Rules and
regulations
Measurements and time limits discussed in this section often vary among
tournaments and organizations; international and NBA rules are used in this
section.
The object of the game is to outscore one's opponents by throwing the ball
through the opponents' basket from above while preventing the opponents from
doing so on their own. An attempt to score in this way is called a shot. A
successful shot is worth two points, or three points if it is taken from
beyond the three-point arc which is 6.25 meters (20 ft 6 in) from the basket
in international games and 23 ft 9 in (7.24 m) in NBA games.
Playing
regulations
Games are played in four quarters of 10 (international) or 12 minutes (NBA).
College games use two 20 minute halves while most high school games use
eight minute quarters. Fifteen minutes are allowed for a half-time break,
and two minutes are allowed at the other breaks. Overtime periods are five
minutes long. Teams exchange baskets for the second half. The time allowed
is actual playing time; the clock is stopped while the play is not active.
Therefore, games generally take much longer to complete than the allotted
game time, typically about two hours.
Five players from each team (out of a twelve player roster) may be on the
court at one time. Substitutions are unlimited but can only be done when
play is stopped. Teams also have a coach, who oversees the development and
strategies of the team, and other team personnel such as assistant coaches,
managers, statisticians, doctors and trainers.
For both men's and women's teams, a standard uniform consists of a pair of
shorts and a jersey with a clearly visible number, unique within the team,
printed on both the front and back. Players wear high-top sneakers that
provide extra ankle support. Typically, team names, players' names and,
outside of North America, sponsors are printed on the uniforms.
A limited number of time-outs, clock stoppages requested by a coach for a
short meeting with the players, are allowed. They generally last no longer
than one minute unless, for televised games, a commercial break is needed.
The game is controlled by the officials consisting of the referee ("crew
chief" in men's college and the NBA), one or two umpires ("referees" in
men's college and the NBA) and the table officials. For college, the NBA,
and many high schools, there are a total of three referees on the court. The
table officials are responsible for keeping track of each teams scoring,
timekeeping, individual and team fouls, player substitutions, team
possession arrow, and the shot clock.
Equipment
Traditional eight-panel basketball
A diagram of a FIBA basketball court.The only essential equipment in
basketball is the basketball and the court: a flat, rectangular surface with
baskets at opposite ends. Competitive levels require the use of more
equipment such as clocks, scoresheets, scoreboard(s), alternating possession
arrows, and whistle-operated stop-clock systems.
A regulation basketball court in international games is 28 by 15 meters
(approx. 92 by 49 ft) and in the NBA is 94 by 50 feet (29 by 15 m). Most
courts are made of wood. A steel basket with net and backboard hang over
each end of the court. At almost all levels of competition, the top of the
rim is exactly 10 feet (3.05 m) above the court and 4 feet (1.2 m) inside
the baseline. While variation is possible in the dimensions of the court and
backboard, it is considered important for the basket to be of the correct
height; a rim that is off by but a few inches can have an adverse effect on
shooting.
There are also regulations on the size a basketball should be. If women are
playing the offical basketball size is 28.5" in circumference (size 6) and a
weight of 20 oz. If men are playing the officall basketball, by comparison,
is a bit bigger, 29.5" (size 7) and a weight of 22 oz.
Violations
The ball may be advanced toward the basket by being shot, passed between
players, thrown, tapped, rolled or dribbled (bouncing the ball while
running).
The ball must stay within the court; the last team to touch the ball before
it travels out of bounds forfeits possession. The ball-handler may not move
both feet without dribbling, known as traveling, nor may he dribble with
both hands or catch the ball in between dribbles, a violation called double
dribbling. A player's hand cannot be under the ball while dribbling; doing
so is known as carrying the ball. A team, once having established ball
control in the front half of the court, may not return the ball to the
backcourt. The ball may not be kicked nor struck with the fist. A violation
of these rules results in loss of possession, or, if committed by the
defense, a reset of the shot clock.
There are limits imposed on the time taken before progressing the ball past
halfway (8 seconds in international and NBA; 10 seconds in NCAA and high
school), before attempting a shot (24 seconds in the NBA; 35 seconds in NCAA),
holding the ball while closely guarded (5 seconds), and remaining in the
restricted area (the lane, or "key") (3 seconds). These rules are designed
to promote more offense.
No player may interfere with the basket or ball on its downward flight to
the basket, or while it is on the rim (or, in the NBA, while it is directly
above the basket), a violation known as goaltending. If a defensive player
goaltends, the attempted shot is considered to have been successful. If a
teammate of the shooter goaltends, the basket is cancelled and play
continues with the defensive team being given possession.
Fouls
Main articles: Personal foul, Technical foul
The referee signals that a foul has been committed. An attempt to unfairly
disadvantage an opponent through physical contact is illegal and is called a
foul. These are most commonly committed by defensive players; however, they
can be committed by offensive players as well. Players who are fouled either
receive the ball to pass inbounds again, or receive one or more free throws
if they are fouled in the act of shooting, depending on whether the shot was
successful. One point is awarded for making a free throw, which is attempted
from a line 15 feet (4.5 m) from the basket.
The referee may use discretion in calling fouls (for example, by considering
whether an unfair advantage was gained), sometimes making fouls
controversial calls. The calling of fouls can vary between games, leagues
and even between referees.
A player or coach who shows poor sportsmanship, for instance, by arguing
with a referee or by fighting with another player, can be charged with a
more serious foul called a technical foul. The penalty involves free throws
(which unlike a personal foul, the other team can choose who they want to
shoot the free throws) and varies between leagues. Repeated incidents can
result in disqualification. Blatant fouls with excessive contact or that are
not an attempt to play the ball are called unsportsmanlike fouls (or
flagrant fouls in the NBA) and typically will result in ejection.
If a team surpasses a preset limit of team fouls in a given period (quarter
or half) – four for NBA and international games – the opposing team is
awarded one or two free throws on all subsequent fouls for that period, the
number depending on the league. In the US college game if a team surpasses 7
fouls in the half the opposing team is awarded a one-and-one free throw
(make the first you have a chance at a second). If a team surpasses 10 fouls
in the half the opposing team is awarded two free throws on all subsequent
fouls for the half. A player who commits five fouls, including technical
fouls, in one game (six in some professional leagues, including the NBA) is
not allowed to participate for the rest of the game, and is described as
having "fouled out".
After a team has committed a specified number of fouls, it is said to be "in
the penalty". On scoreboards, this is usually signified with an indicator
light reading "Bonus" or "Penalty" with an illuminated directional arrow
indicating that team is to receive free throws when fouled by the opposing
team. (Some scoreboards also indicate the number of fouls committed.)
The number of free throws awarded increases with the number of fouls
committed. Initially, one shot is awarded, but after a certain number of
additional fouls are committed the opposing team may receive (a) one shot
with a chance for a second shot if the first shot is made, called shooting
"one-and-one", or (b) two shots. If a team misses the first shot (or "front
end") of a one-and-one situation, the opposing team may reclaim possession
of the ball and continue play. If a team misses the first shot of a two-shot
situation, the opposing team must wait for the completion of the second shot
before attempting to reclaim possession of the ball and continuing play.
If a player is fouled while attempting a shot and the shot is unsuccessful,
the player is awarded a number of free throws equal to the value of the
attempted shot. A player fouled while attempting a regular two-point shot,
then, receives two shots. A player fouled while attempting a three-point
shot, on the other hand, receives three shots.
If a player is fouled while attempting a shot and the shot is successful,
typically the player will be awarded one additional free throw for one
point. In combination with a regular shot, this is called a "three-point
play" because of the basket made at the time of the foul (2 points) and the
additional free throw (1 point). Four-point plays, while rare, can also
occur.
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Common techniques
and practices
Positions and
structures
Basketball positions in the offensive zone. Although the rules do not
specify any positions whatsoever, they have evolved as part of basketball.
During the first five decades of basketball's evolution, one guard, two
forwards, and two centers or two guards, two forwards, and one center were
used. Since the 1980s, more specific positions have evolved, namely:
point guard: usually the fastest player on the team, organizes the team's
offense by controlling the ball and making sure that it gets to the right
player at the right time
shooting guard: creates a high volume of shots on offense; guards the
opponent's best perimeter player on defense
small forward: often primarily responsible for scoring points via cuts to
the basket and dribble penetration; on defense seeks rebounds and steals,
but sometimes plays more actively
power forward: plays offensively often with his back to the basket; on
defense, plays under the basket (in a zone defense) or against the opposing
power forward (in man-to-man defense)
center: uses size to score (on offense), to protect the basket closely (on
defense), or to rebound.
The above descriptions are flexible. On some occasions, teams will choose to
use a three guard offense, replacing one of the forwards or the center with
a third guard. The most commonly interchanged positions are point guard and
shooting guard, especially if both players have good leadership and ball
handling skills.
There are two main defensive strategies: zone defense and man-to-man
defense. Zone defense involves players in defensive positions guarding
whichever opponent is in their zone. In man-to-man defense, each defensive
player guards a specific opponent and tries to prevent him from taking
action.
Offensive plays are more varied, normally involving planned passes and
movement by players without the ball. A quick movement by an offensive
player without the ball to gain an advantageous position is a cut. A legal
attempt by an offensive player to stop an opponent from guarding a teammate,
by standing in the defender's way such that the teammate cuts next to him,
is a screen or pick. The two plays are combined in the pick and roll, in
which a player sets a pick and then "rolls" away from the pick towards the
basket. Screens and cuts are very important in offensive plays; these allow
the quick passes and teamwork which can lead to a successful basket. Teams
almost always have several offensive plays planned to ensure their movement
is not predictable. On court, the point guard is usually responsible for
indicating which play will occur.
Defensive and offensive structures, and positions, are more emphasized in
higher levels in basketball; it is these that a coach normally requests a
time-out to discuss.
Shooting
Player releases a short jump shot, while her defender is either knocked
down, or trying to "take a charge."Shooting is the act of attempting to
score points by throwing the ball through the basket. While methods can vary
with players and situations, the most common technique can be outlined here.
The player should be positioned facing the basket with feet about
shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and back straight. The player
holds the ball to rest in the dominant hand's fingertips (the shooting arm)
slightly above the head, with the other hand on the side of the ball. To aim
the ball, the player's elbow should be aligned vertically, with the forearm
facing in the direction of the basket. The ball is shot by bending and
extending the knees and extending the shooting arm to become straight; the
ball rolls off the finger tips while the wrist completes a full downward
flex motion. When the shooting arm is stationary for a moment after the ball
released, it is known as a follow-through; it is incorporated to maintain
accuracy. Generally, the non-shooting arm is used only to guide the shot,
not to power it.
Players often try to put a steady backspin on the ball to deaden its impact
with the rim. The ideal trajectory of the shot is somewhat arguable, but
generally coaches will profess proper arch. Most players shoot directly into
the basket, but shooters may use the backboard to redirect the ball into the
basket.
The two most common shots that use the above described set up are the set
shot and the jump shot. The set shot is taken from a standing position, with
neither foot leaving the floor, typically used for free throws. The jump
shot is taken while in mid-air, near the top of the jump. This provides much
greater power and range, and it also allows the player to elevate over the
defender. Failure to release the ball before returning the feet to the
ground is a traveling violation.
Another common shot is called the layup. This shot requires the player to be
in motion toward the basket, and to "lay" the ball "up" and into the basket,
typically off the backboard (the backboard-free, underhand version is called
a finger roll). The most crowd-pleasing, and typically highest-percentage
accuracy shot is the slam dunk, in which the player jumps very high, and
throws the ball downward, straight through the hoop.
Another shot that is becoming common is the "circus shot". The circus shot
is a low-percentage shot that is flipped, heaved, scooped, or flung toward
the hoop while the shooter is off-balance, airborne, falling down, and/or
facing away from the basket.
A shot that misses both the rim and the backboard completely is referred to
as an air ball. A particularly bad shot, or one that only hits the
backboard, is jocularly called a brick.
Rebounding
The objective of rebounding is to successfully gain possession of the
basketball after a missed field goal or free throw, as it rebounds from the
hoop or backboard. This plays a major role in the game, as most possessions
end when a team misses a shot. There are two categories of rebounds:
offensive rebounds, in which the ball is recovered by the offensive side and
does not change possession, and defensive rebounds, in which the defending
team gains possession of the loose ball. The majority of rebounds are
defensive, as the team on defense tends to be in better position to recover
missed shots.
Passing
See also: Assist (basketball)
A pass is a method of moving the ball between players. Most passes are
accompanied by a step forward to increase power and are followed through
with the hands to ensure accuracy.
A staple pass is the chest pass. The ball is passed directly from the
passer's chest to the receiver's chest. A proper chest pass involves an
outward snap of the thumbs to add velocity and leaves the defense little
time to react.
Another type of pass is the bounce pass. Here, the passer bounces the ball
crisply about two-thirds of the way from his own chest to the receiver. The
ball strikes the court and bounces up toward the receiver. The bounce pass
takes longer to complete than the chest pass, but it is also harder for the
opposing team to intercept (kicking the ball deliberately is a violation).
Thus, players often use the bounce pass in crowded moments, or to pass
around a defender.
The overhead pass is used to pass the ball over a defender. The ball is
released while over the passer's head.
The outlet pass occurs after a team gets a defensive rebound. The next pass
after the rebound is the outlet pass.
The crucial aspect of any good pass is being impossible to intercept. Good
passers can pass the ball with great accuracy and touch and know exactly
where each of their teammates like to receive the ball. A special way of
doing this is passing the ball without looking at the receiving teammate.
This is called a no-look pass.
Another advanced style of passing is the behind-the-back pass which, as the
description implies, involves throwing the ball behind the passer's back to
a teammate. Although some players can perform them effectively, many coaches
discourage no-look or behind-the-back passes, believing them to be
fundamentally unsound, difficult to control, and more likely to result in
turnovers or violations.
Dribbling
A U.S. Naval Academy ("Navy") player, left, posts up a U.S. Military Academy
("Army") defenderMain article: Dribble
Dribbling is the act of bouncing the ball continuously, and is a requirement
for a player to take steps with the ball. To dribble, a player pushes the
ball down towards the ground rather than patting it; this ensures greater
control.
When dribbling past an opponent, the dribbler should dribble with the hand
farthest from the opponent, making it more difficult for the defensive
player to get to the ball. It is therefore important for a player to be able
to dribble competently with both hands.
Good dribblers (or "ball handlers") tend to bounce the ball low to the
ground, reducing the travel from the floor to the hand, making it more
difficult for the defender to "steal" the ball. Additionally, good ball
handlers frequently dribble behind their backs, between their legs, and
change hands and directions of the dribble frequently, making a less
predictable dribbling pattern that is more difficult to defend, this is
called a crossover which is the most effective way to pass defenders while
dribbling.
A skilled player can dribble without watching the ball, using the dribbling
motion or peripheral vision to keep track of the ball's location. By not
having to focus on the ball, a player can look for teammates or scoring
opportunities, as well as avoid the danger of someone stealing the ball from
him/her.
Blocking
A block is performed when, after a shot is attempted, a defender attempts to
alter the shot by touching the ball. In almost all variants of play, it is
illegal to touch the ball after it is in the downward part of its arc; this
is known as goaltending. It is also illegal to block a shot after it has
touched the backboard, or when any part of the ball is directly above the
rim.
To block a shot, a player has to be able to reach a point higher than where
the shot is released. Thus, height can be an advantage in blocking. Players
at the taller power forward or center positions generally record more blocks
than players at the shorter guard positions. However, with good timing and
sufficient vertical leap, even shorter players can be effective at blocking
shots.
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