You can't flip through the TV channels or drive past the local playground without coming across a basketball game. The sport is wildly popular in the U.S. and abroad, with an estimated 250 million player participating in organized leagues -- and many more playing for recreation. Known as a fast-paced games that requires athleticism and accuracy, it's also got a bevy of rules to which players must adhere. But that wasn't always the case.
Invention
In the late 19th century at a YMCA in Springfield, Massachusetts, Canadian James Naismith was seeking a game that could be played indoors during the harsh winter. The YMCA's athletic director, Naismith conjured up basketball. It was a far cry from the sport people watch and play today. The ball was a soccer ball and goals were made from peach baskets; after every made shot, play was halted and the ball removed from the basket. There were just 13 basic rules, some of which no longer exist. After committing two fouls, for instance, a player was disqualified until the next basket was made.
General Rules
In today's version of basketball, regardless of age, gender or playing level, basic rules exist. Each time five players must be on the court. Players must dribble the ball while traveling the court in possession of it. A shot from inside the 3-point arc is worth two points, while a shot from outside of it is worth three. If a player is fouled in the act of shooting or after the other team has reached the foul limit, free throws -- worth one point -- are awarded.
Other Offensive Rules
In college and professional basketball, a shot clock limits the amount of time a team may possess the ball before shooting it -- 35 seconds in college and 24 seconds in the NBA. Once a team crosses midcourt with the ball, it may not bring the ball back over the halfcourt line unless it's touched by the opposition. If a player steps out of bounds with the ball, it's rewarded back to the opponent. Players who set screens -- or stand in the way of a teammate's defender to free that teammate for an open shot -- must keep their feet set and their body upright. Players may not discontinue their dribble and then restart it unless it's knocked free by an opponent; otherwise, a double-dribble violation is called.
Other Defensive Rules
In American basketball, defenders are not allowed to touch the ball while its in an imaginary cylinder above the rim. Otherwise, goaltending is called and the offense is awarded the basket. If a defensive player bumps into, holds, hits or otherwise illegally contacts and offensive player in a way that redirects her body, a foul is called. Defensive players may establish position in front of an oncoming opponent in a effort to draw a charging foul, but again, their feet must be set and their bodies upright, or else a defensive foul is called.
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