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How long do junior high basketball games last
How Long Is A Basketball Game? (All Levels Answered)
Whether you’re an excited fan ready to go see your favorite team or a concerned parent worried that you may not be able to make it to your kids basketball game...
You’re probably wondering, "exactly how long is a basketball game?"
In this post we’ll go over the average length of a game in all the different levels of basketball, including the youth leagues, high school, college, FIBA and finally the NBA.
Let’s jump right into it!
Table of Contents
How Long is a Youth Basketball Game?
How Long is a High School Basketball Game?
How Long is a College Basketball Game?
How Long is an NBA Game?
How Long is a WNBA Game?
How Long is a FIBA Game?
How Long is a Youth Basketball Game?
Youth basketball leagues around the world run their games slightly differently from one another.
The most common game length is four 8-minute quarters.
While that may seem like a large amount of time for young basketball players, most leagues run the clock continuously, with the only stoppage being from timeouts and the end of the quarter.
There’s also a quick five-minute break after the second quarter for half time.
How Long is a High School Basketball Game?
Surprisingly enough, high school basketball games are pretty similar to youth games.
They have four quarters that are all 8-minutes long, with the total game time lasting approximately 1.5 hours.
(Junior varsity games tend to be a little different than that. They are still four quarters, but each quarter consists of only six minutes instead of eight which ends up making games about twenty minutes quicker.)
High school coaches are given 5 timeouts... 3x full timeouts and 2x 30-second timeouts.
The actual length of the game varies depending on how close the score is, the number of fouls called, and how many timeouts were used.
Most high schools also have the mercy rule implemented, which turns the standard game clock into a constant running clock if one team jumps out to a large lead.
There are some states that keep the mercy rule at around 30 points while others have it higher.
If the mercy rule gets activated and the running clock starts, the game is going to finish much quicker than if the clock stopped often throughout the game.
How Long is a College Basketball Game?
The NCAA sets college basketball games at 40 minutes for both the men’s and women’s leagues.
Women’s NCAA basketball games are broken down into 4x 10-minute quarters and games often last around 2 hours in total time.
Men’s NCAA basketball games are broken down into 2x 20-minute halves and often last between 2 and 2. 5 hours total.
The main reason for the increased overall time from men’s to women’s is that halves give the teams more time to rack up fouls and put the opposing team in the bonus.
Free throws are intuitively time-consuming as the game clock is stopped and can sometimes drastically extend the length of the game.
When halves are played, there’s more time for a team to reach the 7-foul threshold, making for a slower end to each half.
The NCAA has a :30-second shot clock and has recently implemented video replay which can extend the time due to how long the replay takes.
How Long is an NBA Game?
Now we’re up to the professional leagues...
NBA games have 4x 12-minute quarters totaling 48-minutes, with 5-minute overtimes if needed.
The entire event can take between 2 - 3 hours.
The length of any single contest can be impacted by numerous factors, such as pace of play, total fouls called, in-game reviews, timeouts, and the potential of overtime.
Due to the NBA’s popularity, media drives some aspects of the game, meaning a longer half-time (15-minutes), and additional media timeouts.
Each team is given a total of 7 timeouts, each 1:15-seconds in length, to use throughout the game, which definitely adds to the overall length of the game.
In recent years, the addition of video replay has also had a huge impact on the length of the game, especially the last couple of minutes.
Fun Fact: The longest NBA game ever was played on January 6th, 1951 as the Indianapolis Olympians beat Rochester Royals. This game went an incredible 6 overtimes with a total of 78-minutes of actual game time played. Surprisingly, the total score of the game was only 75-73, what a different NBA it was in 1951.
How Long is a WNBA Game?
WNBA games have 4x 10-minute quarters totaling 40-minutes, with 5-minute overtimes if needed.
Besides the length of the quarters, the WNBA and NBA have many similarities in their rule structure, especially in the length of games.
The shot clock in the WNBA is also set at 24-seconds and halftime is 15-minutes as well.
WNBA games take around 2-hours to complete given the shortened quarter length.
How Long is a FIBA Game?
Similar to the WNBA...
FIBA games have 4x 10-minute quarters totaling 40-minutes, with 5-minute overtimes if needed.
As it pertains to real time, these games usually take about two hours to finish up.
They do have a standard 24-second shot clock to keep the game moving at all times along with a halftime break of 15-minutes between the second and third quarters of action.
They are only allowed five timeouts throughout the game, a little less compared to other leagues around the world which contributes to the quicker games.
Conclusion
As you can see, many variables play a role in determining the length of a basketball game.
Youth players might just spend a total of 32-minutes on the court (with a continuous clock), while the NBA stretches the time all the way out to 48-minutes per game.
Those wondering, "how long is a basketball game?" now have their question answered!
How Long Is a High School Basketball Game?
One of the most entertaining sporting events at the high school level is a basketball game. From the proximity of the spectators in the bleachers to the court, the pace of the entire event from warm-ups and game play, to the enthusiasm of the crowd makes a high school game a must. This is particularly the case if you have a family member participating in the game.
How long is a high school basketball game? The National Federation of High School Associations (NFHS) states that all high school games will be at least 32 minutes, divided into four, eight-minute quarters. There is a 10-minute halftime intermission, a couple minutes between the first and second quarters and third and fourth quarters. The length of actual time in the gym for the game is extended further if there is overtime (4 minutes), or time outs (each team has three 60 second and two 30 second time outs).
A high school game can go by more quickly if either team is ahead by 30 points at any time during play, due to what is commonly known as the “mercy rule”. In this case the clock continues to run and only stops for a timeout or injured player. Should the trailing team cut the deficit to under 20, the clock will operate under normal rules.
Generally speaking, a high school game will run in the neighborhood of an hour and 15 minutes to an hour and 30 minutes. For those that want to enjoy the entire high school basketball experience, arrive around thirty minutes prior to schedule tip-off for pregame warmups. Also, many times the junior varsity game will be played prior to the varsity taking the floor, so arrive even early to catch some of that action.
How Long are Pro Basketball Games?
In comparison, the games at the high school level are significantly less time than NCAA, WNBA, NBA and FIBA. The FIBA is generally considered the world wide governing body in basketball. The top league in the world is acknowledged to be the NBA, which is played in four, 12-minute quarters for total game time of 48 minutes. While some international competition also has 48-minute games, many use 10-minute quarters for a 40-minute contest. Breaks between quarters vary between two and three minutes between the first and second quarters and between the third and fourth quarters. Halftime intermission is generally 15 minutes.
How Long is a Collge Basketball Game?
At the collegiate level, governed by the NCAA, the games are 40 minutes long, similar to many international games. The difference is there is only one break, at the end of the 20-minute half. The break time is similar to that of the professional game, around 15 minutes. Women’s professional leagues also play 40-minute games, as do the collegiate games with the same time intermission between halves.
What Adds to the Length of Any Basketball Game?
If you factor in the total time that the clock is stopped, and intermissions, a game will end up taking at least two hours. Many times the clock appears to be at a standstill late in games with multiple clock stoppages due to fouls, free throws, and timeouts. Therefore, 2 hours and 30 minutes is more likely the total time for a game. Add in significant extra time if a 5-minute playoff or more is needed.
The types of warmups you are likely to see include partner passes, free throws, layup lines, free for all shootarounds, mid-range jumpers, and the zig-zag warmup.
With partner passes, players will practice overhead, bounce, chest, and wrap-around passes generally from about ten feet away from a teammate. Take note of the players shooting free throws, generally two each with a couple teammates practicing boxing out and rebounding.
The zig-zag warmup drill is excellent for practicing defensive maneuverability, as well as ball handling. It’s also fun to watch the players execute this quick, athletic paced drill with one player handing the dribbling and one player maintaining defensive positioning.
Likely the oldest of the pregame drills and the first when stepping onto the court out of the locker room is the layup line. The team will separate into two lines, one around half court and the other on the baseline. The player at half court will drive and shoot the layup while a man underneath grabs the ball after the shot and passes to the next guy at half court.
Players will also take part in the mid-range jumper and a general shoot-around from anywhere on the court as the final warmup prior to starting the game.
All told, the entire high school varsity basketball experience from warmups until the final horn sounds is around two hours. It’s worth every minute for the avid basketball fan.
Rules of the game of basketball - briefly for schoolchildren, grades 3 and 5
Home » Physical education
Basketball is a popular game among different age groups, schoolchildren are no exception. This is a team game, where victory depends on how friendly the team members are.
Let's talk about the rules of basketball for elementary school students. Primary school students need a special approach, they need to explain the rules in a simple and understandable language. You should start with the elementary that two teams of five players each compete in the game. The remaining players are in the reserve, their number should not exceed seven people. Players can be changed at any time. The task of each team, in particular its players, is to throw the ball into the opponent's ring and score more points.
According to the traditional rules of basketball, the match consists of four parts of ten minutes. Two minutes are allocated for rest between parts, after the second part fifteen minutes, while the teams change playing rings. Considering that the PE lesson lasts forty to forty-five minutes, the time for the game is limited, so the rules are adjusted.
Start of the basketball game. The captains of the teams approach the middle of the playing field, the referee is between them and, on the whistle, throws the ball up. The team that hits the ball and starts the match.
What is the technique for moving the ball around the playing court? A player who is in possession of the ball while moving on the playing court must hit it on the floor, kicking or punching the ball is not allowed, this is an elementary violation. Without hitting the ball on the floor, you can take a maximum of two steps, if three steps or more, then this is regarded as a “jog”.
How are points awarded? Not the number of shots into the opponent's basket is counted, but points are awarded. The number of points depends on where the ball was thrown from on the playing field. For throwing the ball from the near and middle point, the team is awarded 2 points, from the brown line or it is also called the 3-point line - 3 points. For a successful free throw, the team receives one point.
How is the winner determined? As a rule, the team that scores the most points at the end of time wins. In the event that the number of points of the teams is equal, then extra time is charged - 5 minutes. If during this time the winner is not determined, then an additional five minutes will be charged until one of the teams wins. So the traditional rules of basketball say, a draw may sound at the physical education lesson, since the time for the game is limited.
According to the rules of basketball, as in all other team games, there are often violations for which the physical education teacher (referee) has the right to penalize the entire team or a specific participant for points.
What are the most common violations of the rules in basketball among schoolchildren?
If the ball hits the boundary line of the field of play, it sounds “out”
Possession of the ball and being under the opponent's basket for more than 3 seconds is prohibited, this is regarded as a "3 seconds" violation
A player cannot handle the ball for more than 5 seconds. Each player is given five seconds to pass the ball to another member of the team or shoot for the basket, otherwise it is a “5 second violation”
If the team that is in possession of the ball does not bring it into the opponent's zone within 8 seconds, then this is an 8-second violation.
Within 24 seconds, the team in possession of the ball must throw into the opponents' basket, if this does not happen, then a violation of "24 seconds" will sound
Being in the opponent's zone with the ball, it is not possible to return it back to the backcourt, "returning the ball" is a violation.
Please note that these are not all the rules of traditional basketball, but this is quite enough for schoolchildren. By adhering to these rules, students will be able to learn how to play this active team game, this knowledge will be quite enough.
You can also view the International Official FIBA Rules for Adults.
( 8 estimates, average 3. 63 out of 5 )
Basketball training in elementary grades.
Prepared by the teacher of physical culture Rylkov G.V.
Since the 2002-2003 academic year, along with the current comprehensive program, several alternative physical education programs have been introduced for students of general education schools. And so, working on a comprehensive program, I decided to use one of these alternative programs,
which is based on one of the most massive and popular sports among schoolchildren - basketball, but can only be used in elementary school starting from the 2nd grade, since the comprehensive curriculum for teaching this sport does not provide for elementary school, although passing through the section "Outdoor games" schoolchildren master some skills in possession of the ball. A certain role in my decision was also played by the fact that our elementary school works according to experiment 1-4, and therefore I, as I work and in grades 2-3, have to look for and solve something different, new. Their program material of the alternative program, I used in my work two educational sections "basic knowledge" and "Special training", and included them in the section "Outdoor games" for grades 2-3. And now in my work in this direction began to include three stages in teaching this sport: Stage 1 - 2-3 classes Stage 2 - 5-8 grades Stage 3 - 9-11 grades Why this sport and not another I chose in my work. Firstly, basketball has become a traditional sport at school for a number of years. Secondly, I myself used to be engaged in game types and basketball is more familiar to me. And thirdly, the technical and tactical actions inherent in basketball are fraught with great opportunities for the formation of vital motor skills and the development of children's physical abilities. But I will dwell in more detail on teaching basketball in elementary grades. Starting from the 2nd grade, students master throws, catching, passing small rubber balls to a partner, stopping in motion on a sound signal and various exercises that develop motor skills. We study all these elements in different ways, but the most acceptable one is through games, for example, “Ball to a Neighbor”, “Passing the Ball in Columns”, “Ball to a Neighbor”, etc. I also use small sports equipment in the lessons, mostly for personal use, these are small rubber balls , cubes, weighted bags. Performed exercises with these objects in walking and running, on the spot, in the lid, throws and catching in pairs, students develop the skills that they need later when handling a basketball. Starting to study some techniques, I introduce the guys to the markings of the basketball court and give them various tasks “Walking along the indicated lines”. To do this, I prepare for them the pace of movement "Hourglass", "Reel", "Snake", etc. In the class II program, I included the player's stance, the movement of the player in the stance, the stop on a sound signal and various sets of exercises with small and large balls. For the harmonious development of the body and coordination of movements, we perform exercises with both the right and left hands, perform jumps on both the right and left legs, and then we complicate the exercises. I start training from the player’s stance, explain why a stance is needed in the game and show what position should be in the stance: legs half-bent, arms in front of the chest, and I give exercises for training. 1. Line up. Crouching to jump out and land on half-bent legs, legs shoulder-width apart, one set forward. 2. Sit down in a line, jump out and land in a standing position. Immediately after landing on bent legs, run to the opposite sideline. Use the rack in outdoor games "Sparrows and Crows", "Day and Night", etc. Movement. There are many varieties of movements, but first we learn running facing forward in a straight line, then we master running with a change in direction and speed. After that, we learn running sideways, backwards and their varieties. The basic element is the position on half-bent legs and balance, which is ensured by the half-bent legs of the arms in front of the chest.
Training exercises: 1. Running around the hall on half-bent legs with a sliding touch of one, then with both hands of the floor along the whistle. 2. Oncoming relay races with touching lines and objects on the floor. 3. Running circles with hand touching the line of the circle. Relay races with running circles. When conducting games and exercises of a technical nature, I use lighter balls, and heavier balls in general educational exercises. While walking at an average pace, and then when running, we execute the “Stop” command, after which the students stop in a wide step position. With the help of various general developmental exercises with small and large balls, we study movements with balls. The same exercises are for the children a means of developing motor qualities.
To master the techniques of the game I use lead-up exercises: 1. Large ball in both hands at chest level. Throwing the ball up and catching it, you can clap your hands behind your back. 2. The same as exercise 1 but with catching after the ball bounces off the floor at different heights6 at the level of the knee, waist, head. 3. Ball on the floor in front of the student. Bend over and put your hands on the ball. Repeat several times. 4. Same as exercise 3, but put your hands on the ball, grab it with your fingers and press it to your chest, straighten up, bend over again, put the ball on the floor, straighten up. 5. Exercises in pairs with the ball. 6. Throw the ball over your head, straighten your arms and catch the ball, pulling your arms to your chest.
In the third grade, students learn to stand, stop by jumping, catch and pass the ball with both hands from the chest from a place, with a reflection from the floor and backboard. The main task of teaching basketball in grade III is to study the basics of the game technique and consolidate the acquired skills in outdoor games and special exercises. In the course of basketball lessons, I use various types of walking in a squat and half-squat position on the entire foot, on the toes and lateral arches of the foot, jumping with a push of both legs (in a squat and half-squat), changing the direction of movement (straight, back, left, right), alternating them with walking. Then I give a run from various starting positions, sitting, kneeling, alternating slow running with accelerations and stops in the position of a wide ball. After that, we perform various exercises for the muscles of the arms and legs.
Jump stop. By stopping, the student must cancel the forces of inertia and take a position from which he can start in any direction. The basic element is the position on bent legs with a variable body weight on the back standing leg. Exercises for learning. 1. Building in 1 line. Alternately in the line, jump in place with a stand with the leg extended forward, squat on the standing leg behind with the hand touching the floor next to it, also on the other leg. 2. In a column, one by one, moving around the hall, make stops on sound signals. 3. The game "Tag" (in pairs, or in groups) performing stops with the arrival. The driver catches up with them and tries to overpower them. Catching and passing the ball with both hands from the chest while standing still. The main element during catching is the position of the hands, reproducing the shape of the ball. Exercises with passing and catching the ball are performed in the player's stance. Exercises for learning. 1. In ranks of 4-5 people. In front of each line is a driver. The players take a stand. Hands at face level, brushes reproduce the shape of the ball. The driver alternately puts the ball into the hands of the players, having received the ball, the player lowers his hands to his chest and holds in the position from which the transfer is made. 2. Standing in line. The driver alternately throws the ball to the players, doing this from 2-3 m with one hand from below so that the ball flies at face level. The player extends his arms and catches the ball with a step towards.
Dribbling with the right and left hand in a straight line. The main element is the position of the forearm and elbow of the hand leading the ball, which, as if trying to take a position below the hand, are ahead of the hand.
5 hours total.
The length of actual time in the gym for the game is extended further if there is overtime (4 minutes), or time outs (each team has three 60 second and two 30 second time outs).
The FIBA is generally considered the world wide governing body in basketball. The top league in the world is acknowledged to be the NBA, which is played in four, 12-minute quarters for total game time of 48 minutes. While some international competition also has 48-minute games, many use 10-minute quarters for a 40-minute contest. Breaks between quarters vary between two and three minutes between the first and second quarters and between the third and fourth quarters. Halftime intermission is generally 15 minutes.
Many times the clock appears to be at a standstill late in games with multiple clock stoppages due to fouls, free throws, and timeouts. Therefore, 2 hours and 30 minutes is more likely the total time for a game. Add in significant extra time if a 5-minute playoff or more is needed.
This is a team game, where victory depends on how friendly the team members are. 
For a successful free throw, the team receives one point. 
Each player is given five seconds to pass the ball to another member of the team or shoot for the basket, otherwise it is a “5 second violation” 
63 out of 5 ) 
We study all these elements in different ways, but the most acceptable one is through games, for example, “Ball to a Neighbor”, “Passing the Ball in Columns”, “Ball to a Neighbor”, etc. I also use small sports equipment in the lessons, mostly for personal use, these are small rubber balls , cubes, weighted bags. 
Then I give a run from various starting positions, sitting, kneeling, alternating slow running with accelerations and stops in the position of a wide ball. After that, we perform various exercises for the muscles of the arms and legs. 
The main element during catching is the position of the hands, reproducing the shape of the ball. Exercises with passing and catching the ball are performed in the player's stance. 
