The game of basketball has been played all over the world for over 100 years. Invented by Dr. James Naismith, the rules are straightforward and easy to learn and the game has become one of the most popular and widely played sports in the world. Basketball is a sport that requires a lot of constant running and movement, and therefore it is an excellent form of exercise even for those who do not wish to play competitively.
The Court and Scoring
The basketball court has unique design, consisting of many intersecting lines and circles that might confuse someone who's not familiar with the game. At each end of the court, which is 94 feet long and 50 feet wide, there is what is called a "key." It is a rectangle 15 feet in length, topped off by a semicircle. Players go to the top of this rectangle, or the free-throw line, to shoot two free shots whenever someone fouls them in the act of shooting. Each of these free throws is worth one point.
An arc encircles the key and extends from either end of the baseline (the boundary line that runs beneath the basket). It is 23 feet and 9 inches from the hoop. Players get three points for shots from behind this arc, known as the three-point line. Any shot taken from inside the three-point arc is worth two points.
When a player is fouled in the act of shooting from inside the three-point arc, she will be awarded two free throws from the free-throw line. On these shots, the player the other players on the court stand on either side of the key and cannot interfere. If the second free throw is missed, the ball is a live ball and it may be grabbed, or "rebounded" by a player on either team. Play then starts again. If a player is fouled in the act of shooting a three-point shot, that player is then awarded three free throws.
If a player is fouled while taking a shot and that shot still goes in, then the basket is counted, and the player shoots one free throw.
Rules and Regulations
The amount of time played in each basketball game greatly varies with the level of play. In college basketball, games are composed of two 20-minute halves, while in the NBA, games consist of four 12-minute quarters.
The rules of basketball restrict all players from moving with the ball without dribbling. The act of dribbling is essential to the game of basketball, and any player in possession of the ball during a game must continue to dribble while he moves around the court. Once a player picks up his dribble, he can only take one step. Two or more steps results in a traveling penalty and the ball is turned over to the other team.
In addition to traveling, players may not restart a dribble again once they have stopped it. Restarting one's dribble after it has been stopped will result in a double-dribble penalty and just like traveling, the ball will be turned over to the other team. Maintaining a constant and controlled dribble is one of the most important skills in basketball and being able to handle the ball well is a highly sought after skill.
Glossary of Terms
Three-Pointer: Any shot that is made from behind the three-point arc on a basketball court
Jumper: A jump shot, or any shot that requires the player to leave her feet while shooting
Layup: A high-percentage shot taken by a player who is running towards the basket and attempting the shot at a very close range
Slam dunk: A shot in which the player slams the ball into the hoop with force, typically grabbing and holding onto the rim.
Rebound: The act of grabbing a missed shot and taking possession of the basketball
Inbound pass: Pass the ball in from out of bounds to restart play after a foul, turnover, timeout or made basket
Alley oop: A flashy play that requires a player to lob the ball towards another player standing right by the basket who will then catch the ball in mid-air and complete a slam-dunk
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