Junior varsity basketball players are one step short of the highest level in high school basketball. Knowledge of all the rules at the varsity level is essential, meaning players need to solidify their knowledge at the junior varsity level. The rules are no different between junior varsity and varsity, so players can spend the season getting to know rules that they will play by in the future.
Scoring
Junior varsity basketball players can score in a variety of ways, and the team that scores the most points wins the game. A made basket during game play is called a field goal and field goals from within the three-point line are worth two points. Shots made from beyond the three-point arc are worth three points. The only other way to score points in basketball is through free throws, which are done while play is stopped. Players get to the free throw line when they get fouled in the act of shooting, as well as when they are fouled and the other team is in the penalty for too many team fouls. The other way to get to the free throw line is when the opposition is called for a technical foul. Every made free throw is worth one point. Players who make a field goal while getting fouled get one free throw attempt, and those who miss or are fouled while not shooting get two tries.
Fouls
The Sports Definitions website lists explanations of the many types of fouls in junior varsity basketball. The most common is the personal foul by a defensive player, which occurs when a defensive player impedes the progress of an offensive player or physically harasses them. Offensive players can be called for fouls, too. If a player with the ball charges into a stationary defender he is to be called for an offensive foul, which is a turnover. An offensive player without the ball can be called for an illegal screen if he is not stationary when making contact with a defensive player. Technical fouls are called when teams, players or coaches violate procedural rules or engage in behavior that the officials deem unsportsmanlike.
Violations
Basketball at the junior varsity level features an array of offensive violations that result in having to give the ball back to the opposition. One of the most common calls is traveling, which happens when an offensive player with the ball moves his feet while not maintaining a dribble. Players also may not dribble, pick the ball up and dribble again. If the ball is thrown backward across the halfcourt line, the first offensive player that touches it before any defenders is guilty off a backcourt violation. Spending three consecutive seconds standing in the key area of the floor while on offense is a violation, as is holding the ball for more than 5 seconds if a defender is actively guarding.
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