw it. The ball must be thrown high enough so that defenders cannot jump and deflect it.
Wraparound Pass
This pass is used when a defender is closely guarding the player with the ball. The passer uses their pivot foot to step around the defender, creating a lane for the offensive player to make the pass. The wraparound pass is best executed with a bounce pass using primarily one hand.
Baseball Pass
The baseball pass is an air pass that is used on fast breaks or when there is very little time left. It requires above-average strength and accuracy. To execute, extend the ball behind your head while turning your chest backwards, then step forward with the opposite leg of your throwing hand and throw the ball towards your target.
Behind-the-Back Pass
This is a flashy pass that requires a high degree of confidence and skill. To execute, wrap the ball around your back and pass it to the receiver. This move is useful for avoiding defenders when passing forward seems dangerous.
Dribble Pass
The dribble pass is used to quickly pass the ball with one hand off the dribble. This can be an air or bounce pass.
Pick and Roll Pass
This pass is used when defenders double-team or switch on the pick and roll. Bring the ball up from your right side to throw the ball overhead to the screener, who has either rolled to the basket or popped to the perimeter.
Lob Pass
The lob pass is a challenging pass that requires excellent timing and communication with your teammate. It is a high-arcing pass thrown over a defender to an offensive player, often setting up a slam dunk.
Passing drills can be done alone or with teammates, and they help improve your passing skills and overall game awareness.
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Understand the standard positions
Basketball is a sport with five players on the court for each team at any given time. Each player is assigned to a different position, defined by the strategic role they play. The three main position categories are guard, forward, and center. The standard team features two guards, two forwards, and a center.
The guards are typically called the "backcourt" and the forwards and centers the "front court". Over time, as more specialized roles developed, each of the guards and forwards came to be differentiated. Today, each of the five positions is known by a unique name and number: point guard (PG) or 1, the shooting guard (SG) or 2, the small forward (SF) or 3, the power forward (PF) or 4, and the center (C) or 5.
The point guard, also known as the "1", is like the quarterback of a basketball team's offense. They are responsible for bringing the ball up the court, passing it to other teammates, and controlling the pace. They are also responsible for leading the team and organizing other players. A scoring point guard can shoot accurately from three-point or mid-range distance, while a facilitator-type point guard has a high basketball IQ and an intuitive understanding of the game.
The shooting guard, or "2", is usually the best shooter on the court. They are prolific from three-point range and long mid-range and are responsible for scoring through three-pointers, mid-range shots, and driving and finishing at the rim. They are also responsible for ball handling and passing and must be able to play more offensively.
The small forward, or "3", is considered the most versatile player on the team. They are responsible for offensive and defensive rebounding and ball handling, and they can also score, rebound, handle the ball, pass, and defend. They are usually the most athletic player on the team and are strong, agile, and have good jumping ability.
The power forward, or "4", is a physical presence in the front court, combining scoring with rebounding and interior defense. They dominate the boards, block shots, and score in the low post through hooks and dunks.
The center, or "5", is a focal point in the paint, excelling in rebounding, shot-blocking, and scoring close to the basket. They play near the basket in the low post area and are available to score short-range shots or layups. On defense, their size helps them to block shots and grab rebounds.
It is important to note that while these are the traditional positions and their associated roles, basketball is moving towards a more positionless style of play, with players becoming stronger, faster, and more versatile, and able to play multiple roles on the team.
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Develop some simple scoring moves
Developing some simple scoring moves in basketball can give you an edge over your opponents. Here are some tips to help you improve your scoring abilities:
Footwork and Pivots
Learning some simple footwork can immediately give you an advantage in hundreds of basketball moves. For instance, NBA Skills Trainer Don Kelbick teaches three pivots and three counters that can be applied to 100 different situations. One example is the front pivot, where you turn and face the basket. The counter to this move is the step-through, which allows you to get the defender on your backside. By mastering these simple pivots and counters, you can quickly develop a wide array of scoring moves.
Moving Without the Ball
Moving without the ball is an essential skill to create scoring opportunities. You can catch the defense off guard and get open for a jump shot or a lay-up. Cutting to the basket is a simple technique where you run towards the basket while staying alert to the ball's position and preparing to catch a pass. You should cut towards a specific spot on the floor where you can take a shot. Setting screens and using picks can also help you get open for a shot or create opportunities for your teammates.
Basic Shooting Form
Mastering the basics of shooting is crucial. To shoot accurately, square your shoulders to the basket, place your feet shoulder-width apart, and bend your knees slightly while leaning towards the basket. Place the fingers of your shooting hand under the ball and tuck your elbows close to your body. Practice this fundamental form to improve your shooting accuracy.
Hook Shot
The hook shot is a classic move used by many NBA stars. It is effective because it creates space between you and the defender. To perform a hook shot, start by positioning yourself as if taking a normal jump shot. Then, pivot your lead foot so it becomes parallel to the defender and the hoop. Your body should act as a barrier between the ball and the defender. Finally, release the ball towards the basket with your outside hand in a "hook" motion. While this move can be challenging to execute, it can become a potent weapon in your arsenal.
The Dunk
The dunk is one of the most spectacular and challenging shots in basketball. To execute a slam dunk, dribble and charge towards the hoop, then jump as high as possible. Lift the ball above the rim and forcefully slam it through. Practicing this move will help you determine if jumping off one foot or both feet works better for you.
Remember, keep your moves simple and effective, and focus on mastering the basics to improve your scoring abilities in basketball.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some of the basic rules of basketball:
- Each team can have a maximum of 5 players on the court at a time.
- Players must dribble (bounce the ball off the court) to move the ball. Moving without dribbling is a traveling foul.
- When a player is fouled while shooting, they are awarded a free throw, which is worth 1 point.
- The paint, or the interior, is the area closest to the hoop, and it is where most of the action happens.
Here are a few simple moves that beginners can practice:
- Hesitation moves can help create space between you and your defender.
- "Punch" moves involve slamming or "punching" the ball to the ground, also creating space.
- Practice different types of passes, such as chest passes, bounce passes, and overhead passes. Passing is one of the most important skills in the game.
- To catch the ball, stand with your knees bent and hands up, providing a good target for your teammate.
If you're playing against taller opponents, here are some tips to help you:
- Use moves like floaters and reverse layups to score against taller defenders.
- Focus on position defense, forcing your opponent to operate from certain spots rather than trying to block them completely.
- Use your shoulder on offense and your chest on defense to initiate contact and gain an advantage.
- Don't be intimidated by taller defenders; go at them and don't give them too much respect.
