Basketball

Basketball is a game played by two teams of usually five players each on a rectangular court having a raised basket or goal at each end, points being scored by tossing the ball through the opponent's basket. The rules of basketball, thankfully, are fairly straightforward. However, if you’re coaching younger players, these rules can be easily forgotten once they take the floor. The three-second rule (which we’ll discuss later in this article) is just one of many great examples. But before you can teach the rules to your team, you must know them yourself. So keep reading, because by the end of this article, you’ll be up to speed on all the basketball rules so you can teach your players and help them develop throughout the season! Rules for the offense The basketball team on offense is the team with the basketball. When a player has the basketball there are certain rules they must follow: 1) The player must bounce, or dribble, the ball with one hand while moving both feet. If, at any time, both hands touch the ball or the player stops dribbling, the player must only move one foot. The foot that is stationary is called the pivot foot. 2) The basketball player can only take one turn at dribbling. In other words, once a player has stopped dribbling they cannot start another dribble. A player who starts dribbling again is called for a double-dribbling violation and looses the basketball to the other team. A player can only start another dribble after another player from either team Defensive Rules The team on defense is the team without the basketball. 1) The main rule for the defensive player is not to foul. A foul is described as gaining an unfair advantage through physical contact. There is some interpretation that has to be made by the referee, but, in general, the defensive player may not touch the offensive player in a way that causes the offensive player to lose the ball or miss a shot. Rules for everyone 1) Although the foul rule is described above as a defensive rule, it applies exactly the same to all players on the court including offensive players. 2) Basketball players cannot kick the ball or hit it with their fist. 3) No player can touch the basketball while it is traveling downward towards the basket or if it is on the rim. This is called goaltending. (touching the ball on the rim is legal in some games). Every player on the court is subject to the same rules regardless of the position they play. The positions in basketball are just for team basketball strategy and there are no positions in the rules. Points When a team makes a basket, they score two points and the ball goes to the other team. If a basket, or field goal, is made outside of the three-point arc, then that basket is worth three points. A free throw is worth one point. Free throws are awarded to a team according to some formats involving the number of fouls committed in a half and/or the type of foul committed. Fouling a shooter always results in two or three free throws being awarded the shooter, depending upon where he was when he shot. If he was beyond the three-point line, then he gets three shots. Other types of fouls do not result in free throws being awarded until a certain number have accumulated during a half (called “team fouls”). Once that number is reached, then the player who was fouled is awarded a '1-and-1' opportunity. If he makes his first free throw, he gets to attempt a second. If he misses the first shot, the ball is live on the rebound. Game Clock Each game is divided into sections, and all levels have two halves. In college, each half is twenty minutes long. In high school and below, the halves are divided into eight (and sometimes, six) minute quarters. In the pros, quarters are twelve minutes long. There is a gap of several minutes between halves. Gaps between quarters are relatively short. If the score is tied at the end of regulation, then overtime periods of various lengths are played until a winner emerges. Fouls in Basketball

Blocking - A blocking foul is called when one player uses their body to prevent the movement of another player. This is often called when the defensive player is trying to draw a charge, but does not have their feet set or initiates the contact. Hand Check - A hand check foul is called when a player uses their hands to impede or slow the movement of another player. This is usually called on the defensive player covering the player with the ball on the perimeter. Holding - Similar to a hand check foul, but is generally called when a player grabs another player and holds on to prevent them from moving. Illegal Hand Use - This foul is called for any use of the hands on another player that the referee thinks is illegal. It's generally called when you hit another player on the arm during shooting or whentrying to steal the ball. Typical Offensive Fouls Charging - Charging is called on the player with the ball when they run into a player that already has position. If the defensive player doesn't have position or is moving, then generally the official will call blocking on the defender.

Moving Screen - A moving screen is called when the player setting the pick or screen is moving. When setting a screen you have to stand still and maintain position. Sliding a bit over to block your opponent will cause a moving screen foul to be called.

Over the Back - This foul is called when rebounding. If one player has position, the other player is not allowed to jump up over their back to try and get the ball. This is called on both offensive and defensive players.

Who Decides?

The officials decide if a foul is committed. While some fouls are obvious, others are more difficult to determine. The referee has the final say, however, arguing will get you nowhere.

Sometimes referees will call the game "close". This means they are calling fouls with just a little bit of contact. Other times the referees will call the game "loose" or allow more contact. As a player or coach you should try to understand how the referee is calling the game and adjust your play accordingly.