Competitive basketball is a game that requires athletic ability, teamwork and strategy. It is also a game of rules, administered by referees, that players must know and adhere to to avoid fouls. The rules protect players from rough and overly physical play, and they also uphold the standards of the game.
Length of Game
Organized basketball is played at the professional, high school and college levels. At the professional level, teams play four 12-minute quarters. If the game is tied at the end of the fourth quarter, the teams play five-minute overtime periods until one team has scored more points than its opponent. At the college level, teams play two 20-minute halves, with five-minute overtime periods until one team has an advantage at the end of the overtime. At the high school level, teams play four eight-minute periods, with three-minute overtime periods until one team has an advantage at the end of the overtime.
Physical Contact
In basketball, you cannot initiate physical contact with your opponent. This includes defensive players who are trying to stop the player with the ball or offensive players who are trying to set up a scoring opportunity. However, when neither team has possession of the ball, some contact is permitted as players from both teams pursue a loose ball or a rebound. If a player is fouled when shooting, he will get an additional free throw if he made the shot from the field. He will get two or three shots if he was fouled and missed the shot from the field. If the foul occurred when attempting a three-point shot from a greater distance, he will get three free throws. Otherwise, he will get two free throws.
Common Violations
When a player is dribbling the basketball, stops dribbling and then starts again before shooting or passing, this is a discontinued dribble violation, and the opponent gains possession. Moving with the ball without dribbling is called traveling, and also is a violation. Going out-of-bounds with the ball is a violation. Other common violations include kicking the ball, not shooting before the time shot clock expires and standing in the center offensive lane for three seconds.
Member Comments