Basketball is arguably among the simplest games to play as a kid. Friends often get together and go to the park to shoot some hoops. Basketball also is one of America's most popular sports, grossing billions of dollars each year at the professional level. The basic rules of basketball can improve your understanding of the game.
Players
A basketball team is made up of five players on the court at a time for each team. Teams may make substitutions throughout the game at specified times during the game.
There are five positions on a basketball team. The center, who is usually the tallest player on the team, plays near the basket and attempts to rebound the ball and prevent opposing players from getting close to the basket. The power forward plays close to the basket but a bit farther away than the center. His job is also to set up in the offensive zone for mid-range jump shots. The small forward's position is versatile--sometimes he is counted on for his strength, similar to the center and power forward, but other times, he is counted on for speed and skill, similar to the guards.
The shooting guard is often the team's best shooter. His job is to get open for shots and take them from wherever he can get an open lane. Last, the point guard is the team's general, calling out plays and setting them up. His job is to pass the ball and find the open man for shots.
Scoring
There are three ways to score points: a normal shot, which is worth two points, a three-point shot, which is when you shoot it from outside the arch, or three-point line, and a foul shot, which is worth one point.
Violations
Violations occur when players break the rules of the game. One violation is called traveling. This occurs when a player takes more than two steps without dribbling the ball. Another violation is when a player stops dribbling, then starts again. This is called double dribbling. Last, a carry occurs when a player holds the ball in his hand while dribbling, then continues to dribble. All of these violations result in a change of possession of the ball.
Fouls
A foul is an illegal play in which a player makes contact with another player. One type of foul, a defensive foul, occurs when the offensive player is held, tripped, pushed or hit by a defender. The other type of foul, an offensive foul, occurs when an offensive player charges into a stationary defender. Both result in possession for the team that was fouled. After seven team fouls in one half, the player who is fouled is automatically granted foul shots.
Member Comments