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Basketball Basics - The Rules, Concepts, Definitions, and Player Positions
The rules of basketball, thankfully, are fairly straightforward.
However, if youre coaching younger players, these rules can be easily forgotten once they take the floor.
The three-second rule (which well 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, youll be up to speed on all the basketball rules so you can teach your players and help them develop throughout the season!
The Rules
Basketball is a team sport.
Two teams of five players each try to score by shooting a ball through a hoop elevated 10 feet above the ground.
The game is played on a rectangular floor called the court, and there is a hoop at each end.
The court is divided into two main sections by the mid-court line.
If the offensive team puts the ball into play behind the mid-court line, it has ten seconds to get the ball over the mid-court line.![]()
If it doesn't, then the defense gets the ball.
Once the offensive team gets the ball over the mid-court line, it can no longer have possession of the ball in the area behind the midcourt line.
If it does, the defense is awarded the ball.
Basketball Court 1The ball is moved down the court toward the basket by passing or dribbling. The team with the ball is called the offense. The team without the ball is called the defense.
The defense tries to steal the ball, contest shots, deflect passes, and garner rebounds.
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.
Basket Assignment and Tip-Off
Also, each team is assigned a basket or goal to defend.
This means that the other basket is their scoring basket.
At halftime, the teams switch goals.
The game begins with one player from either team at center court.
A referee will toss the ball up between the two. The player that gets his hands on the ball will tip it to a teammate. This is called a tip-off.
(NOTE: Looking for a simple plan you can follow with your youth team? Or just some additional drills and plays to keep your players engaged and set them up for success? Check out our FREE 72 Winning Youth Drills and Plays eBooks to help your players develop AND have fun doing it.)
Fouls and Violations
In addition to stealing the ball from an opposing player, there are other ways for a team to get the ball.
One such way is if the other team commits a foul or violation.
FOULS
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Personal fouls: Personal fouls include any type of illegal physical contact.
- Hitting
- Pushing
- Slapping
- Holding
- Illegal pick/screen -- when an offensive player is moving. When an offensive player sticks out a limb and makes physical contact with a defender in an attempt to block the path of the defender.
Personal foul penalties: If a player is shooting while a being fouled, then he gets two free throws
if his shot doesn't go in, but only one free throw if his shot does go in.
- Three free throws are awarded if the player is fouled while shooting for a three-point goal and they miss their shot. If a player is fouled while shooting a three-point shot and makes it anyway, he is awarded one free throw. Thus, he could score four points on the play.
- Inbounds. If fouled while not shooting, the ball is given to the team the foul was committed upon.
They get the ball at the nearest side or baseline, out of bounds, and have 5 seconds to pass the ball
onto the court.
- One & one. If the team committing the foul has seven or more fouls in the game, then the player
who was fouled is awarded one free throw. If he makes his first shot, then he is awarded another free
throw.
- Ten or more fouls. If the team committing the foul has ten or more fouls, then the fouled player
receives two free throws.
Charging. An offensive foul that is committed when a player pushes or runs over a defensive
player. The ball is given to the team that the foul was committed upon.
Blocking. Blocking is illegal personal contact resulting from a defender not establishing
position in time to prevent an opponent's drive to the basket.
Flagrant foul. Violent contact with an opponent. This includes hitting, kicking, and punching.
This type of foul results in free throws plus the offense retaining possession of the ball after the free throws.
Intentional foul. When a player makes physical contact with another player with no reasonable effort to
steal the ball.
It is a judgment call for the officials.
Technical foul. Technical foul. A player or a coach can commit this type of foul. It does not involve
player contact or the ball but is instead about the 'manners' of the game. Foul language, obscenity, obscene
gestures, and even arguing can be considered a technical foul, as can technical details regarding filling in the
scorebook improperly or dunking during warm-ups.
VIOLATIONS
Walking/Traveling. Taking more than 'a step and a half' without dribbling the ball is traveling.
Moving your pivot foot once you've stopped dribbling is traveling.
Carrying/palming. When a player dribbles the ball with his hand too far to the side of or, sometimes, even under the ball.
Double Dribble. Dribbling the ball with both hands on the ball at the same time or picking up the
dribble and then dribbling again is a double dribble.
Held ball. Occasionally, two or more opposing players will gain possession of the ball at the same time.
In order to avoid a prolonged and/or violent tussle, the referee stops the action and awards the ball to one
team or the other on a rotating basis.
Goaltending. If a defensive player interferes with a shot while it's on the way down toward the basket,
while it's on the way up toward the basket after having touched the backboard, or while it's in the cylinder
above the rim, it's goaltending and the shot counts. If committed by an offensive player, it's a violation and the ball is awarded to the opposing team for a throw-in.
Backcourt violation. Once the offense has brought the ball across the mid-court line, they cannot go back
across the line during possession. If they do, the ball is awarded to the other team to pass inbounds.
Time restrictions. A player passing the ball inbounds has five seconds to pass the ball. If he does not,
then the ball is awarded to the other team. Other time restrictions include the rule that a player cannot have the
ball for more than five seconds when being closely guarded and, in some states and levels, shot-clock restrictions
requiring a team to attempt a shot within a given time frame.
Player Positions
Center. Centers are generally your tallest players. They generally are positioned near the basket.
Offensive -- The center's goal is to get open for a pass and to shoot. They are also responsible for blocking
defenders, known as picking or screening, to open other players up for driving to the basket for a goal. Centers
are expected to get some offensive rebounds and put-backs.
Defensive -- On defense, the center's main responsibility is to keep opponents from shooting by blocking shots
and passes in the key area. They also are expected to get a lot of rebounds because they're taller.
Forward. Your next tallest players will most likely be your forwards. While a forward may be called
upon to play under the hoop, they may also be required to operate in the wings and corner areas.
Offensive -- Forwards are responsible to get free for a pass, take outside shots, drive for goals, and rebound.
Defensive -- Responsibilities include preventing drives to the goal and rebounding.
Guard. These are potentially your shortest players and they should be really good at dribbling fast, seeing
the court, and passing. It is their job to bring the ball down the court and set up offensive plays.
Offensive -- Dribbling, passing, and setting up offensive plays are a guard's main responsibilities. They also
need to be able to drive to the basket and to shoot from the perimeter.
Defensive -- On defense, a guard is responsible for stealing passes, contesting shots, preventing drives to the
hoop, and for boxing out.
Where Should New Coaches Start?
Now that you understand the fundamentals, the smartest plan you can follow from here is to help players develop those skills with structured drills and practices.
Our FREE 72 Winning Youth Drills and Plays resource is designed for coaches like you, to help in:
- Understanding the proper technique for the most important skills like shooting, passing and dribbling
- Teaching players these skills using easy-to-follow drills
- Giving players structure with simple plays designed for youth athletes
It even includes diagrams and step-by-step instructions so you can help your players develop AND have fun doing it.
..
Even if you have little or no basketball (or coaching) experience.
Click the link below, and well send you a copy right away (along with a Special "skill development" Bonus for your players).
Get My FREE Drills and Plays, plus a Special Bonus.
To your basketball success!
Jeff and Joe Haefner
P.S. Here are a few additional resources to help you master basketball fundamentals:
- Shooting
- Passing
- Dribbling
- Lay ups
- Jump stops
- Pivoting and footwork
- Jab steps
- Screening
- Cutting
- Defense
- Rebounding
These are all critical fundamentals to master because they'll make you and your team better, no matter what age level or situation you might be in.
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Basketball betting: match statistics from Scores24.live
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ITF men: Pro A
Nov 6 18:00
Paris - Le Mans
Paris loses at home in 7 games in a row.
Le Mans has won (including OT) in each of their last 2 Pro A League away games.
Le Mans has won 8 of the last 9 matches.
Bet: Win2(including overtime)
1.67
Italy: Serie A2 Gold
6 Nov 17:00
Moncada Agrigento - Urania Milano
Moncada Agrigento have won in 11 of the last 12 Serie A2 home games.
Urania Milano have lost in 8 of the last 9 Serie A2 away games.
Bet: Win1(including overtime)
1.58
Italy: Basketball Championship
6 Nov 16:30
Tezenis Verona - L'Aquila Trento
Tezenis Verona has won 18 of the last 19 matches at home.
L'Aquila Trento have lost 19 of their last 20 away matches.
Bet: Win1(overtime)
USA: NCAA Regular Season
Nov 8 04:00
Utah Youths - LIU Sharks
Utah Youths have lost in 9 of the last 10 NCAA (M) home games .
Bet: Win2(including overtime)
8
USA: NCAA regular season
Nov 8 04:00
California Golden Beers - UC Davis Aggis
in the NCAA Tournament (M).
Bet: P2 (taking into account from)
2.9
USA: NCAA, regular season
8 November 03:00
Pepperdine Vaves - Rice Ouls
Pepperdine Weves loses in 16 of the 17th of 17 matches in the Tournament of the NSA ( M).
Bet: P2 (taking into account from)
2.15
USA: NCAA, regular season
8 November 01:30
Alabama Crimson Tad - Logwood Lancers
Logwood Lancers wins at the last 21 matches in the NSAA tournament (M).
Bet: Win2(including overtime)
7
USA: NCAA regular season
8 Nov 01:30
Incarnate Word Cardinals - North Dakota Sioux
out of 17 lost in the last 17 North Dakota games NCAA Tournament (M).
Bid: L1(including overtime)
2.07
US: NCAA regular season
Nov 8 01:00
N.S. State - Austin Pius State
N.S. State have lost in 11 of the last 12 NCAA (M) games.
Bet: Win2(including overtime)
5.4
USA: NCAA regular season
Nov 8 01:00
South Florida Bulls - Southhest Missouri States
900 NCAA Tournament (M).
Bet: Win2(including overtime)
4.
4
USA: NCAA regular season
Nov 8 00:30
Princeton Tigers - Hofstra Pride
Princeton Tigers - Hofstra Pride
M).
Bet: Win1(including overtime)
1.66
USA: NCAA regular season
Nov 8 00:30
William & Marie - Navi Midshipman
William & Marie - Navi Midshipman
William M).
Bet: P2 (taking into account from)
1.48
USA: NCAA, regular season
8 November 8 00:30
Boston University - Nortistarns Haskis
Nortisters Haskis loses on the exit of 14 consecutive matches in the NSAA tournament ( M).
Bet: L1(including overtime)
1.73
USA: NCAA regular season
Nov 8 00:00
NCJ North - Kent State G. Flashes 900 Beg3 Kent
recent NCAA (M) matches.
Bet: Win2(including overtime)
1.92
USA: NCAA Women
Nov 8 00:00
Loyola Maryland Greyhounds (W) - Niagara Purple Grayhounds (W) 9002 Maryland Eagles (W) 9002 Maryland Eagles (W) 9002 G) has lost in 9 of the last 10 NCAA Women's games.
Bet: Win2(including overtime)
6.6
USA: NCAA Women
7 Nov 23:30
Tennessee State Tigers (W) - Fisk Bulldogs
Tennessee loses in match with Tigers in a row in the NCAA Tournament, Women.
Bet: Win2(including overtime)
7.4
USA: NCAA Women
7 Nov 22:00
Tulane Green Wave (W) - Grambling State Tigers (W)
Wave Green (W) 90 has won 9 of the last 10 NCAA, Women games.
Bet: Win1(including overtime)
7.4
USA: NBA
6 Nov 20:30
Los Angeles Lakers - Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers won the tournament in a row.
Bet: Win2(including overtime)
1.62
Italy: Serie B
Nov 6 17:00
College BK Borgomanero - Oleggio Moms
College BK Borgomanero - Oleggio Moms
College BK Borgomanero loses 1 of the last matches of Serie B in the tournament10.
Bet: Win2 (including OT)
1.62
Italy: Serie A2 Gold
6 Nov 17:00
Assigeco Piacenza - Cantu
Assigeco Piacenza have won 11 of the last 12 Serie A2 home games.
Bet: Win1(including overtime)
Italy: Serie A2 Gold
6 Nov 17:00
San Jobbe Chiusi - Rinashita Basket Rimini
San Jobbe Chiusi has lost in 8 matches in a row in Serie A2.
Rate: P2 (including OT)
2.03
Poland: Women's Basketball Championship
6 Nov 17:00
MKS Pruszkow - Sleza Wrocław (W)
Sleza Wrocław (W) has lost in 8 of the last 9 Women's Basketball Championship away games.
Bet: P1 (taking into account from)
7.
6
Netherlands: GBL
November 6:00
Basketball Academy of Limburg - Rotterdam College
Rotterdam Basketball, at the exit of the last 11 matches.
Bet: Win1(including overtime)
3.75
Germany: Pro A
6 Nov 16:00
VfL Stars Bochum - Nürnberg Falcons
Bochum loses at home in 2 of the last 2 matches of 7 tournaments.
Bet: Win2(including overtime)
2.14
Israel Super League
6 Nov 16:00
Hapoel Haifa - Hapoel Jerusalem
Hapoel Haifa loses in 6 home matches in a row.
Bet: Win2 (including OT)
1.
6
Germany: Pro A
6 Nov 15:00
Dresden Titans - Karlsruhe Lions
Dresden Titans have lost in 7 of the last 8 Bundesliga home games with 9 OT:
1.92
Europe: Estonian-Latvian League
6 Nov 15:00
Orge - Ventspils
Orge have won 8 of the last 9 Estonian-Latvian League home games.
Bet: P1 (including OT)
2.7
Turkey: 1. Lig
6 Nov 14:30
Kocaeli Bsb - ITU
ITU have lost 16 of their last 17 away games.
Bet: Win1(including overtime)
3.55
France: Pro A
6 Nov 14:15
Bourg - Strasbourg
Strasbourg loses in 8 of the last 90 matches in the tournament League : R1(including overtime)
1.
57
Poland: Basketball 1 Liga
Nov 6 14:00
Polofarma Starogard Gdansk - Sksklav
Polofarma Starogard Gdansk wins at home in the last 9 matches in the Basketball League 1.
Bet: P1 (taking into account from)
1.5
Poland: Basketball 1 league
6 14:00
Deka Pelpin - Miasto Szkla
Deka Pelpin has lost in 10 of the last 11 Basketball League 1 home games.0003
6 Nov 13:00
Avtodor Saratov - Lokomotiv Kuban
Avtodor Saratov has lost in 7 of the last 8 VTB United League home games.
Bet: Win2(including overtime)
1.88
World: ABA League
6 Nov 11:00
Mega - Studentski Centar
Mega has lost in 7 ABA League home matches in a row.
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