How long is a youth basketball game

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.

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 Does a Basketball Game Last?

Are you wondering how long does a basketball game last?  Or are you wondering how many quarters in a basketball game? No matter what type of basketball game you go to, one thing that always varies is the length of each game.

Basketball is a sport that is played by several different types of people, and at several different age brackets, therefore it’s only right that the price point varies.  It’s safe to say that you will not get the same attention in a basketball game with a group of children as you would a group of paid adults. Aside from the sheer skill level, you will certainly not get the same level of attention to the game regarding time.

Aside from the players themselves, different events take place at different levels of basketball games.   Halftime shows can be large and elaborate in NBA games, where they might be slightly more subdued in something like a high school basketball game.  Overall, basketball game duration is something that varies by level and has a significant impact on the happenings within the game.

This article aims to provide you with a variety of useful information for your first basketball game or even your fifteenth basketball game.  Maybe you are someone who has only gone to NCAA games, and you are looking to attend your first professional game. This article will provide you with useful information on how time is spent at each level of basketball and provide insight into why.

I’m sure you’re aware that basketball games can vary on length, but has anyone ever told you why? Basketball is an intense game of skill. However, with varying skill levels also comes varying levels of competition.  A basketball game you can attend varies by type.

There are several types of basketball games.  These game types include the following:

• Youth Basketball
• High school basketball
• College basketball
• Professional basketball
• Semi-pro basketball
• City basketball teams

There are many other basketball entities which may form that can utilize varied game playtime.  These diverse types and skill levels create a need to have various time for each game. Though timing may be different, one element that is generally kept the same is the need for overtime.

Another element of gameplay that is influenced by the league’s skillset is the difference in the game’s structure.  In some more competitive level games, you will see the use of quarters whereas in college-level games, for example, you will see games played in two halves.

 Other elements of the game also change with the experience levels of the entity playing the game. These different elements aid in altering the overall time that a basketball game is being played.   These elements and overall playtime will be explored further in the article. 

Basketball is a sport that begins at a young age.  There is no restrictive age for students to get involved in basketball.  Many even start to learn the basics at as young as kindergarten. Many youth leagues generally begin for kids in 4th grade.  At this age, students are also able to compete competitively and be serious about playing the game.

Youth basketball games are one type of basketball gameplay that does not adhere to regulation standards. Depending on the age of your child, getting them to stay interested in a basketball game may be quite the challenge.  For this reason, the time of gameplay varies by the competitive level of the youth league your child is in.

Many youth leagues with smaller children generally play the game in halves rather than quarters.  These halves are 20 minutes in length. For older children, most likely junior high level, students play with four quarters, each at 8 minutes apiece.   Shot clocks are also an element that is generally removed from some youth leagues.

The length of a basketball tournament game will ultimately vary.  It will depend on the rules and the level in which the tournament is being played at. Each league reserves the right to decide how long their tournament games will be. 

For example, in an NCAA tournament game, the half time is increased from fifteen to twenty minutes, thus increasing the length of the game.  In an NCAA tournament team, teams are also given four sixty-second timeouts, as well as one 30 second time out.  

High school basketball games vary in length but generally keep a structure like that of professional league gameplay.  High school games use quarters, and each quarter lasts 8 minutes. Though that means general gameplay is 32 minutes this time is, of course, elongated due to the addition of fouls, free throws, half time shows, and other public nuisances.

Many basketball coaches estimate that basketball game duration in high school can take anywhere from an hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and a half.  This time also includes an average of 10 minutes for halftime and three-time outs for each side. 

The officials also influence the amount of time a basketball game can last.  The speed of officials can make gameplay longer or shorter. The number of free throws and fouls will also profoundly impact the length of your high school basketball game.

NCAA basketball game length is similar in time to a high school game but boasts a different structure.  NCAA games are played in halves.  Though confusing for some, why they wouldn’t follow a similar format to high school and NBA games, NCAA games are played in two, twenty-minute halves.   The full basketball game duration for an NCAA game is 2 hours and 10 minutes.

NCAA games times are made up of several moving parts, and its length will change, depending on whether it is being televised or not.   Along with regulation gameplay, which lasts forty minutes, each game includes a 15-minute half time as well as 5-minute overtime, if needed.  In addition to these elements, games also include timeouts. The number of timeouts will depend on if a game is televised or not. If a game is being televised, each team will receive media timeouts in addition to their regulation timeouts.

NBA games have a typical basketball game duration of two to two and a half hours.  This game is made up of 48 minutes of regulation gameplay.  These 48 minutes includes four quarters and a host of other timed activities.  If teams tie at the end of the final quarter, the game will go into overtime, further increasing its length. 

Overtime happens when there is a tie at the end of the regulation time for a basketball game.   Though overtime may generally be constrained to 5 minutes, the game will continue until there is one clear winner.   There is no limit on the number of overtimes that a game will have.  The longest recorded NBA game had six overtime quarters. This game took place in January of 1961.  

Other activities that elongate the time of an NBA game are shot clocks, timeouts, referee calls, and unplanned interruptions. In an NBA game, shot clocks and time outs all boast different lengths.  Shot clocks are 24 seconds, and teams are entitled to numerous timeouts.  

There are several rules placed on NBA timeouts.  In recent years, the NBA has reduced the number of timeouts to speed up the gameplay as well as adding a clause which states teams cannot call timeouts within the final two minutes of a game.  Previously teams were given full timeouts and 20-second timeouts. In recent years, they have since changed the rule to allow for full timeouts only. Each team is given seven timeouts. During overtime play, each team is permitted the use of two timeouts. 

The NBA mandates that there are two mandatory timeouts in each quarter.   These mandatory timeouts have a duration of 2:45 for local games and 3:15 for national games.  If additional timeouts are needed within a quarter where mandatory timeouts have already been used, they will be one minute and fifteen seconds.

If you are wondering how long is an NBA halftime break, they are shorter than you’d expect. Once the clock hits zero on the second quarter of regulation play, halftime begins. NBA halftimes have an allotted time of 15 minutes. 

At that time, both teams will exit the court and retire to the locker rooms.  This period not only provides entertainment for the audience, but it also gives fatigued players a chance to rest and regroup before regulation play continues. This is also the time for coaches to make player swaps as they see fit.  

The International Basketball Federation is the entity in control of basketball.   FIBA Basketball games can last anywhere from two hours to two hours and thirty minutes. FIBA games follow a quarter-like structure.  Each quarter lasts 10 minutes for a regulation play of 40 minutes.  FIBA games are generally shorter than NBA games. 

In FIBA, basketball teams receive five timeouts.  These timeouts are split between each half of the game.  There two timeouts which were given in the first half and three for the second half.  FIBA games, regardless of if they are televised or not, are 60 seconds in length. Halftime lasts for fifteen minutes, and the and the shot clock comes in at 24 seconds.   Time must also be allocated to allow for timeouts, fouls, and the potential referee calls. Between each quarter, there is also a break. 

Though televised games can be fun and exhilarating, they are often slightly longer than regular games in real-time, but what does that mean for the viewers at home?  If you are planning to sit down and watch the latest NBA or NCAA game on television, you should probably give yourself a few hours. Televised games often include pre-and post-game shows.  The pregame show usually begins thirty minutes before the game’s tip-off. Whereas, the post-game will end up being much shorter at about 15 minutes and under.

Each of these shows provides you with insight into the game, any significant happenings with the team, and the opportunity to hear from respected sports analysts.   Tournaments and playoff games will generally be lengthier.   

On average, for the NBA and the NCAA, you should allow at least 2 hours and thirty minutes to enjoy the full game.  Extra time can be allotted to encompasses unforeseen occurrences like multiple overtimes and commercials.     

It’s important to remember that different games all have different lengths.  When you are going to your son’s first-grade basketball game, you can rest assured that it will not come close to the length of a regulation game within the NBA, NCAA, or FIBA. However, as the level of experience, age, and skill increases, so does the length of their respective basketball games.

Games are made up of several moving parts that aid in shortening or elongating a basketball game.  In addition to regulation gameplay, these features include things like half times, timeouts, referee calls, and more.  The structure can also contribute to the amount of time a basketball game lasts. For example, the average length of a college basketball game is roughly two hours, whereas a children’s game may not last longer than an hour.  

There are several reasons behind the differences in basketball duration for the varying game types. One common denominator in each is the notion of overtime.  Overtime has the power to turn a 2-hour game into a 3-hour match quickly. Though there are several differences in basketball, you can rest assured that there has been careful thought put into each game’s structure and flow. Regardless of a game’s length, we hope that you are enjoying each minute to its fullest instead if you are on the court, in the stands, or even at home.  

If you enjoyed this post, you’ll like our other basketball FAQ articles here.

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How long is the 3rd quarter in basketball, how many minutes is the break between halves in football?

Quick answer: 4 quarters, each 10 minutes long.

Basketball is a very popular ball game. It is played by two teams, each with five field players. The total number of players in the team is 12, and substitutions are not limited. The goal is to hit the ball with your hands into the opponent's basket as many times as possible and at the same time prevent the opponents from hitting the ball into their own basket. The basket is at 10 feet or 3.05 meters. For a throw from close range, 2 points are given, from a long distance - 3 points. 1 point is given for a free throw.

Basketball originated in the late 19th century when college students from the Youth Christian Association in Springfield, Massachusetts were forced to do gymnastic exercises that they were tired of and simply bored with. A college teacher in December 1891 suggested that the children play a new game. He tied two peach baskets to the railing of the balcony of the gym, divided the guys into two teams, and instructed them to throw the ball into the opponents' ring as many times as possible. However, that game was vaguely reminiscent of basketball. For example, the guys did not move around the court, but simply stood, passing the ball to each other. The first rules of the game were developed a year later by a PE teacher at a neighboring college.

The current rules of basketball have remained unchanged since 2004. The game begins with a jump ball in the center circle, when the ball must be hit by one of the jumping players. A match consists of four quarters, each of which lasts exactly 10 minutes (with the exception of the National Basketball Association, where a quarter lasts 12 minutes). The break between quarters is two minutes, the duration of the break between the second and third quarters is fifteen minutes. After a 15-minute break, teams change sides.

Content

• Game time
• Better between timers
• Added time
• hit from 11-meter mark
• Underwear
• Rules
• Inventory
games
• Goal
• Violations
• How many minutes the game lasts
• Number of rounds in basketball
• Features of time tracking
• Duration of individual parts of the game
  • quarter
  • attack
  • break
  • half
• Temporary restrictions on the possession of the ball
• How much time
• The record duration of the basketball match

Game time

A match consists of two equal halves of 45 minutes each, the time of which can be reduced only if an agreement is reached between the referee and the two teams before the start of the match and this is in accordance with the rules of the competition.

Halftime

Players are entitled to a break between two halves, not exceeding 15 minutes; a short break for drinks (which must not exceed
one minute) is allowed between periods of extra time.

The rules of the competition must specify the length of the half-time interval, which can only be changed with the permission of the referee.

Added time

At the end of each half, the referee adds the time lost in that half by:

• replacement
• Examining and/or moving injured players off the field
• time delay
• disciplinary sanctions
• medical stops permitted by competition rules, such as stops for drinks (which must not exceed one minute) and "refreshment" stops (between one and a half and three minutes)
• delays associated with "check" and "video review" VAP
• any other reason, including any significant delay in the restart of play (e.g. goal celebration)

The fourth referee shows the minimum amount of time added by the referee at the end of the last minute of each half. Added time may be increased by the referee, but not reduced.

The referee must not correct a timing error in the first half by changing the length of the second half.

Kick from the 11m mark

If a penalty kick is to be taken or retaken, the length of the half is extended until the kick is completed.

Unfinished match

An unfinished match is replayed, unless otherwise specified by the regulations or the organizer of the competition.

The length of a basketball game depends on the league rules, the number of rest breaks and time-outs taken by the team.

Average game time is 1-2 hours. But depending on many conditions, the duration of the match may vary.

Rules

At the time of the creation of basketball, there were 16 rules. By 2000, the Central Bureau of the Basketball Federation introduced 200 more. This made the game more spectacular, faster, fairer, but also more difficult.

The rules concern both technical issues on the part of the organizers, for example, the size and height of the ring, and the fulfillment of certain conditions by individual players, for example, not to push the opponent with the elbow.

Inventory

Basketball requires special equipment

What court is played on

In all stadiums, the court should be the same so that the athletes do not have to get used to it every game.

Size requirement:

1. Length - 28 m.
2. Width - 15 m.
3. Height to ceiling - not less than 7 m.

Photo 1. Diagram of a basketball court. The drawing shows its zones and the dimensions of each of them.

The lamps must not shine into the players' eyes, but the court must be fully lit. Player shadows are minimal or non-existent.

The coating is even, without cracks or other deformations. Wood or parquet is best.

Help. After 1960, major tournaments are only held indoors.

Ball and ring

The size of the ball and ring is the same in all tournaments. This is done for the convenience of players and organizers. A player accustomed to a certain size of the ball will notice even a slight deviation from the norm. And it will be easier for the organizers of the tournament to find a replacement.

The basketball is spherical and painted orange. Circumference - 750-780 mm. Weight - 570-650 grams. In women's and mini-basketball, balls of smaller size and mass are used.

Photo 2. Basketball ball from the manufacturer Molten. The surface of the product is rough to make it easier to hold in your hands.

The ring is set at a height of 3.05 m. Its color is orange bordering on red. A mesh 40-45 cm long should be attached to the ring from below. The radius can be from 45 to 45.7 cm. The near edge of the circle is at a distance of 15 cm from the shield.

Shield length and width 1.05 and 1.8 respectively. New shields are made of fiberglass. Some stadiums have not replaced their shields and have them left with wooden or metal ones.

Game start

Basketball starts with two teams of 5 people. There are up to 7 players in the reserve. Those who start the game are called the main ones, and the rest are called the substitutes.

At the very beginning, two people stand in the center circle. The referee tosses the ball vertically upwards. Players jump after him and try to push the ball towards the team. This is how the ball is played.

It is forbidden to pick it up at the throw-in. The player who will fight for the ball is chosen by the team. It is usually the tallest athlete who has the best chance of sending the ball in the right direction.

The team that received the ball starts running towards the opponent's ring with the goal of scoring. There are time limits that make them rush and make the game more dynamic.

Target

The goal of the game is to score the maximum number of points in the allotted time. Points are awarded for hitting the ball into the ring: one point for a free throw, two for hitting from under the ring and three for a successful shot from the three-point zone.

Photo 3. Basketball player throws the ball from the foul line. For a hit from this distance, the team receives one point.

The three-point zone is located 6.75 meters from the ring. In the games of the National Basketball Association - 7.27 m. It is marked with an arc line. A shot from it itself is also considered a three-pointer.

Players receive two points for hitting inside the line. The number of points, in this case, is not affected by the distance to the ring.

Violations

There are several types of foul in basketball: regular, technical, disqualifying, intentional and mutual. In order to monitor violations on and off the site, there are judges.

A technical foul is given to a player for unsportsmanlike conduct. The referee awards it to a player who is rude to the referee, provokes the opponent, inflicts physical damage on him. It can be obtained even while on the bench.

An intentional foul is given to someone who engages in rough play, such as pushing the opponent hard or elbowing.

Reasons a player may receive such a foul include an intentional error when the opposing team could have scored a goal.

A disqualifying foul is given for a serious infraction. The athlete who receives it will leave the area before the end of the game. The penalty is not affected by the number of fouls the player has received so far.

A double foul occurs when two people from different teams break the rules. In this case, the game is suspended, the ball is awarded to the team that possessed it before the infringement, or a dropped ball is played.

The referee awards free throws when a foul occurs against the thrower. And he might not quit at all. The number of shots depends on the situation, for example, if a basketball player throws the ball and hits, then points are counted and one additional free throw is granted.

If an athlete breaks a rule, the ball is passed to the opposing team. When he scores 5 fouls (6 in the NBA), the team replaces him with a player from the reserves.

List of major violations:

1. Holding the ball too long, attacking or being under the hoop for too long.
2. Run - when a player takes more than three steps while holding the ball without hitting it on the floor.
3. Return of the ball - the team with the ball in the opponent's half returns it to their own half.
4. Hitting or pushing an opponent.
5. Intentional foot play.
6. Incorrect use of hands.

Rules are created to support the principles of the game. They do not cover all circumstances. If a situation arises that is not described in the rules, the judge himself decides what to do.

For international competitions, the rules of the International Basketball Federation apply. They are slightly different from the NBA rules, which are created in the conditions of a large flow of advertising during game matches.

How many minutes the game lasts

The actual time from the start of the match to the end of the match cannot be predicted. It consists not only of the main time, but also of time-outs, breaks, various hitches and the like.

The game consists of four quarters, each lasting 10 minutes for FIBA ​​and 12 for NBA. If the score of both teams is the same, then time-outs are added to the main time.

They last 5 minutes. If at the end of the timeout the score is again the same, then the next one is assigned.

Attention! There is no limit on the number of timeouts.

Basketball time is divided into playing and non-playing time. Non-playing time refers to the time when the ball is not in play: a break, preparation for a free throw, dropped ball or fixing a violation.

Thus, the total time of the match can increase significantly. For example, if teams break frequently, then the ball becomes “dead” for 30-60 minutes. It's hard to calculate or predict.

Number of rounds in basketball

At major tournaments and competitions, teams play from one to three games. It depends on the stage of the competition.

If this is a qualifying round, then a team can get into the losers bracket by losing to the other team once.

At a more important stage, teams play up to two victories. If the first two games were won by different teams, then the outcome of the meeting will be decided by the third one. In case of a draw in the first match, the second game will be decisive.

Features of time tracking

The main feature is that the referee counts only playing time. When the game is in progress, the referee starts the stopwatch. When a pause occurs, the referee also pauses the stopwatch.

A pause may occur due to the fact that the ball went out of bounds, one of the players broke the rules or the coach of one of the teams took a break.

In addition to taking into account the regular time, there are people who take into account the period of holding the ball by a player or team. The scorer counts down the time of the break requested by the team.

Duration of individual parts of the game

If it's easy to figure out the main time, then not everyone knows how long breaks, attacks and quarters last.

Quarter

Quarters in basketball last the same amount of time, which, excluding breaks and hitches, is 10 minutes for FIBA ​​and 12 for the NBA.

This means that players will play for at least 40 or 48 minutes. At the same time, it is worth remembering that due to non-game moments, the time from the beginning to the end of the quarter will be different.

Games without extra time occur frequently. But, in which at least one foul does not happen, they practically do not occur.

Attack

Basketball has a 24 second attack time limit. If a team has possession of the ball for more than this time, the match is stopped and the other team is given a chance to attack. 24 seconds are counted by a separate referee.

Break

There are pauses: between quarters and requested. Breaks between 1-2 and 3-4 quarters are 2 minutes. The break between the second and third quarter lasts 15 minutes.

Requested last one minute. Each team may take up to six breaks: one each in the first, second and third quarters, two in the fourth, and one more in overtime.

Photo 4. A break at a basketball game. During it, athletes can relax, drink water.

Half

Half in basketball - two quarters, lasting 20 minutes in FIBA ​​and 24 in the NBA. After half there is a 15-minute break.

Temporary Possession Restrictions

To make the game more dynamic, the International Basketball Federation has introduced restrictions. They reduce the time of possession of the ball in attack, under the basket and for each specific player.

"Five Second Violation" - a situation where a player holds the ball in his hands for five seconds, instead of passing it to another player on his team or throwing it into the ring.

"Violation of eight seconds." You can penalize for this if the team does not take the ball out of its own half for eight seconds or more.

"Twenty-four second violation" - associated with the attacking team holding the ball for a long time, without trying to throw the ball into the basket.

"Violation of three seconds." The player must not be under the ring for more than three seconds. This rule applies to both the player with and without the ball.

For these violations, the referee gives the ball to the opposing team.

How long is extra time

Overtime - the time that teams receive if by the end of the fourth quarter their scores are the same. The game cannot end in a draw, so the referee can call for as many overtimes as he likes.

For example, by the end of the fourth quarter the score is 80:80. The referee is obliged to set an overtime period in order to determine the winner during this time. If after an additional five minutes the score is 100:100, then the referee gives additional time and so on.

Extra time can be called breaks requested by the team captain or coach. They last a minute and each team can only claim six per match.

Record length of a basketball game

The longest match took place in 2006 in North America. The confrontation between the teams "Duke" and "North Carolina" lasted more than 58 hours.

It wasn't a fluke that the game lasted this long. The goal was to break the world record and collect the maximum amount of money. The record was broken and the money went to charity.

Before that, the record was set in Germany. The teams played there for 33 hours and 35 minutes in a row. Whether this match was a collusion is unknown.

Time calculation complexity

Timekeeping is a tricky part of basketball. Playing time must be counted separately from non-playing time. At the same time, checking that teams or individual players do not violate the rules related to time.

The process is simplified by the fact that several arbitrators are hired for counting, each of which keeps track of his time. For example, one referee counts how long the team holds the ball, and the second marks the playing time.

This complicates the organization of amateur matches. Finding people who can accurately keep time and notice violations is a difficult task. And hiring such people for money is not the best option for an amateur match.

At practice matches, the referee and assistants become such an arbiter. However, you can only really understand the essence of the rules related to time in professional competitions.

Watch a video showing a basketball match between Russia and Georgia.

When going to a basketball game, it's hard to say what time it will be to return home. If the game goes without surprises, then together with breaks it will be about 50 minutes. If the teams take breaks, break the rules, or the referee calls overtime, the game can drag on for several hours.

NBAForm.ru » How many minutes does a basketball game last?

The popularity of basketball on television, and in general, is easily explained, because it is one of the most spectacular games in the history of mankind. For the National Basketball Association (NBA), this observation is doubly true, since in the States basketball has been brought to a qualitatively different level. Here, even the game system is built and adjusted in such a way as to give the viewer the opportunity to enjoy the maximum amount of emotions, experiences and sharp moments.

How long does the basketball game last ?

In the NBA, what is called "net" game time is 4 quarters of 12 minutes, that is 48 minutes. At first glance, this is not enough, because the game in other popular sports takes longer: a football match lasts 90 minutes - 2 halves of 45 minutes, hockey - 3 periods of 20 minutes, etc.

But there is a certain trick here - the actual, "dirty" time of the game, includes a huge number of pauses that fill the time between the game segments. Plus, do not forget about the breaks between quarters, they also last from 2 minutes between the first and second, and third or fourth quarters, up to a 15-minute "big" break in the middle of the match.

According to NBA statistics, an average of 90,341 basketball games last 90,342 about 135-140 minutes. This is true for the regular season, in the playoffs, as a rule, matches are longer.

In European basketball, the duration of the match is shorter - four quarters of 10 minutes, that is, 40 minutes of regular time.

Also, not every game ends in the allotted time: according to the rules, if the teams play a draw in regular time, a 5-minute overtime is assigned, when the teams must necessarily determine the winner. If it is not possible to do this in the first, another one is appointed, then, if necessary, another and another, until one of the squads wins. According to the rules of basketball, the winner must be determined.

The longest game in NBA history took place on January 6, 1951. The Indianapolis Olympians played the Rochester Royals in regular time and then six more overtimes. By modern basketball standards, the score for 78 minutes of playing time is simply ridiculous - 75:73. The explanation for this is that at that time there was no time limit for the attack (now it has 24 seconds, and the ring must be touched, or the ball is passed to the opponent), and the opponents simply did not want to attack so as not to risk it.

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