Basketball

Description

Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five active players each try to score points against one another by shooting a ball through a 10 feet high hoop. Shooting the ball through the basket scores points, the team with more points at the end of the game wins. The ball can be advanced on the court by dribbling it or passing it between teammates.

Timing

The game is either played in four 8-minute quarters (high school), two 20-minutes halves (college), or four 12-minute quarters (professional).

How to start

The game is initiated in the jump circle with a jump ball. A jump ball is when the referee throws the ball in the air between the two opposing players. The two players attempt to tip the ball to another teammate.

Positions

Although the rules do not specify any positions whatsoever, they have evolved as part of basketball. The following are the basic

5 positions:

Two Guards

 Two Forwards

One Center

Key Terms

Traveling – A violation in which the ball-handler moves both feet to a different spot on the floor without dribbling.

Double Dribble – A violation in which the ball-handler dribbles with both hands or when the ball-handler dribbles, picks up the dribble (stops dribbling) then dribbles again.

Carrying - A violation in which the player's hand is underneath the ball while dribbling.

Back Court - A violation that occurs when a team has established ball control in the front half court, then returns the ball to the backcourt.

Kicking – A violation where the player is deemed to have kicked the ball.

Charging – A foul where the ball-handler makes contact with a player whom has already established position on the court.

Hacking – A foul in which a defender makes contact with the shooter on the arm or wrist while in the act of shooting.

Reaching – A foul in which a defender makes contact with the ball-handler while reaching-in an attempt to steal the ball.

Key – The area on the court that is located under the basket and in front of the free throw line (see court diagram)

Pivot – When a player establishes one foot as the pivot foot; that foot must remain touching the floor until a ball handler who has stopped dribbling is ready to pass or shoot.

Back Board – The rectangular structure, 6' x 3 1/2', to which the basket is attached.

Rebound – when a player grabs a ball that is coming off the rim or backboard after a shot attempt.

Zone Defense – a defense where each defender is responsible for an area of the court and must guard any player who enters that area

Player-to-Player Defense (Man to Man) - The defensive style where each defensive player is responsible for guarding one opponent.