Basketball is a game of skill, talent and athleticism. In order for players to improve, they have to practice regularly. However, to have a chance to compete against top competition, players and coaches have to understand the rules and all the nuances. Basketball may officially be a noncontact game, but try telling that to anyone who has ever battled for a rebound under the boards.
Game Parameters
All professional games are 48 minutes long. The game is divided into four 12-minute quarters. If the score is tied at the end of the fourth quarter, teams play a five-minute overtime period. They continue in that manner until the tie is broken. There is a three-minute break between the first and second quarters and the third and fourth quarters. There is a 15-minute break at halftime. Each team has 30 seconds to replace a player that has fouled out. Shots taken from inside the three-point arc are worth two points. Points taken from outside the arc are worth three points.
Personal Fouls
No defensive player can make contact with any player on the offensive team. This does not apply to incidental contact while players run down court. However, if the player with the ball is attempting to get to a particular spot on the court and defensive player blocks him, a foul will be called. If a defensive player makes contact with the shooter and the shot is missed, the shooter will get two or three free throws, depending if the shot came from beyond the three-point line. If the shooter made the shot from the field, he gets one additional free throw. If an offensive player initiates contact with a defensive player, a foul will be called and the defensive team will be awarded possession.
Violations
In addition to fouls, teams can commit violations that result in possession of the ball going to the defense. If an offensive player is called for double dribble, over-and-back, losing the ball out of bounds or kicking the ball, the opponent gets possession. Additionally, if the offensive team fails to get a shot off in 24 seconds, fails to get the ball over midcourt in 8 seconds or sets a moving screen, the opponent gets possession.
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