Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world, ranking just behind soccer in terms of team sports. In addition to being an Olympic sport, there are many professional leagues throughout the world. The game is comprised of several basic rules that are fairly easy to understand.
Players and Positions
Basketball is played with five players on the court for each team. The positions include two guards, two forwards and a center. The primary ball handler is called the point guard, while the other guard is known as the shooting guard. The forward who does the bulk of the rebounding is called the power forward, while the other forward is called the small forward. The small forward is usually a strong shooter with great movement skills and the ability to make key plays when the game is on the line.
Fouls
Players cannot make contact with each other in an attempt to take the ball away or stop a shot. However, when a shot goes off the backboard or "glass" and two players are battling for the rebound, contact is allowed in pursuit of the ball. However, no defender can put his hands on a shooter or ball handler in an attempt to stop him from shooting or while trying to steal the ball. If the shooter gets fouled and the shot from the floor does not go in the basket, the shooter gets two or three free throws depending on where the foul occurred. If the shot took place outside the three-point arc, the shooter will get three free throws. If it took place anywhere else, the shooter gets two free throws. If the shooter made the shot from the field, he gets one free throw. If a player on the offensive team initiates contact and commits a foul, the defending team gets possession of the ball.
Violations
A team can also break the rules on plays that don't involve contact. These violations result in the defending team getting possession of the ball. Some of the violations include traveling, double-dribble, over-and-back, shot-clock violation, kicking the ball and a lane violation.
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