Most fans know the key rules in basketball that have to do with defensive fouls and shooting fouls that send players to the free-throw line. They also know about traveling, the double-dribble and the 24-second clock. These are all primary basketball rules that come into play throughout the game. However, there are several secondary basketball rules that can impact the game that are not as well-known.
Moving Pick
One of the best ways to get open for a shot is to take advantage of the screen or "pick" that one of your teammates has set for you. This is done when your teammate comes in behind the opponent who is guarding you, sets his feet and prevents that man from covering your because his path is blocked. However, your teammate has to be careful. Once he sets a pick, he cannot move his feet to stay in front of the defensive player he is blocking. That is called a moving pick and it will give your opponent possession of the ball. Your teammate can move his feet in order to get open or make another play, but he may not continue to screen the defensive player while moving. This is something that officials generally will not tolerate and will result in a foul being called.
Free-Throw Rules
A player has a limited amount of time to shoot the ball once the referee gives him the ball while standing at the free-throw line. The player must shoot the ball within 10 seconds of receiving the ball or that free throw will not be shot. If a player has two free throws to shoot after getting fouled while shooting, he will stand at the free-throw line. The referee will deliver the ball to him with a pass. If the player doesn't shoot in 10 seconds, the first free throw will be eliminated. After that, the referee will take the ball back, blow his whistle and hand the ball back to the shooter. He will have another 10 seconds to shoot. If he does not do that in time, his other free throw will be eliminated.
Players must also set themselves in the free-throw blocks on the side of the lane once the shooter has the ball. If a player leaves his block before the ball is shot, the referee will either eliminate the free throw or give the shooter another opportunity, depending on which team committed the free-throw violation.
Entering the Game
Players must enter the game in a legal manner. If a coach tells a player to enter the game, he cannot simply walk out onto the court at the next whistle. Instead, he must report into the game at the scorer's table. He must give the official scorer his uniform number and name and also give the number of the player he is replacing. At the next whistle, the player will be allowed to enter the game legally when the official scorer gives the referee the signal that the player has reported legally. If a player goes into the game without reporting, the opponent will be given a technical free throw.
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