Ayrton Oneill
Basketball is a popular sport that is widely played across the world. It is a team sport played between two teams of five players each, who score points by shooting a ball through a hoop. The game is played on a rectangular court with a hoop at each end. Basketball is a fast-paced game that requires a combination of speed, agility, endurance, and strength. If you are looking to start playing basketball, you can find a court near you by checking local parks and recreation centers or using online resources. You can then start practising the basics such as dribbling, passing, and shooting. As you gain confidence, you can move on to more advanced drills and strategies such as layups, jump stops, and pick-and-roll plays. You can also play mini-games like horse and 21 to improve your skills and have fun at the same time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| History | Basketball was invented in 1891 by Springfield College instructor and graduate student James Naismith. |
| Rules | Two teams of five players each try to score by shooting a ball through a hoop elevated 10 feet above the ground. The team with the most points wins. |
| A basket made from within the three-point line is worth 2 points, and a basket shot from outside the three-point line is worth 3 points. Each free throw is worth 1 point. | |
| Players cannot touch the basketball while it is traveling downward towards the basket or if it is on the rim (this is called goaltending). | |
| Players cannot carry the ball and walk or run (this is called traveling). | |
| Players making more than five fouls are removed from the game. | |
| Fouls grant free throws to the opposing team. | |
| Players cannot kick the ball or hit it with their fist. | |
| A player possessing the ball cannot stay inside the foul ring of the court with their back to the basket for more than three seconds. | |
| The offensive team has ten seconds to get the ball over the mid-court line. | |
| Dribbling again after stopping is a foul called double dribbling. | |
| Taking more than two steps after picking up the ball before shooting or passing is a foul called traveling. | |
| When setting a pick, stand still and upright, and put your hand over your crotch. | |
| When your teammates have the ball, move around to keep your defenders on their toes. | |
| Skills | Dribble the ball with your fingertips to maintain control. |
| Practice layups by dribbling to the net and jumping as you shoot. | |
| Warming up is an important part of basketball. |
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What You'll Learn
Basic rules of the game
Basketball is a team sport played between two teams of five players each. The objective is to score points by throwing the basketball through the opponent's hoop, which is a basket attached to a backboard and elevated 10 feet above the ground. The game is played on a rectangular court with a hoop at each end. The court is divided into two halves by the mid-court line.
Movement with the ball
When a player has the ball, they must dribble or bounce it while moving their feet. They can also choose to pass the ball to a teammate. If the player stops dribbling, they cannot start dribbling again and must either shoot or pass the ball. If the player is driving in to shoot, they can take two steps without dribbling before shooting or passing. Taking more than two steps is a foul called travelling.
Fouls
A foul is any type of illegal physical contact, such as touching an opponent in a way that causes them to lose the ball or miss a shot. Players are allowed to make brief contact with an opposing player trying to pass the ball or make a goal, but they cannot obstruct them. If a player is shooting while being fouled, they get two free throws if their shot doesn't go in, and one free throw if it does. If a defending player slams into a teammate who is setting a pick, the defending player will be charged with a foul.
Scoring
A basket made from within the three-point line is worth two points, and a basket made from outside the three-point line is worth three points. Each free throw is worth one point.
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Dribbling techniques
Dribbling is one of the most fundamental skills in basketball, and players should practice dribbling as often as they can, using each hand. Here are some dribbling techniques to get you started:
Control Dribble
When a defender is guarding you closely, you should use the "control dribble". Keep a somewhat crouched, bent-over position, using your fingertips, not the palms of your hands, to dribble. Keep your head up and eyes forward, looking at the defensive players and your teammates, not at the ball.
Figure 8 Drill
This drill helps you practice dribbling with both hands and improves your crossover. Spread your legs about shoulder-width apart. Start with the ball in your right hand and dribble it through your legs to your left hand, then immediately dribble it back to your right hand. You can also try this with your back to the front, front to back, as low or as high as you can, and even walking. For an added challenge, try the drill with one hand instead of two.
Cones
Set up cones in a straight line, or form a square with four cones, and dribble past them. You can also use cones to practice your crossover, between the legs, or a behind-the-back dribble.
Partner Drills
You can also practice dribbling with a partner. One drill involves dribbling two basketballs and passing the ball in your left hand to your partner, then dribbling the ball in your right hand to your left hand. Your partner will then throw you a ball, and you’ll dribble it with your right hand. This drill helps improve your explosiveness and ability to switch hands mid-play.
Remember, the goal of dribbling is to advance the ball up the court, drive to the hoop, get open for a shot, open up a passing lane, get out of a trap, or kill the clock at the end of a game. Work on dribbling with a purpose and practice often to improve your skills!
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Passing and teamwork
There are several types of passes that can be used in basketball, including the bounce pass, the overhead pass, and the chest pass. There is also the no-look pass, where the player with the ball throws it to a teammate without looking at them. This can trick defenders into thinking the ball will be thrown to a different target.
Passing drills are a great way to practice teamwork and passing skills. One such drill is called star passing, where players are positioned in a formation resembling a star symbol. The players pass the ball to each other from one end of the court to the other, working on hand-eye coordination and footwork. Another drill is called diamond passing, where players keep the ball moving around a diamond formation, learning the importance of pivots and jump stops.
Teamwork is critical in basketball, and it is built on trust. As players work together, they learn to trust each other, and this leads to better teamwork. Basketball teaches players how to cooperate, how to work towards a common goal, and how to accept responsibility for their actions. It also teaches them to look out for each other and support each other on the court.
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Shooting and scoring
Shooting Form
Shooting form is important for accuracy and consistency. When preparing to shoot, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, with your shooting foot slightly ahead of your non-shooting foot. Your feet should be turned 10 to 45 degrees towards your non-dominant hand side, and your shoulder, hip, and elbow should be aligned with the basket. If you are right-handed, keep your left hand on the side, and your right hand holding the back of the ball firmly. Your non-dominant hand is just a guide, so leave a little space between your palm and the ball. Position your shooting hand so that your fingertips are perpendicular to the seams in the ball, and grip it firmly.
Types of Shots
There are several types of shots you can use to score in basketball, including jump shots, hook shots, bank shots, and layups. Jump shots are used for mid to long-range shots, and require you to take a wide stance, bend your knees, and square your shoulders to the basket. You then make an explosive upward leap, and at the apex of the jump, you shoot the ball, following through with your wrist to provide momentum and spin. Hook shots are when your body is not directly facing the basket. To execute this, face the basket sideways so that your shooting-hand side is facing away from the basket. Bank shots are similar to jump shots, but you aim for the backboard instead of the basket. Layups are another important shot to master. To practice, start at the corner of the free-throw line on your dominant side, and dribble towards the hoop from an angle. When you get close, pick up the ball and take two long steps before jumping off your non-dominant foot to throw yourself into the air. With one hand, roll the ball up towards the rim, bouncing it off the backboard.
Practice Drills
To improve your shooting and scoring, it's important to practice. There are various drills you can do, either by yourself or with a partner. One drill involves standing within a few feet of the basket and practicing your shooting form and follow-through. Another drill involves creating teams of four players each, with one player acting as the "chaser". The players then move between different points on the court, with the chaser trying to tag the others. When a player is tagged, they become the new chaser.
Teamwork
Remember, basketball is a team sport, and good players know how to work with their teammates. Learn to set picks for your teammates on offense, and practice passing the ball to throw defenders off and create scoring opportunities for your team. As you learn to work together, you can start to develop more complex plays, such as the pick and roll.
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Defensive and offensive fouls
Defensive Fouls
Defensive players must be careful not to make illegal contact with offensive players. This includes pushing, tripping, holding, or blocking their opponents without being in a legal guarding position. A legal guarding position requires the defender to face their opponent directly, with their feet firmly planted on the ground, and without leaning into the offensive player.
To avoid pushing fouls, players should maintain proper body position and form when defending. This includes keeping their arms extended upward, palms open, back straight, and using their chest and lower body for contact.
Tripping and holding fouls can be prevented by emphasizing good footwork and body control. Defensive players should move their feet quickly, maintain their balance, and stay in their defensive position.
Blocking fouls occur when a defensive player uses their body to prevent an offensive player from moving. This often goes hand-in-hand with charging fouls.
A reaching foul happens when a defensive player makes illegal contact while trying to steal or block the ball. Players should be encouraged to use their feet and body to defend instead of swiping at the ball with their hands.
Offensive Fouls
Offensive players must also be mindful of committing fouls. An offensive foul can occur when an offensive player sticks out a limb and makes physical contact with a defender to block their path.
In addition, offensive players should be careful not to hang on to the basket ring, net, backboard, or support during the game, as this can result in a technical foul.
Penalties for Fouls
Fouls can result in penalties, such as free throws or turnovers. For example, if a player is fouled while shooting, they may be awarded one or two free throws, depending on whether they made the shot or not.
In the NBA and WNBA, if a defensive player stands in the key for more than three seconds without actively guarding an opponent, it is considered a technical foul, and the offensive team gains possession.
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Frequently asked questions
You can play basketball at a local park or recreation centre. You can also use online resources to find a basketball court near you.
Basketball is a team sport played by two teams of five players each. The aim is to score points by shooting a ball through a hoop. The game is played on a rectangular court with a hoop at each end. The three-second rule states that a player possessing the ball cannot stay inside the foul ring with their back to the basket for more than three seconds. Other rules include dribbling, passing, and shooting.
Start by learning the basic rules and fundamentals of the game. You can find drills and exercises online to help you improve your skills. You can also join a local basketball league or find a group of people to play with.
