Basketball rules for children can help keep kids safe while they enjoy playing basketball. In addition, basketball rules for children help kids learn the fundamentals of the game. While most of these rules are the same as the rules that apply to an adult basketball game, children's basketball games tend to be officiated in a more relaxed and forgiving manner.
Offensive Basketball Rules
When a player is on offense, she can move the ball only by dribbling or passing; she cannot run or walk with the ball. If she is dribbling and stops, she cannot start again. She is stuck in that position and can only move around on her pivot foot. She also cannot dribble with her hand under the ball; that is called carrying. If the ball goes out of bounds, the last team to touch it gives up possession to the opposing team. A team gets 2 points for any basket from inside the 3-point line and 3 points for any basket from behind it. Free throws are worth 1 point each.
Defensive Basketball Rules
Defenders are allowed to stop a player's dribble by getting in front of his dribble and stopping his forward motion. If the defender squares his body up to an offensive player and the offensive player runs through him, this is considered a charge. If the defensive player's body is not set, this is considered a block and is a defensive foul. Defensive players can swat at and try to strip the ball, but they must not make contact with the offensive player's body. If they do, it is a defensive foul.
Free Throw Rules
A child who is fouled while shooting goes to the free throw line to take two shots. The shooter must take her shot from behind the free throw line. If she crosses the line while shooting, the basket does not count. The first free throw shot is not live, meaning players cannot rebound or retrieve the ball after the child shoots. Her second shot is live, and players can box each other to try and get the rebound. If the ball does not touch the rim, it is an immediate dead ball and the ball goes to the opposing team.
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