Basketball is a popular game in the United States and other parts of the world. There are many youth leagues and organizations throughout the country that develop basketball players from an early age. Youth leagues build teamwork and fitness. Youth basketball operates with basically the same rules as regular basketball, with some variations depending on the league rules, players' ages and level of play.
The Game
Youth basketball games are played with five players per team on the court at one time. A youth game typically consists of two 20-minute halves, but this can vary depending on jurisdiction. Junior high through varsity level games consist of four 8-minute quarters. Scoring is the usual 2 points per basket, but there are no 3-point shots. A youth court typically is 74 feet long by 42 feet wide. The basket is 10 feet off the floor, but some leagues will adjust to suit the players' size and skill level.
Violations
There are violations in youth basketball just like any other type of basketball. Play stops on a violation and the opposing team takes possession of the ball. Violations are called for infractions such as "charging" into a defender; "traveling" with the basketball without dribbling; double-dribble, in which a player stops, holds, then restarts his dribble; and the over-and-back rule, which states that once you bring the ball over center court from the defensive zone, you cannot go back. There are no offensive players allowed in the free-throw lane for more than five seconds. You have five seconds to make an inbound pass after a basket, turnover or timeout, and you must move the ball over center court no more than 10 seconds after taking possession. Any profanity detected by an official will result in a technical foul and two free throws for the opposing team.
Players
The players in a youth basketball game play the same positions as in regular basketball, which are point guard, shooting guard, power forward, small forward and center. In many youth games, each player must play at least one quarter in the first half and make an appearance in the second half.
Score
The scoring in youth basketball is the same as in regular basketball, but with younger-age children there typically is no 3-point shot. There is also no dunking, and if a team is ahead by 20 points or more, no full-court press. The offensive team must hang back and allow the defenders to bring the ball out.
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