Today is a special day in the history of basketball. On this day, December 21st, in 1891, the first basketball game was played in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Created by Canadian-born Dr. James Naismith, basket ball, had 13 original rules. The sport has evolved and modified in many ways over the past 125 years, but today’s rules have the same fundamental principles as Naismith intended in 1891.
Dr. James Naismith earned his degree in Physical Education from McGill University before departing to America in 1890. Later that year, he enrolled at Springfield College in Massachusetts, known at the time as the YMCA Training School. During his second year of graduate school, Naismith attended a Psychology of Play seminar taught by Dr. Luther Halsey Gulick, the superintendent of physical education at the College. Gulick tasked the attendees with creating a non-violent game that could be played indoors during the cold winter months. The original intention of the new game was to keep restless students in shape in between the fall and spring sports seasons.
In the fall of 1891, after modifying several other sports including a childhood game called duck on a rock, basket ball was born. Originally, basket ball had 13 rules and was played with two peach baskets as goals. There was only 1 point scored in the first game in Springfield.
One of the biggest differences between Naismith’s game 125 years ago and basketball today is that the original game had no dribbling. Players had to throw the ball from the spot on which they caught it, allowing the man in motion catching the ball just a few steps. Another difference was that if either team committed three consecutive fouls, it counted as a “goal” for the opponent. Although this rule no longer exists, if either team commits five fouls in a quarter, the offending team is in the penalty and the fouled team has the opportunity to shoot free throws.
Although, the game has greatly advanced — now played in over 200 countries — from its first days in 1891, the authenticity of Naismith’s original idea has endured. See the original 13 rules below:
1. The Ball may be thrown in any direction by one or both hands.
2. The ball may be batted in any direction with one or both hands (never with the fist).
3. A player cannot run with the ball. The player must throw it from the spot on which he catches it, allowance to be made for man who catches the ball when running, if he tries to stop.
4. The ball must be held by the hands; the arms or body must not be used for holding it.
5. No shouldering, holding, pushing, tripping, or striking in any way the person of an opponent shall be allowed; the first infringement of the rule by any player shall count as a foul, the second shall disqualify him until the next goal is made, or if there was evident intent to injure the person, for the whole game, no substitute allowed.
6. A foul is striking at the ball with the fist, violation of rules 3, 4, and such as described in rule 5.
7. If either side makes three consecutive fouls it shall count a goal for the opponents (consecutive means without the opponents in the meantime making a foul.)
8. A goal shall be made when the ball is thrown or batted from the grounds into the basket and stays there, providing those defending the goal do not touch or disturb the goal. If the ball rests on the edges, and the opponent moves the basket, it shall count as a goal.
9. When the ball goes out of bounds it shall be thrown into the field of play by the person first touching it. In case of a dispute the umpire shall throw it straight into the field. The thrower-in is allowed five seconds; if he holds it longer it shall go to the opponent. If any side persists in delaying the game, the umpire shall call a foul on that team.
10. The umpire shall be the judge of the men and shall note the fouls and notify the referee when three consecutive fouls have been made. He shall have the power to disqualify men according to rule 5.
11. The referee shall be the judge of the ball and shall decide when the ball is in play, in bounds, to which side it belongs, and shall keep the time. He shall decide when a goal has been made, and keep account of the goals, with any other duties that are usually performed by the referee.
12. The time shall be two 15-minute halves, with 5 minutes rest between.
13. The side making the most goals in that time shall be declared the winner. In case of a draw, the game may be by mutual agreement, be continued until another goal is made.
How the Game has Changed
Throughout 69 seasons of the NBA, the constant evolution of players, styles, and regulations has always created a thrilling game for viewers. The game has has changed drastically since the era of the three inch inseam, creating a greatly different playing style. The implementation of the three-point shot and the elimination of hand and forearm checking were created in response to a highly physical, big man’s game, and resulted in the subsequent rise of “small ball”.
Three-point introduction
The introduction of the three-point shot began in 1979, when the NBA absorbed the failing American Basketball Association- who instituted the three-point shot in a desperate attempt to liven up the game. When the NBA and ABA combined, the three-point shot came with it. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reaction from crowds, players and coaches alike initially opposed the three-pointer. Famed coach and player Gregg Popovich claims “To me, it’s not basketball, but you got to use it. If you don’t use it, you’re in big trouble. But you sorta feel like it’s cheating… I still hate it.” Players of past eras echoed the same belief, such as twelve time NBA All-Star Larry Bird, who remembers “Back when I played, we just didn’t shoot it that much. Now, if you’re not firing up thirty 3’s, you’re just not playing basketball.”
“Now, if you’re not firing up thirty 3’s, you’re just not playing basketball.”Larry Bird
Although NBA stars of the past may see it as an easy way out, it is impossible not to acknowledge the immense role the shot plays in the game now. Consider the 2014-15 Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers during the playoffs: the teams took second and third place in NBA history for average 3’s taken during each game, 29.1 and 30.3 respectively, compared to the first season after its implementation (1981-82) where Pat Riley’s Lakers won the Championship while scoring just 13 total 3’s throughout the entire season. It is evident how dependent teams have grown on the shot, accurately summed up by Greg Popovich who begrudgingly concedes, “If you don’t shoot the 3, then you probably aren’t going to win.”
No hand/forearm/body checking
Another massive rule change that shook the foundation of defense was the gradual eradication of hand and forearm checking. Due to the increasingly aggressive defense among teams like the “Bad Boy” Pistons in the 1990’s, the NBA aimed to combat fighting by instituting various regulations throughout the early 2000’s. In 1999 the biggest rule aimed at creating a softer game was eliminating defensive contact with hands and forearms both in the back and front court, except with offensive players who got the ball below the free throw line. Similarly, defenders were prohibited from “re-routing” players off the ball, or impeding offensive players setting screens.
The NBA received plenty of criticism for allowing the game to become too “soft” by outlawing strong defense. The Association acknowledges the new rules were intended to liven up the slow, physical game by choosing “a special committee of basketball experts… in the early part of the decade to study the game and make recommendations as to how to make it more exciting to watch,” in attempt to encourage a more fluid, inclusive offense. By doing so, the court successfully opened up, causing a steady rise in average points scored, field goal percentage and three-point percentage.
The rise of “small ball”
By following the new rules implemented in the early 2000’s, basketball drastically changed to fit this new mold. One of the greatest changes seen over the last decade is the successful rise of “small ball,” and the deviation from big men consistently stationed under the post. Small ball is played by teams who sacrifice player size and low post emphasis to instead utilize smaller, agile outside scorers. Small ball teams build around a strong forward, such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant or Carmelo Anthony, who are then surrounded by players who can fluidly switch between positions.
“Small ball is the way everyone’s going and it’s good for us, we’re good at it.”Steve Kerr
The 2014-2015 Golden State Warriors are an incredible example of the success of small ball. Without a massive player to physically dominate under the post, the Warriors won a Championship for the first time in forty years without starting a player over 6’8’’. Implementing offensive tactics that allow all five versatile players to execute quick, effective passes before shooting was essential to their success, and is certainly due in part to the athleticism and agile size of the players. Gone are the days of coaches preaching, “you can’t teach size,” and instead cue coaches like Steve Kerr, claiming, “Small ball is the way everyone’s going and it’s good for us; we’re good at it. ” As the greatest basketball team in the world right now, ‘good’ is a crude understatement.
With a drastically more spread-out court and lack of big men posting up under the basket, players are also encouraged to increase outside shooting, once again leading to the mounting rise in three-point shots. League MVP Steph Curry, standing at just 6’3’’, is an embodiment of how greatly a team can benefit from having an excellent outside shooter, and is often regarded by many as possibly the greatest shooter of all time. Curry broke Reggie Miller’s record by hitting 59 three-pointers throughout thirteen games during postseason, while it took Miller 22 to complete 58 3’s. He also broke his own 2013 record by making 286 during regular season. Curry’s outside shooting is undeniably an essential factor to the Warrior’s postseason success.
European Contribution
Another factor contributing to the evolution of the NBA is the presence of international players in the league. International players are molded throughout their early careers with a greater emphasis on team fundamentals, rather than individual success. Because U.S. players grow up playing on numerous AAU basketball teams throughout their youth, they are taught more to focus on their individual development rather than that of the group. AAU can be damaging to young players who compete in upwards of 100 games throughout the year by participating in leagues during the offseason. Players are coached to be able to perform at their greatest caliber year-round.
In contrast, European players spend this time practicing the basics and essentials of basketball while working as a team during offseason. Upon recognizing the benefit of this style of play, international players have become increasingly present in recent years throughout the NBA – with nearly a quarter of players representing 37 nations and territories during the 2014-15 season.
One team that has adequately embraced the European-style of play is the San Antonio Spurs. When San Antonio’s coach, Greg Popovich was a young player, he had a shocking revelation after being badly beaten by a Lithuanian team. He remembers, “We didn’t get beat, we got shown up. We didn’t just lose the game, we got a reminder about passing, moving the ball, sharing responsibility and playing the right way. Personally, I had my eyes open to the fact that there were great basketball players all over the world, even if nobody back home knew it.”
“He decided there wasn’t a place in the world, a street we wouldn’t walk down, a rock we wouldn’t turn to find a player.”R.C. Buford
After acknowledging the massive talent that lay overseas, Popovich incorporated his beliefs into coaching and began building his rosters with international players – including nine in 2014 when they won a Championship. With this strategy Popovich became a three-time NBA Coach of the Year and earned five Championship rings. Spurs general manager R.C. Buford claims “This is all Pop’s vision. He decided there wasn’t a place in the world, a street we wouldn’t walk down, a rock we wouldn’t turn to find a player. ”
Spurs star Manu Ginobili from Argentina claims, “Of course, in general, we’re not gonna run as fast or jump as high. That’s the Americans doing what they have. So with the tools you’ve been given, you’ve got to find a way. Here, we just play the way Pop wants, the way we like, the way that gets to most out of us.” Popovich knows how to tailor his game to international players, and the effects of European-style play have been nothing short of successful.
Conclusion
Overall, basketball has seen a drastic revolution since the ages of Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Larry Bird, Wilt Chamberlain and even Michael Jordan. With the addition of the three-point shot and the removal of hand and forearm checking, basketball as a whole has become a more spaced out game that emphasizes outside shooting, teamwork and speed. Coupled with the introduction of more international players than ever before, fans can expect an increasingly quick, smart game that develops in the NBA over the next several decades.
How has basketball changed over the past hundred years?
Basketball has changed over time. The changes affected both the appearance of the form of basketball players and playing equipment, and the rules themselves.
Here are some innovations:
1893 introduction of iron ring with net
1894 - ball dimensions increased to 76.3-81.4 cm.
1895 - introduction of free throws from a distance of 4.5 meters
1896 - all options for dribbling are described and legalized.
After basketball became popular in the US, the game began to be played in other countries as well.
1891-1918 - the period of the first stage in the development of basketball as a new game. The rules of the game, published in 1894, made it possible to hold official competitions. Gradually improved tactics and technique of the game. The functions of defenders and attackers were defined. Improved techniques of throws, ball passes and rebounds. At that time, the game had a static dynamic, as all the main actions were performed while standing still.
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1919-1931 - the second stage of the formation of basketball. Basketball federations were created, which was a sharp impetus to the promotion of the game. In 1927, a school of physical education was established in Geneva. Elmer Berry, a teacher at the Springfield Athletic College, was chosen to head. Basketball has become widely popular throughout Europe. The countries of East Asia began to hold their own continental competitions. At 19In 1919, the debut international basketball tournament was held. Teams from France, Italy and America participated in it.
1932-1947 - the period of the third stage in the development of basketball. The main event of that period was the creation in 1932 of the International Basketball Federation or FIBA. It included Greece, Latvia, Romania, Czechoslovakia, Argentina, Italy, Portugal and Switzerland. At the conference, all countries voted for the creation of the International Basketball Federation and the approval of the uniform rules of the game.
A significant date in the history of the game was 1935. Basketball was officially recognized as an Olympic sport. In 1936, the US national team won first place in the basketball tournament of the eleventh Olympic Games.
During the fourth stage (1948-1965) the skill level of the players increases significantly. More and more socialist countries are taking part in the Olympic Games and various international competitions.
The next stage in the development of the game began with the appearance of throwing the ball with one hand. This technique is more complex, but it improves the accuracy of the throw. As a result of the introduction of new technology, the total score of teams per game has increased. But, most importantly, the tactics of the game have changed. The offensive system was now conducted through the center player, which meant the transition from the game of each player individually, as if he was on his own, to the collective game.
One of the variations of the game was the creation of mini-basketball in 1948 by the US coach T. Archer. The game introduced reduced standards regarding the size of the ball and the height of the basket, as well as simplified rules. The game was intended primarily for children and won love around the world.
In the mid-50s. the attack was the predominant tactic of the game. At this time, tall players began to appear in the teams. Later, however, basketball lost momentum. The team that received an advantage in the score tried to keep the ball from its players as long as possible, preventing the opponents from attacking. To prevent such scenarios of game development, significant changes and additions were made to the rules.
1966 marked the beginning of the rapid development of basketball. Soviet athletes made an invaluable contribution to the development of the game.
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9 eleven
Lakers metamorphoses and do they need LeBron?
After a disastrous start, starting on November 14, the Lakers issued an impressive 5-1 stretch for themselves, only once stumbled in the confrontation with the Suns. But even this game inspires some hope for a slow restoration of affairs in the camp of a disparate Californian team, whose composition today resembles more heroes of “soldiers of failure”. We will try to understand the reasons for such a rapid transformation and whether there is at least some regularity in this. momentum momentum, “Sacramento”, the next series included much less formidable opponents. Davis and Co. crushed the bloodless anti-Semitic epic "Brooklyn", which is still only getting used to Vaughn's ideas. Fled from the young stupid “Pistons”. They crushed Popovich's no-names and, finally, looked quite competitive with the Suns, who, even in the absence of Paul, are able to issue 6-3 and lead in the West. All three meetings won by the Lakers were held at home, the more interesting it was to watch how the team had an away two-day tour in San Antonio, in which she also had no particular difficulties. With the exception of the last match, in which LAL managed to concede 138 points in regular time from a team that is third from the bottom in the number of points scored (108. 3 on average per game). It was in this match that Davis was absent… Let's start with him.
fifteen 7
Surprise teams at the start of the NBA season Last season it seemed that Portland was half a step away from going into restructuring, because how badly they played at the beginning of last season, and even more so after they sat Lillard for a season with an alleged injury, clearly hinted at either the complete failure of Billups as trainer, or for undisguised tanking. In the off-season, having received only the 7th pick in the draft and making sure that Lillard would remain for a long time (and for a lot of money), the management decided to make at least some attempt to strengthen the roster and traded from the rebuilding Detroit for their most productive player that was not suitable for the timeline - Jeremy Grant. And it would seem that this is not a direct strengthening, but at least some attempts were made by the leadership. Drafted who missed the whole varsity season (and looks like Lillard in a wig)0003
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Record performance of teams and their leaders at the beginning of the season
Before we had time to congratulate each other on the start of the new regular season and form fantasy lineups, a number of remarkable trends and facts were already determined at the start of the season, for example such as: the end of Simmons' career, the Lakers' failure to make the playoffs, and quite a successful last draft. But there is another interesting detail - the record performance of the teams and their leaders.
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Boston offseason and first fruits questions and there was no certainty about what the team really is and whether it is even capable of claiming the championship and solving serious problems.
He shall have the power to disqualify men according to rule 5.
Consider the 2014-15 Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers during the playoffs: the teams took second and third place in NBA history for average 3’s taken during each game, 29.1 and 30.3 respectively, compared to the first season after its implementation (1981-82) where Pat Riley’s Lakers won the Championship while scoring just 13 total 3’s throughout the entire season. It is evident how dependent teams have grown on the shot, accurately summed up by Greg Popovich who begrudgingly concedes, “If you don’t shoot the 3, then you probably aren’t going to win.”
Similarly, defenders were prohibited from “re-routing” players off the ball, or impeding offensive players setting screens.
Small ball is played by teams who sacrifice player size and low post emphasis to instead utilize smaller, agile outside scorers. Small ball teams build around a strong forward, such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant or Carmelo Anthony, who are then surrounded by players who can fluidly switch between positions.
” As the greatest basketball team in the world right now, ‘good’ is a crude understatement.
Because U.S. players grow up playing on numerous AAU basketball teams throughout their youth, they are taught more to focus on their individual development rather than that of the group. AAU can be damaging to young players who compete in upwards of 100 games throughout the year by participating in leagues during the offseason. Players are coached to be able to perform at their greatest caliber year-round.
He remembers, “We didn’t get beat, we got shown up. We didn’t just lose the game, we got a reminder about passing, moving the ball, sharing responsibility and playing the right way. Personally, I had my eyes open to the fact that there were great basketball players all over the world, even if nobody back home knew it.”
”
Archer. The game introduced reduced standards regarding the size of the ball and the height of the basket, as well as simplified rules. The game was intended primarily for children and won love around the world. 
But even this game inspires some hope for a slow restoration of affairs in the camp of a disparate Californian team, whose composition today resembles more heroes of “soldiers of failure”. We will try to understand the reasons for such a rapid transformation and whether there is at least some regularity in this. momentum momentum, “Sacramento”, the next series included much less formidable opponents. 
3 on average per game). It was in this match that Davis was absent… 
And it would seem that this is not a direct strengthening, but at least some attempts were made by the leadership. Drafted who missed the whole varsity season (and looks like Lillard in a wig)0003 
