Introduction to Basketball – Rules, Positions and How to Play

Introduction to Basketball – Rules, Positions and How to Play 

Basketball, invented in 1891  by  Dr. James Naismith, is one of the most popular sports on the planet.

Understanding the rules of basketball is crucial as it promises fair lay and increases the enjoyment of the game for players, coaches and fans. The game is played by two teams, consisting of 5 players on the court at any given time, with additional players on the bench.    

• Where you'll play

Court & Equipment

According to the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), court dimensions are 28m x 15m. The National Basketball Association (NBA) court is  slightly bigger at 28.7m by 15.2m or 94ft by 50ft  

The court has lines and markings which include baseline, sideline, free-throw line, three-point line, and the center circle. These lines define the boundaries and various zones of play. 

The basketball is 29.5" for men and 28.5" for women and youth players aged 9-12. On the court, it is also essential to have a backboard, the hoop and the net.

• Basketball Essentials

  1. Players & Teams 

  There are five players on the court for each time at any given time, with reserve players seated on the bench.  

  2. Game 

  A FIBA basketball game is four 10-minute periods or a 40 minute game, with 5-minute overtime durations and half-time is 15-minutes, while NBA games are four 12-minute periods, making a 48-minute game.  

  3. Substitutions 

  Each team is allowed to make unlimited substitutions, but those substitutions must take place when play is halted.  

  4. Fouls and Penalties 

  During the game, players may commit fouls and accumulate up to six fouls which will result in disqualification from the game. Technical fouls like poor sportsmanship on court also can carry penalties.

• Key Positions  &  Roles When Playing Basketball

  1. Centre

  Typically, the tallest player, the centre plays near the basket on both ends of the court, blocking the shots and rebounding.  

  2. Power Forward

  The second tallest in the team and play a similar tole to the Centre and are more versatile. They can make mid-range shots and play defense to guard against taller players standing close to the basket.  

  3. Small Forward

  The most versatile on court of the 5 main positions, the Small Forward has to have a number of skills including scoring, playing on the inside and outside, as well as ball handling and passing.  

  Notable small forwards include Lebron James and Kevin Durant.  

  4. Shooting Guard

  This position is the team’s best outside shooter and is primary responsible for scoring points from a long range, setting up offensive plays.  

  Famous shooting guards include Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.  

  5. Point Guard

  The best handler of the team, the Point Guard is essential to making a play, opening shots for receivers and initiate offensive plays. The Point Guard must be able to make excellent long-distance shots. 

  
  

• Basketball Gameplay

  1. Starting the Game

  The game begins with a jump ball at the centre of the court.  

  2. Game Violations

  • Travelling (moving on court without dribbling) 
  • Double dribbling 
  • Shot clock violations (failing to make a shot within the time limit)
    
    

  3. Fouls

  Illegal physical contact with opponents to gain unfair advantage.  

  4. Technical Fouls

  This is often classified as non-sportsman conduct such as taunting an opponent or arguing with a court official.

• Understanding the Advanced Rules of Basketball

  1. Defensive Rules

  The team on defense is the team without the basketball. The main defensive rule is to play  within the bounds of fair defense, avoiding illegal contact and other fouls.  

  2. Offensive Rules

  These rules apply to the team with the basketball. There are a number of rules when one has the basketball, which include bouncing, dribbling, passing and shooting.  

  3. Special Situations

  There are specific rules and protocols for either team like jump balls or timeouts. For example, the ball must be tapped by one or both of the players participating in the jump ball after it reaches its highest.  

  4. Understanding the different International rules

  FIBA has a shorter three-point-line and different time-outs versus the NBA.

Playing (and watching) basketball requires a good understanding of the rules. By mastering the sports structured yet dynamic nature, it’s exciting for both players and spectators.  

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