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How long can a player hold the ball in basketball
How long can a player hold the ball in basketball
Basketball rules simply explained
The Basics
A court, two teams, two baskets and a ball - that's all you need. Here, you will learn more about the requirements of a basketball game.
Players
In basketball, there are a total of ten players on the field at the same time, five per team. In addition, a team can have up to seven substitute players with unlimited substitutions.
The starting line-up, also called Starting Five, usually consists of a center, two forwards and two guards. Variations are also possible.
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Scoring
The object of basketball is to throw the ball into the opposing team's basket, placed 10 feet (3.05m) above the court on opposite ends of the rectangular court. Free throws are worth 1 point, a field goal is worth 2 points. If the shot is taken from behind the three point line it is worth 3 points. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.
The object of basketball is to throw the ball into the basket.
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Game length
Under FIBA rules, a game is divided into four quarters, each lasting 10 minutes. In the NBA each quarter lasts 12 minutes. If the game is tied at the end of regulation, overtime periods of 5 minutes are played until a winner is determined.
The most important rules of basketball
Goaltending, dribbling, 8 second rule - lost yet? If you need a refresher on the rules of basketball - fret no more! In this article we will tell you everything you need to know about basketball.
By the way: The rules of basketball may differ slightly from league to league, such as FIBA, NBA or NCAA.
In basketball there are many rules, for example concerning player contact.
Fouls
In basketball there are four types of fouls:
• Personal foul: irregular contact (defensive foul, offensive foul)
• Technical foul: technical violations and lack of discipline (e.g. disregard of referee decisions, provocation, too many players on the court)
• Unsportsmanlike foul: An unsporting foul is a noncontact technical foul which consists of unfair, unethical, dishonorable conduct or any behavior not in accordance with the spirit of fair play.
• Disqualifying foul: flagrant unsportsmanlike behaviour
Defensive Foul
A defender may only defend against an attacker in possession of the ball to a limited extent. Holding, blocking, kicking, jerking, tripping or obstruction with outstretched arms, elbows or legs are not permitted.
Offensive Foul
An attacker in possession of the ball commits a foul when there is contact with a defender who is either in a legal defensive position or moving backwards. Typical offensive fouls include pushing the defender away with the forearm or elbow contact.
Look but don't touch: When dealing with opponents, attackers and defenders need to observe several rules.
Penalties
After one disqualifying foul or two unsportsmanlike fouls a player is ejected from the game and they have to immediately leave the arena or remain in the locker room until the game is over. A player is no longer allowed to participate in the game when they have accumulated five personal or technical fouls.
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Time violations
Basketball is characterized by its fast pace. This is mainly due to the time rules, which specify how long certain actions may last.
24 second shot clock
As soon as the ball enters play, the shot clock starts counting down from 24, which is the maximum amount of time an offensive play is allowed to last. The 24 second shot clock is reset once the ball touches the rim of the basket. It is also reset for ball possession changes, fouls or when a player touches the ball with their foot.
8 second rule
When a team gains possession of the ball, they need to move the ball into the opposing team's half of the court within 8 seconds.
3 second rule
During an attack, the defending players may remain in the opponent's zone for a maximum of three seconds. It does not matter whether they are in possession of the ball or not.
Referees, however, are often generous with this rule and rarely penalise infringements, especially at a high level.
5 second rule
On an inbound pass, a player may only hold on the ball for a maximum of 5 seconds.
In the game, if a player is closely guarded, they must start dribbling, passing the ball or attempting a shot within five seconds.
Upon violation of this rule, an inbound pass is awarded to the oppossing team.
Out-of-bounds
If the ball or the player with the ball touches the ground on or behind the sideline, the ball is out of bounds.
Travelling
As soon as the player in possession of the ball stops dribbling, they can only take two more steps. They then need to either pass the ball or make a shot attempt. The player may lift their pivot leg for a shot attempt but they may no longer touch the ground with that leg unless the ball has left their hands.
Outside of time violations, players also need to be wary of many other rule violations.
Foot contact
Touching the playing ball with the foot, knee or leg is considered foot contact.
A distinction is made between defenders and attackers: br/>
• When a defender commits foot contact, the shot clock is reset to 14 seconds if more than ten seconds have passed
• When an attacker commits foot contact, the ball is turned over to the oppossing team and the shot clock is reset to 24 seconds.
Backcourt violation
When on offense, no player of the team currently in possession of the ball may pass the ball from the oppossing teams half, the frontcourt, to their own half, the backcourt.
Double dribble
If an attacker picks up the ball after dribbling, he must not start dribbling again. Otherwise, the opponent is awarded an inbound pass from the side line.
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.
Ready to drain some shots?
Now that you are familiar with the basic rules of basketball you are ready to (pick &) roll - regardless of whether you want to dribble across the court yourself or just watch from the bleachers.
If you want to look good as a player or as a fan, our basketball products are just what the doctor ordered.
Want to read more about basketball? In this article we present basketball dribbling exercises. Or read about dunking in basketball.
Have fun playing or cheering on your favorite players!
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Photo credits: Pictures 1-3; 5: © iStock / Dmytro Aksonov; Picture 4: © iStock /Geber86; Picture 6: © iStock /skynesher.
What is the 5 Second Rule/Violation in Basketball?
Not to be confused with the 10-second rule of dropping your food on the floor, the basketball 5 count is an important rule that denies the offense from holding the ball and stalling.
There are actually two different variations of the offensive 5-second violation. One used by youth leagues and the NCAA, the other is a variation of that rule utilized by the NBA. Both serve similar functions of forcing the offense to make moves with the ball.
Essentially a count is started when a ball-handler does one of the following: holds the ball; dribbles the ball; or post-ups, back to the basket. Whenever the ball-handler starts a new move, the count is restarted. Through all of these actions, the ball-handler needs to guard at least arm’s length to force the count.
This is an important rule for defenders to know and understand, as correctly playing around and enforcing a 5-second rule can result in a clutch turn over.
What is the 5-Second Rule in Basketball?
The 5-second rule in Basketball is a violation called on the ball-handler, once a player on offense receives the ball they have 5 seconds to either dribble or hold the ball. Until they have to shoot, pass, or switch from dribbling to holding the ball (and vise versa).
The 5-second count will only be started if the ball-handler is being guarded by a defender.
Since there are a number of different youth basketball leagues that can have a variation of the rule, we will use the NCAA rule book as our reference. Since it is the premier amateur league in the nation.
In the rules, the 5-second call is referred to as “Closely Guarded,” and the 5-second count does not start until the ball-handler is closely guarded. The rules state that a ball-handler is considered closely guarded is the defender is within 6 feet.
It is important to note that FIBA (official rules) tournaments like the Olympics have a similar rule, also called Closely Guarded.
What is the penalty for a 5 Second Violation in Basketball?
The penalty for a 5-second violation is a change of possession, the violation is not counted towards a player’s personal foul count nor a team’s bonus count.
What is the official Closely Guarded Rule in the NCAA?
When looking through the Official NCAA Men’s Basketball Rule Book, the Closely Guarded rule can be found under Rule 9 – Violations and Penalties, as Section 14.
Closely Guarded.
The rules go on to explain that the count will be restarted if the defender is continually guarding the ball-handler. And the count is broken when a player gets between the defender and the ball handler, like a screener for instance.
What is the penalty for a Closely Guarded Violation in the NCAA?
The penalty for a Closely Guarded 5-second violation in the NCAA reads as follows:
PENALTY (Section 14):
The ball shall become dead or remain dead when a violation occurs. … The ball shall be awarded to an opponent for a throw-in …
What is the Hand Signal for a 5 Second Rule Violation in Basketball?
For a 5-second rule to be called, the referee must first clearly designate they are making the count. This is done by having the referee use their whole are to extend and retract. If the ball-handler makes a move or any other reason for the count to be restarted, the referee will switch arms.
Signifying they are starting a new count.
If the referee makes it to 5 on the count, they will blow the whistle and call the play dead. Then with one hand show the number five and pointing across the court to signify a change in possession.
What is the 5 Second Rule in the NBA?
The NBA 5 second violation made by the ball-handler while on offense. In the official NBA rules it is called the “Five-Second Back-to-the-Basket Violation.” The violation is called when the ball-handler turns their back to the defender and basket, then “post-up” on the defender. This rule can only be called if the ball-handler is being guarded.
There is a similar 5-second rule in the NCAA (as mentioned above). The NBA Offensive 5 Second count is only initiated when a player is posting up. While the previously mentioned youth and NCAA rule include a count when the ball-handler is being closely guarded against anywhere in the backcourt.
The 5 Second Back to the Basket violation can be found in Section XVI (16) of RULE NO.
10 – Violations and Penalties. It is currently the last violation listed, and reads as follows:
What is the penalty for a 5 Second Violation in the NBA?
PENALTY: Loss of ball. The ball is awarded to the opposing team out-of-bounds on the nearest sideline at the free-throw line extended.
The penalty does not go added to a player’s personal foul count, nor does it get added to a team’s bonus foul count. A penalty will also never result in free-throws.
What is the Hand Signal for a 5 Second Rule Violation in the NBA?
For a 5-second rule to be called, the referee must first clearly designate they are making the count. This is done by having the referee use their whole are to extend and retract. This count is usually made by the referee under the basket since they have a good view of the paint.
If the referee makes it to 5 on the count, they will blow the whistle and call the play dead. Then with one hand show the number five and pointing across the court to signify a change in possession.
Final Words
The 5-second rule is an extremely important violation to keep in mind for both sides of the ball. As a ball handler you need to keep in mind the referee’s count and initiate your move on time. For the defender they need to play upon the defender, forcing the 5 counts out by the referee.
What do you think about the traditional (NCAA) offensive 5-second rule not being enforced on the NBA? Leave a comment below if you think the NBA should implement it.
Rules of Basketball
How the rules have changed in your favorite game
How the rules have changed in your favorite game
WE ALL LOVE TO PLAY BASKETBALL, BUT DO YOU KNOW THE RULES EXACTLY?
Basketball was invented by James Naismith in 1891. Then everything was different: playgrounds, baskets, balls…
!!! Read about the evolution of balls in the article:
Basketball was invented by James Naismith in 1891.
Then everything was different: playgrounds, baskets, balls…
!!! Read about the evolution of balls in the article:
The history of basketballs
The history of basketballs
What balls are played now and how it happened
The beginning
The rules have also changed a lot during this time. Initially, there were only 13 of them in basketball:
- The ball can be thrown in any direction with one or two hands.
- The ball may be hit with one or both hands in any direction, but never with the fist.
- The player cannot run with the ball. The player must throw the ball from the point at which he caught it, except for a player running at high speed.
- The ball must be held with the hands. You can not use the forearms and body to hold the ball.
- In any case, hitting, grabbing, holding and pushing the opponent is not allowed. The first violation of this rule by any player shall be called a foul; the second foul disqualifies him until the next ball is scored, and if there was an obvious intention to injure the player, then a disqualification for the entire game.
It is not allowed to replace a disqualified player.
- Punching the ball is a violation of points 2 and 4, the penalty is described in point 5.
- commit no foul).
- A point is scored if a ball thrown or bouncing off the floor hits the basket and stays there. Defending players are not allowed to touch the ball or basket while shooting. If the ball touches the edge and the opponents move the basket, then a point is scored.
- If the ball goes out of bounds, it must be dropped into the field by the first player to touch it. In the event of a dispute, the referee must throw the ball into the field. The thrower is allowed to hold the ball for five seconds. If he holds it longer, then the ball is given to the opponent. If either side tries to play for time, the referee must give them a foul.
- The referee must monitor the actions of the players and fouls, and notify the referee of three consecutive fouls. He shall have the power to disqualify players under rule 5.
- The referee must watch the ball and determine when the ball is in play (inbounds) and when it goes out of bounds (out of bounds), which side should be in possession of the ball, and any other action that the referee would normally take .
- The game consists of two halves of 15 minutes each with a break of 5 minutes between them.
- The side with the most goals during this time period is the winner.
The most important rule change in the history of basketball is the introduction of dribbling. In the original version of the game, this was prohibited by paragraph 3 of the rules.
One of the first changes in the game and the rules was the replacement of the basket with a ring with a net. It seemed to be very inconvenient to climb after the ball every time after a hit. Around the same time, free throws, dribbling appeared, and the composition of the teams was fixed for 5 players on the court at the same time.
Before that, in some matches, up to 50 people could be on the court at the same time. All this happened back in 1896-1897.
The emergence of FIBA (International Basketball Federation)
Basketball in the early 20th century became more popular and the rules in each country could be different. This was one of the reasons why FIBA appeared in 1932 year. At the first FIBA Congress, the teams were approved (5 people and 2 substitutes), and it was decided that after each goal there would be a throw-in in the center. This rule was removed after 4 years to reduce the advantage of tall players.
Over the next few years, the main changes were related to the number of personal fouls, the number of players on the bench and the introduction of a time limit for getting the ball into the opponent's half of the court.
More changes came in 1952 after the Olympic Games. The game became very boring, because the teams held the ball, having received a minimal lead in the score.
Everyone understood this and searched for solutions for several years in order to save the life of basketball. At 1954 Danny Biason proposed to the NBA to limit the time for the shot to 24 seconds. At the 1956 Olympics, there was a similar rule: it was necessary to make a throw in 30 seconds. At the same time, to add equality between defense and attack, another rule familiar to us appeared: you need to start dribbling the ball before the supporting leg comes off.
Then the game became similar to the modern one from a technical point of view: dribbling, shots, a three-second zone appeared. In 1979, the NBA added a three-point line, and in 19In 1984, FIBA also added an arc.
!!! An article about the evolution of the three-point shot and interesting facts:
10 interesting facts about the three-point shot.
10 interesting facts about the three-point shot.
Three-pointer evolution and insane records.
Changes in the rules and basketball since 1956 have included the number of free kicks, the situations in which these free kicks are given, and individual and team penalties.
Some rules were introduced, and a few years later they were canceled. For example, the "3 for 2" rule: if a player was fouled in the shooting phase, then if one of the first two shots was missed, he could make another free throw. This rule was later removed.
Since the 1990s there have been constant changes: the emergence of alley-oops, changes in the timing and rewriting of the rules of running, which continue to this day.
From the most interesting: if the team has 0.3 seconds or less to throw the ball from behind, then it must be a one-touch throw. It takes at least 0.4 seconds to perform a full throw.
Derrick Fisher made similar throws:
And here is a small selection of videos of how they throw in 0.2 seconds:
Do you want to take your first steps in basketball or improve your basic skills? We have a Basic Basketball Skills workout for you. See the schedule and sign up:
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Coach: Yuriy Bespalov
- Professional player of the INANOMO 3x3 team;
- Champion of Russia 3x3 2019, 2021;
- Winner and medalist of the MOFB championship;
- MLBL Summer League MVP 2017;
- Multiple participant of Moscow Open;
- Champion of Moscow 3x3 2017;
- MVP GrunisCup 2017.
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Rule 3, 5, 8, 24 seconds in basketball and their violations
Hello, dear visitors of basketball-training.org.ua ! Today I want to tell you about the most important basketball rules related to playing time. These rules are quite simple to understand and apply, however, as practice shows, many players do not interpret them quite correctly, which causes a lot of controversy.
So I decided to write an article that would dot the i's in questions 8, 5, 3 and 24 seconds in basketball rules . Let's start with the three second rule.
Rules of Basketball: 3, 5, 8 and 24 Seconds
Rule of Three Seconds
Quoting Official Basketball Rules:
A player must not remain in the opposing team's restricted area for more than three consecutive seconds while his team is in control of a live ball in the frontcourt and the game clock is running.
An exception must be made to a player who:
- Attempts to leave the restricted area.
- Is in the restricted area while he or his partner is in the act of shooting and the ball is leaving or has already left the player's hand(s) on a shot for a field goal.
- Dribbling in the restricted area for a shot for a field goal while in the restricted area for less than three (3) seconds.
To be considered outside the restricted area, the player must place both feet on the floor outside the restricted area.
Notice that you can stand in the 3-second zone until the ball has gone to the opposing team. You can stay in the zone if your partner is throwing the basket. Well, to get out of the zone, you need to go out with both feet (and not one, as is often the case).
8 second rule
Let me quote the basketball rules again:
Whenever:
- Player gains control of a live ball in his backcourt
- On a throw-in, the ball is touched or legally touched by any player in the backcourt and the thrower-in's team continues to have control of the ball in their backcourt, that team must bring the ball into their frontcourt within eight (8) seconds.
A team kicks the ball into its frontcourt when:
- The ball, which is not controlled by any player, touches the frontcourt.
- The ball is touched or the ball is legally touched by an attacker who has both feet in contact with his frontcourt.
- The ball is touched or the ball is legally touched by a defender who has part of his body in contact with his backcourt.
- The ball touches an official who has part of his body in the frontcourt of the team in control of the ball.
- During a dribble from the backcourt to the frontcourt, the ball and both feet of the dribbler are in contact with the frontcourt.
The eight (8) second count continues from whatever time remains at the point of stoppage when the same team that previously had control of the ball is awarded a backcourt throw-in as a result of:
- The ball has gone out of bounds.
- Injuries of a player of the same team.
- Jump ball situations.
- Double foul.
- Compensation of the same penalties against both teams.
What we pay attention to: both feet must go to the side of the opposing team, otherwise you will lose the ball. You can also throw the ball at the referee to avoid breaking the 8 second rule (just kidding, of course).
24 second rule
Before you read what is written below, you can read a very interesting article about how 24 seconds saved the NBA from discouragement: link.
And now let's turn to the original source published by the Basketball Federation (FIBA):
Whenever:
- Player gains control of a live ball on the playing court
- On a throw-in, the ball touches or the ball is legally touched by any player on the playing court and the team of the player taking the throw-in continues to have control of the ball, that team must shoot for a field goal within twenty-four seconds.
To consider a shot for a field goal taken within twenty-four seconds:
- The ball must leave the player's hand before the twenty-four second device signal sounds and
- After the ball has left the player's hand, he must touch the ring or enter the basket.
When a shot for a field goal is taken just before the end of the 24 second period and the 24 second device signal sounds while the ball is in the air:
- If the ball enters the basket, no offense occurs, the signal is ignored and the hit counts.
- If the ball touches the ring but does not enter the basket, no offense occurs, the signal is ignored and the game continues.
- If the ball does not touch the ring, a violation occurs. However, if the opposing team gains immediate and obvious control of the ball, the signal is ignored and play continues.
All restrictions related to hitting and ball interference must be taken into account.
If the referee stops play:
- When a foul or violation (but not when the ball goes out of bounds) is committed by a team not in control of the ball
- For any other reason related to the team not in control of the ball
- For any reason unrelated to either team, possession of the ball must be awarded to the same team that previously had control of the ball.
In the event that a throw-in is administered in the backcourt, the twenty-four second clock must be reset to 24 seconds. In the event that the face-off is administered in the frontcourt, the twenty-four (24) second device must be set as follows:
- If there are 14 seconds or more remaining on the device when the game is stopped for 24 seconds, then the readings on the device should not be reset, and the countdown should continue from the time it was stopped.
- If the twenty-four second device has thirteen seconds or less left when the game is stopped, the device must be reset to 14 seconds.
However, if, in the opinion of the referee, the opposing team will be placed at a disadvantage, the twenty-four (24) second count shall continue from the time of stoppage.
If the 24 second device signal sounds in error while either team is in control of the ball or neither team is in control of the ball, the signal is ignored and play continues.
However, if, in the opinion of the referee, the team in control of the ball has been disadvantaged, play shall be stopped, the 24 second clock shall be corrected and the ball shall be awarded to that same team.
Well, here the explanations will be superfluous, and so it is painted in great detail.
5 second rule
And this is the most interesting rule, often referred to as " close player ". Almost none of the amateur players know about it, it is not judged in the framework of streetball tournaments (if you want to know more about the rules by which 3v3 are played in the Ukrainian Streetball League, read Streetball Rules) and in the USA it does not exist at all! So, what is its specialty?
Close Player
Definition : A player who has a live ball on the playing court is considered to be closely guarded when an opponent is in an active defensive stance no more than one meter away.
