Basic Basketball Rules And Terminology

The rules of basketball exist to provide a safe and fair playing environment for both teams, regardless of talent or skill level. Understanding the game of basketball isn't possible without first learning the various rules, fouls, violations and the penalties associate with each. Whether you're a player or a coach, understanding the rules of basketball can help you elevate your game to the next level.

Violations

A violation is a minor infraction that results in the ball being awarded to the opposing team of the one that committed the infraction. Traveling is one of the most common and well-known basketball violations, and involves a player establishing a pivot foot, then lifting it from the floor and returning it before dribbling, passing or shooting the ball. An out of bounds violation involves a player being the last to touch the ball before it lands outside the legal playing area, which is marked by a line on the court.

Fouls

A foul is an infraction by a player or team that carries a heavier weight than a simple violation since a certain number of fouls equals disqualification for a player. Contact fouls involve players making illegal contact with an opponent during a live ball. Examples of contact fouls include blocking, charging, pushing, illegal use of the hands and holding. Players in high school and college basketball are disqualified after accumulating five personal fouls. In professional basketball---most notably the NBA--six fouls are required for disqualification.

Shot Clock

A shot clock is used in college and in the NBA to speed up play and require teams to shoot the ball within a certain period of time. In men's college basketball, the shot clock is 35 seconds. For women's college basketball and the NBA, the shot clock is 24 seconds. If a team fails to release the ball on a shot so that it hits the rim before the shot clock expires, it is considered a violation.

Scoring Rules and Terminology

A field goal is a basket made by a player anywhere within the legal confines of the court while the ball is live. A field goal is worth two points unless the player jumps and shoots the ball from behind the three-point line, in which case it is worth three points. A free throw is worth one point, and is awarded after a player or team is fouled by the other team.