How many college basketball games are there

GAME OF BASKETBALL

INTRODUCTION

In order to determine the nutrition and hydration needs of a basketball player, and develop plans to help meet those needs, the structure of game day, practices, and the off-season must be considered. The rules of the game, which allow for frequent substitutions, time-outs, breaks between quarters (high school and professional) and a halftime break, lend themselves to incorporating good nutrition and hydration habits. These habits should be developed and maintained in practices and training sessions throughout the year.

An actual game of basketball is of fairly short duration, ranging from 32-48 min of total playing time depending on the level. However, like any sport, players have responsibilities before and after a game, during which time nutrition and hydration should also be a consideration. During the season, practices will vary in duration and intensity, although most teams will practice, lift weights, prepare with film sessions, or compete six days per week. Basketball is a long season; for high school and college athletes it spans semesters and the holidays, which in many cases influences the nutrition and training of the athletes. Tournaments and playoffs provide unique challenges with multiple games in one day or games on consecutive days. Lastly, although off-season expectations vary based on the level, most basketball players are engaged and hydration plans should be developed within the structure of the game as well as with consideration for training and practices throughout the season and year-round.

PART I: HIGH SCHOOL

Alan Stein

Introduction

High school is a unique time period in working with athletes because of the wide range of age, maturity, and physical stature. Regardless of these differences, in general, many high school basketball players have poor nutritional habits, do not get sufficient sleep, and lack proper recovery and training techniques. Addressing these issues is vital to keeping players healthy and maximizing their performance.

The Competitive Season

High school basketball games usually occur 2–3 times per week and are structured as four 8-min quarters with a 10-min halftime. Most high schools will play 25–35 games per season, depending on tournament play. The structure of game day varies widely amongst high schools. Some may have a walk-through or shoot-around right after school on weekdays and in the morning of a weekend game. Coaches may have a set meal coordinated with a walk-through; others leave it up to the individual athletes and parents. During the warm-up, most coaches will take the team into the locker room at a set time, which can be used as a planned fueling opportunity. Because of the great variability in schedules and strategies of different coaches, as well as school rules on eating and drinking during the day, an individual approach needs to be used to ensure players are adequately fueled.

The frequency of practices during the season will vary depending on the game schedule, but are usually 4–5 times per week, approximately 2 hours in duration, and consist of moderate to high-intensity drills focused on skill work, conditioning, and offensive and defensive sets and schemes. The afternoon prior to most games, teams usually gather for 30–45 min to discuss the opponent’s scouting report, walk through plays, and get in additional shooting practice of low to moderate intensity. In addition, some coaches hold film sessions before practices 1–2 times per week, which require about 15–20 min of mental intensity. Most coaches will also maintain in-season strength workouts about 1–2 times per week, 20–30 min in duration, with moderate intensity. The timing of practices and workouts varies greatly, often due to gym availability and coaches’ schedules, since most don’t coach basketball full time. The player’s lunch schedule and school policies are another consideration. Therefore, high school players need help in determining not only the right foods to eat, but also the right time to eat in relation to their school day and practice/training/game schedules.

The Off-Season

The landscape of high school basketball in the United States has changed vastly over the past 20 years. For both males and females, the now year-round mental and physical demands of the sport are at an all-time high, as is the competition to earn a college scholarship. The two biggest changes include specializing in basketball at an earlier age and participation on AAU travel teams in addition to their high school team, thus making it a year-round sport. The structure of practices and training programs of high school basketball players should be adjusted accordingly to accommodate for these two trends. For example, players participating in the sport at this level of commitment could benefit from a year-round strength and conditioning program focused on injury prevention, using sound recovery techniques (including adequate sleep), and developing good nutrition and hydration habits.

PART II: COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Jeffery Stein, DPT, ATC

Introduction

Collegiate basketball athletes usually range in age from about 18–22 years. While physically and physiologically they are a more uniform group than a high school team, maturity levels vary greatly. The transition during the freshman year can be difficult for some as they move away from home for the first time. Transition challenges include establishing healthy eating and sleeping habits. Also during the freshman year, players are usually introduced to more intense collegiate strength and conditioning programs, and many players will greatly change their body composition over their collegiate careers.

Lastly, the student-athletes have class, practice, and eating schedules that vary each day and from semester to semester. Athletes must be able to juggle their academic schedules and the demands of their sport, as well as the social environment of a college campus. The day-to-day variability in schedules means preparation is important for proper fueling throughout the day.

The Competitive Season

College basketball games are structured with two 20–min halves with a 15–min halftime. Many colleges will play about 25–35 games per season, depending on the level (NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA, or NJCAA) and tournament play. NCAA teams must follow the 20–hr rule, which states teams are allowed up to 20 hrs of team activities per week, not including competition. Team-related activities can include practice, film, and weight training. Most programs will practice 4–6 days per week, depending on the game schedule, and practices may be up to 3 h of high-intensity work. In addition to on-court time, athletes are expected to attend film sessions, strength train, and attend to injuries in the training room when needed. Overall, the time commitment is greater than as a high school athlete. The travel requirement during the competitive season is also greater and, depending on the level, more time-intensive. While the top Division I programs charter flights to return home the night after a game, smaller schools rely on bus trips and spend significant time on the road. The provision of food and nutrition services also varies based on level. Most top-level schools have a sports dietitian on staff for consultation and education, but even at the Division I level, the use of a registered dietician varies greatly between schools. At the majority of the major and mid-major universities, athletes are provided a “training table,” or a cafeteria with foods selected specifically for the athletes. However, per NCAA rules, only one meal at the training table can be provided per day while the athletes are on campus. Snacks, such as fruits, nuts, and bagels, can also be provided along with occasional meals on special occasions. At smaller schools, athletes rely on their own cafeteria plan, and the budget is often limited to provide meals and snacks on the road. Overall, the demands of the sport increase at the collegiate level compared to the HS and AAU levels, along with the increased demands placed on the athlete to also handle their academic, family, and social lives. The increased demands combined with the increased independence of the athlete make it difficult to ensure that they are appropriately fueling and getting enough rest.

The Off-Season

The majority of collegiate basketball players are one-sport athletes and dedicate the off-season to improving their game, although multi-sport athletes are found at every level of competition. Most collegiate basketball players will be given a short time off after the competitive season, usually 2–4 weeks, to recharge and catch up on family and school matters as necessary before starting back with skill work and strength and conditioning workouts.

Basketball commitments during the off-season will vary depending on the level and coaching demands. Spring semester workouts can range from captain-led workouts and open gyms to coach-led individual skill workouts that vary from 1 to 5 athletes at a time. The non-competitive season is also prime time for the strength and conditioning program to ramp up to work toward the specific goals set for each athlete. During the summer, athletes at smaller colleges are usually at home and often balance an off-season training program provided by their coach with a summer job. At larger schools, the athletes are usually on campus for summer school and summer workouts. These workouts include strength and conditioning sessions 3–5 days per week and on-court workouts with the coaches. Overall, during the off-season the NCAA allows up to 8 h of team-related activity per week, 2 h of which can be direct contact, with the basketball coaches on the court.

Back on campus in the fall, again the commitment will vary depending on the level. Most teams will start up with open gyms and strength and conditioning workouts as soon as the athletes arrive back on campus. Shortly after the start of the school year, individual workouts might take place with the coaching staffs. During the preseason, coaches can work with players on the court for up to 2 h per week, preparing for the competitive season.

PART III: PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL

Jack Ransone, PhD, ATC

Introduction

The best of the best basketball players make it to the professional level. For the first time, the athlete’s schedule is completely dedicated to the sport; however, there are also increased demands for the athlete’s time for charity work, endorsements, social obligations, etc.

The Competitive Season

For male athletes in the United States, the National Basketball Association (NBA) regular season runs October-April, with the playoffs extending into June. It is not unusual to play 3 to 4 games per week with the possibility of competing on back-to-back days. Each team plays 8 preseason games and 82 games in the regular season. Teams competing in the World Championship finals will play over 100 games in a season and postseason. Women play in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), whose regular season of 34 games runs June—September, with playoffs extending into October. For both leagues, most team practices are short (less than 1 h) and infrequent due to game and travel demands. Travel requirements are extensive, including a minimum of 42 regular season games on the road for the NBA and 17 for the WNBA. Both the NBA and WNBA have the luxury of traveling by charter airplane and staying at the best 5-star hotels with excellent restaurants. Many teams also employ or consult with a sports dietitian. However, nutrition is still a challenge, as most players seek meals on their own at restaurants outside the control of the team. Additionally, during a game, hydration is always a challenge. Inadequate hydration during competition can be further compromised by the demand for air travel immediately post game (low humidity environment of the fuselage) for half of the regular season games. Given the length of the regular season, frequency of games, and travel demands, proper nutrition and hydration practices are important and should be planned into the schedule wherever possible.

The Off-Season

Professional athletes are employed based on their ability to stay competitive. Therefore, the off-season is a period of time to recover from the long season, rehab injuries, develop a base fitness level, and focus on skill development. Overall the schedule is very individual. For example, younger NBA players might play in the summer league, while veterans may focus more on recovery and some specific skill work. All players will participate in training camp and preseason games, essentially extending the competitive season.

ESPN to Present More Than 3,400 Games During 2021-22 Men’s College Basketball Season

• Unrivaled Schedule Includes the Sport’s Marquee Matchups and Top Conferences
• Season Tips Off on Tuesday, Nov. 9 Headlined by State Farm Champions Classic Doubleheader at Madison Square Garden – Michigan State vs No. 3 Kansas and No. 9 Duke vs No. 10 Kentucky
• Every Duke Basketball Game Will be Featured on an ESPN Network During Coach Mike Krzyzewski’s Final Season

ESPN networks will present more than 3,400 men’s college basketball games during the 2021-22 season. ESPN is poised to bring the best players, matchups and stories to viewers across upwards of 800 games on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ABC, ESPNEWS, SEC Network, ACC Network (ACCN), Big 12 Now on ESPN+ and Longhorn Network (LHN). An additional 2,600 games will be available on ESPN3, SEC Network +, ACCNX and ESPN+ – including more than 2,100 on ESPN+ alone. With a combined schedule totaling more than 6,000 men’s and women’s college basketball matchups throughout the season, ESPN networks will provide top-tier and unprecedented coverage of the sport to fans everywhere.

• State Farm Champions Classic will tip off ESPN’s season-long coverage with Michigan State vs No. 3 Kansas and No. 9 Duke vs No. 10 Kentucky at Madison Square Garden in New York on Tuesday, Nov. 9, beginning at 7 p.m. ET. Now in its 11th year, the event features programs that have combined to win 18 national championships and have made 58 appearances in the Final Four.
• Early Season Events and High-Profile Matchups: ESPN networks will feature early season marquee matchups throughout November and December, including No. 1 Gonzaga vs No. 2 UCLA (Tuesday, Nov. 23, 10 p.m., ESPN – Empire Classic ), No. 24 UConn vs No. 22 Auburn (Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2:30 p.m. – Battle 4 Atlantis), No. 12 Memphis vs Virginia Tech (Nov. 24, 9:30, ESPN2 – NIT Season Tipoff), and Texas Tech vs No. 18 Tennessee (Tuesday, Dec. 7, 7 p.m., ESPN) and No. 4 Villanova vs Syracuse (Dec. 7, 9 p.m., ESPN) in the Jimmy V Classic. In addition to these games and complete coverage of the Maui Jim Maui Invitational, The Bad Boy Mowers Battle 4 Atlantis and previously announced ESPN owned and operated events, ESPN networks will also televise early-season top-5 matchups with No. 5 Texas traveling to top-ranked Gonzaga on Saturday, Nov. 13, at 10:30 p.m., No. 4 Villanova playing at No. 2 UCLA on Friday, Nov. 12 at 11:30 p.m., and No. 9 Duke vs the Bulldogs on Friday, Nov. 26 at 10:30 p.m., from Las Vegas.
• College Hoops on ABC: Seven games will air on ABC this season – Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off Championship Game (Sun, Nov. 21, 1 p.m.), No. 4 Villanova at No. 8 and defending NCAA Champion Baylor (Sun, Dec. 12, 3 p.m.), No. 5 Texas vs Stanford (Sun, Dec. 19, 3 p.m.), Cincinnati at No. 12 Memphis (Sun, Jan. 9, 3:30 p.m.), Virginia Tech at No. 20 Florida State (Sat, Jan. 29, 3 p.m.), No. 12 Memphis at No. 15 Houston (Sat, Feb. 12, 3:30 p.m.) and Texas Tech at No. 5 Texas (Sat, Feb. 19, 12:30 p.m.).
• Blockbuster Basketball: ESPN’s Champions Classic games – Duke/Kentucky and Michigan State/Kansas lead off ESPN’s Sonic Blockbuster franchise programming highlighting marquee matchups throughout the season.
• Coach K’s Final Season: ESPN networks will celebrate legendary Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski who is set to retire at the end of the 2021-22 season. All of the Blue Devils games will be available on ESPN networks with appearances on either ESPN, ESPN2 or ACCN, beginning with Duke’s top-10 matchup against Kentucky in the Champions Classic on Nov. 9.
• Challenge Accepted: The Big Ten/ACC Challenge (Nov. 29 – Dec. 1) and Big 12/SEC Challenge (Sat, Jan. 29) return for the 23rd and 10th year, respectively.
• Every Division I conference will be represented, as teams from each conference will be featured on one of ESPN’s networks.

SEC Network

SEC Network will present more than 100 men’s basketball games in the 2021-22 season. Regular season action tips off Tuesday, Nov. 9 with an SECN doubleheader featuring Tennessee and Alabama. More than 30 non-conference contests are slated for SECN before conference play begins Wednesday, Dec. 29 with an SEC tripleheader. The network’s signature Saturday SEC quadruple-headers return Jan. 8 and continue through the end of regular season on March 5. SEC Network will also feature live studio and event programming from the 2022 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament in Tampa, with the early rounds on SEC Network and SEC Now providing wall-to-wall Champ Week coverage. For more info, click here.

ACC Network

ACC Network, the 24/7 home for ACC sports, will carry more than 100 men’s basketball games, including 60 conference matchups. ACCN will be on hand for Hubert Davis’ head coaching debut at North Carolina on opening night, Nov. 9 (vs Loyola (Md.), 7 p.m.) and for Coach K’s final home opener against Army on Friday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. Conference play opens Fri, Dec. 3 with an evening doubleheader – Notre Dame at Boston College at 6 p.m., followed by Pitt at Virginia at 8 p.m. Sat, Dec. 4 features a tripleheader beginning at noon – Clemson at Miami, Wake Forest at Virginia Tech (2 p.m.) and Syracuse at Florida State (4 p.m.). Additionally, ACCN will have live event and studio programming for the 2022 New York Life ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament in Brooklyn. Additional details will be shared in the coming weeks. For more info, click here.

Big 12 Now on ESPN+

In addition to more than 70 Big 12 Conference games across ESPN networks, Big 12 Now on ESPN+ will carry 75 men’s college basketball games this season, with all ten Big 12 schools making multiple appearances on the platform during the season.  

Longhorn Network

Longhorn Network

Longhorn Network, ESPN’s 24-hour network devoted to the University of Texas, will televise 12 men’s basketball matchups during the 2021-22 basketball season. Three conference contests will be featured on LHN this season and 29 total Texas games will air on ABC and ESPN networks. The No. 5 Longhorns’ season opener against Houston Baptist on LHN (Nov. 9, 8 p.m.) marks the beginning of the Chris Beard era at Texas. For more info, click here.

ESPN+

In addition to Big 12 Now on ESPN+ games, 123 American Athletic Conference games will be featured along with 2,000 other men’s college basketball games from over 20 conferences, including the America East, Atlantic 10, ASUN, Big Sky, Big South, Big West Horizon, Metro Atlantic, Mid-American, Missouri Valley, Northeast, Ohio Valley, Southern, Southland, WAC and the Ivy League. Additionally, for the first time, games exclusive to SECN+ and ACCNX will be simulcast on ESPN+.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. Launched in April 2018, ESPN+ has grown to more than 14.9 million subscribers.

Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $6.99 a month (or $69.99 per year) at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).

Additional men’s college basketball updates will be forthcoming, and the schedule is subject to change. Please continue to check @ESPNPR and ESPN Press Room for more information.

The full schedule grid can be found here.

Related Media Kits

How long is a basketball game (and why)?

Last updated: August 26, 2022 / author Sandeep Bhandari / Fact verified / 3 minutes

When it comes to outdoor games, there are many games in which people participate or support their teams. And basketball is one of them. This guide contains more information about the different types of b-games and the time spent on each game.

Basketball is a team sport in which two opposing teams of mostly five players play on a rectangular court. The goal of a field goal is worth two points, except when it occurs behind the three-point line.

The time required to play basketball varies. The difference is caused by the varying degrees of basketball games. For example, basketball times for high school, college, NCAA, NBA, and professional players differ. In addition, each of the above levels uses extra time whenever there is a tie after the end of the game.