How many players are on the court for each team in basketball

How to play, scoring and all you need to know

One of the most popular sporting disciplines in the world, basketball made its first appearance at the Olympics as a demonstration sport at the 1904 St Louis Games.

At the 1936 Games, basketball was included as a medal event and has been a permanent fixture at the quadrennial sporting showpiece since. Women’s basketball made its Olympic debut in 1976.

For people unfamiliar with the sport, here are the modern-day basketball rules, the regulations, scoring system, positions, and the origin of the sport.

Basketball has been a regular fixture at the Olympics since 1936.

Who invented basketball?

The origin of basketball can be traced to Springfield, Massachusetts in the USA. Dr James Naismith, a Canadian physical instructor working at the YMCA International Training School in Springfield, introduced basketball in 1891.

Instructed to devise an indoor sport to keep the YMCA athletes in shape during the harsh winter months, Naismith came up with a sport involving two peach baskets and a soccer ball with a set of 13 rules.

The first game of basketball was a 9 vs 9 contest according to Naismith’s rule book but over the years, the laws have been changed and fine-tuned to make what we know as modern-day basketball.

Basketball court: Dimensions and markings

To understand basketball, it’s important to have an idea of the court’s layout.

According to FIBA (international basketball federation) guidelines, a basketball court is a rectangular playing area 28m in length and 15m in width. International competitions including the Olympics follow FIBA guidelines.

The border markings along the length of the court are called sidelines and the breadth of the court are called endlines or baselines.

The key in the basketball court is a rectangular painted area inside the three-point arc.

The outer edge of the key parallel to the endline is called the free-throw line. There’s a 3. 6m diameter semi-circle drawn on the outer part of the free-throw line called the free-throw circle.

Basketball rules and sport's regulations

Basketball is a team sport and the game is played between two sides. The core objective in a basketball game is to score points by putting the ball inside the hoop (basket) and to prevent the opposing team from doing the same.

A basketball game starts at the centre of the court when the ball is thrown high up by the referee and one player from each team competing to gain possession. The team that catches the ball, or in possession, is called the offensive team while the team not on the ball is the defensive team.

The offensive team plays with the intent of getting the ball through the opposition hoop or scoring a field goal after moving the ball around the court by passing or dribbling the ball, abiding by a fixed set of basketball rules.

Basketball points-scoring system

Three-point shot: Shooting and scoring a field goal from anywhere outside the three-point line arc wins the team three points. These are referred to as three-pointers.

Two-point shot: A field goal which is scored from inside the area encircled by the three-point arc in the opposition half is worth two points. These are called two-pointers.

One-point shot: Points can also be accumulated through free-throws, which are worth a point each. Free throws are awarded to a team when the opposition team fouls.

During free throw, the fouled player is allowed a fixed number of shots -- depending on the nature and referee’s interpretation of the foul committed -- at an open basket from anywhere inside the free-throw circle with both his feet behind the free-throw line.

Illegal physical contact or obstructions without the intention of winning the ball by a defender when an offensive player is aiming to shoot is regarded as a foul.

A FIBA sanctioned game typically consists of four quarters of 10 minutes each. After two quarters or half-time, the teams switch sides on the court. The team with more points at the end of the four quarters wins the match. If the score is tied at the end of regulation time, the game can go into an overtime period.

Basketball violations

An offensive player can keep the basketball moving around the court by dribbling or passing the ball to a teammate. In a basketball dribble, a player needs to bounce the ball against the floor continuously using one hand at a time.

Using both hands simultaneously to dribble or touching the ball twice before it bounces once constitutes a double dribble violation, which ends in ceding possession to the opponent team.

Furthermore, if a player stops a dribble completely, they need to pass or shoot the ball. In case they start dribbling the ball again after stopping, it is also considered a double dribble violation.

While receiving a ball on the move, a player is allowed to take a maximum of two steps before passing, shooting or starting a dribble. Basically, a player is not allowed to run with the ball. Otherwise, they are called for traveling violation, which again results in turning over possession.

If in a stationary position while receiving a ball or after stopping a dribble, a player also needs to establish a pivot foot, on which they need to stay planted in the same spot while swerving or turning until a pass or shot is made.

Players receiving the ball can start a dribble but can’t lift or displace the pivot foot until the ball leaves his hands. Failure to comply results in a traveling violation.

When a team gains possession inside its own half, the players get 10 seconds to move into the opposition half. Once a team crosses into the midline, possession needs to be maintained in the defending team’s half and offensive players cannot go back to their own half. If the ball is passed back, it results in backcourt violation.

A defensive player is also not allowed to block or touch the ball when in a downward trajectory towards the basket. This is called goaltending violation.

During an attack, an offensive player isn’t allowed to stay in the opposition key for over three seconds without attempting a shot. It is called the three-second rule and results in lane violation.

Shot Clock

Once a team gains possession of the ball, they are put on a 24-second Shot Clock, which means they have to throw the ball at the hoop or attempt a valid field goal before time runs out.

Failure to do so again results in the possession being turned over to the opposition team.

A Shot Clock stopwatch is typically displayed behind the basket during a basketball game.

How many players in a basketball team

A traditional basketball team has 12 players, with five basketball players on the court at any given time. Unlimited substitutions are allowed.

The five players can be segregated into the following positions:

Point guard: Usually players with the best ball-handling skills and vision in the team play as point guards. A point guard’s primary role is to orchestrate both offensive and defensive plays and set up scoring opportunities for team-mates.

Shooting guard: Typically the best long-range and mid-range shooter in the team. Players patrolling the position constantly look for three-pointers or can help drag defenders out wide to create space near the basket for their team-mates.

Basketball legend Michael Jordan typically played as a shooting guard

Small forward: Playing as a short forward needs a versatile skill set. It requires strength and height as well as speed and dribbling abilities. Mid-range and short-range shooting abilities are also important.

Power forward: A power forward is somewhat similar to a small forward but with a bigger focus on physicality. A power forward is usually a foil for the center and are the team’s most dependable scorers from inside the paint.

Center: Usually the tallest player in the team, a center is required to occupy the space nearest to the basket in both halves. In defence, they are tasked to pick rebounds and block opposition shooters while their offensive duties require them to finish off short-range moves or shield out defenders to allow their team-mates a clean drive at the basket.

NBA, the popular US-based basketball league, also follows similar rules with very minor alterations.

How Many Players Are On a Basketball Team?

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Any team sport has specific rules about the number of players and substitutions. The game of basketball is a famous sports game around the world. For basketball, surely many people have wondered “how many players are on a basketball team?”. Today, Scott Fujita will help you learn in detail, please refer!

Contents

According to NBA regulations, the number of players on basketball team is 12 players. In which, there are five players on the court at one time and unlimited substitutions.

Basketball matches have two main forms of playing: street basketball and professional basketball. These two forms will have a different number of players on the field and a different number of substitutes.

Related: How many quarters are there in a basketball game

According to the regulations of the world basketball federation FIBA, there are two main forms of competition. A basketball team will have the number of people corresponding to each form.

NBA teams size in NBA season

Street basketball, also known as 3×3 basketball, is a type of basketball often used for practice.

As its other name suggests “3×3 basketball”, the number of members in each team will be:

• Number of players in each basketball team: 3 players on the court.
• Number of substitute players: 1 player
• Number of main trainers: 1 person
• Assistant coach: 2 to 3 coaches.

With this type of basketball, only 3 people on each side need to play on the court and a basketball.

View more: How many fouls to foul out in NBA

The typical professional basketball tournament for this form of competition in the NBA. This is the American basketball league.

This type of competition is the most used and popular on the basketball court. Another name for this form of basketball competition is “5×5 competitive basketball”. The number of people on the respective basketball team will be:

• Number of players per team: 5 players on the court.
• Number of substitutes: 7 players.
• Number of main trainers: 1 person.
• Assistant coach: 2 to 3 coaches.

Each team is only allowed to have 5 people on the basketball court at a time.

In addition to the main positions, there may also be a team doctor, a team manager, etc.

What is the number of players in a basketball team?

This player almost decides the attack of the whole team. This is the person who creates the attack for the whole team. Point Guard is usually the best dribbler on the team. His ability to steal, hold the ball well should be good. He needs to handle it well and take on the responsibility of hitting the ball the most on the team.

This position is an all-around playing position. The Shooting Guard is the one who throws the most in the match. Normally, when the team loses, people often criticize this position.

Shooting Guard has another special mission that specializes in stopping the best throwers of the opposing team. He is usually taller than Point Guard to help rebound Center.

Besides, he needs to be able to dribble, throw, and hit the basket quite well.

This position is similar to Shooting Guard. Normally, people can exchange the Shooting Guard positions to this position.

But the Shooting Guard is the better dribbler. Meanwhile, the Small Forward is often in positions around the field or a little within the 3-point line.

In the defensive position, this position is usually rebound and run the ball up quickly, winning the ball. Therefore, active players in this position need physical strength, agility, and cunning.

Besides, it would be great if he can hit the basket and throw well.

This PF position is responsible for bullying contestants outside or inside the penalty area. The purpose is to ease the burden on the Center.

The main thing is that the Power Forward can also play the Center position. When Center passes the ball to this position, he has to take care of the entire area under the backboard. Therefore, this position requires NBA players to be able to get on the basket, compete and hold the ball.

The task of this position is to mainly block and rebound. This position just needs to make the opponent feel resistance in the box.

The Center must be very very strong and tall. These are the two prerequisites. He needs to play decisively and aggressively.

Basketball positions

Depending on the level of basketball competition, the playing time will also be different.

The level of competition and level of the game will determine how long the match lasts.

Moreover, the time of the basketball game also varies from level to level. We’ll talk about some of the major levels like high school, college, NBA, NCCA, and professional basketball.

According to FIBA ​​rules, a basketball game will have 40 minutes of play. In which, people divide the time into 4 rounds, each session lasting 10 minutes. In addition, there will also be a break time between rounds.

Each team has about 20 minutes to prepare before the game starts.

Between the 1st and 2nd half, the prescribed rest time is 2 minutes.

Between the 2nd and 3rd halves, the break will be longer than 15 minutes. This is the time the teams use to change pitches and prepare to proceed to the next innings.

Between the 3rd and 4th rounds, the prescribed rest time is 2 minutes.

After 4 main rounds, we will have the final result of the match. However, if two equally talented teams have the same number of points, they will play 2 extra periods.

In the first extra time, if one of the two teams scores more goals in the basket, that team will be the winner.

In the event the score is still equal, the second extra time will continue.

The break between extra periods will also be 2 minutes.

Note: The halftime break will start counting from the time the game clock announces the end of the game.

In the NBA, each round will be longer than FIBA. Total playing time is 48 minutes in 4 halves, ie 12 minutes/round.

The rest time between the 2nd and 3rd rounds is similar to FIBA’s 15 minutes. The interval between extra periods will be 5 minutes.

To organize an NBA game, all the time from preparation to playing and resting will be about 2 hours.

The time of basketball for the college basketball team is longer with the above two tournaments. Game time is 20 minutes for each round.

The halftime between extra innings and between 2 and 3 is the same as the NBA.

College basketball team

This is the game with the shortest playing time. Each round has 8 minutes of play.

The prescribed rest time between the 2nd and 3rd halves is 10 minutes. Extra time is 4 minutes.

High school basketball

• During a substitution, a team may substitute one, two players, or more at the same time.
• Can only change players with the approval of the referees.
• Substituting players will remain outside the touchline until the referee allows entry.
• When making a substitution, the substituted player will go straight and sit on the bench in his team’s area.
• When changing players, do it as quickly as possible. The maximum time for substitution is 30 seconds.
• For a free throw player, it can only substitute in the following cases:
  • Injured free throw player and can’t continue playing right away.
  • The free thrower is penalized or sent off.
  • Can not substitute during or after free throws.

• The dead ball is when the player successfully throws the ball or finishes the free throws.
• When the referee blows the whistle to stop the game for some reason.
• The clock signals the end of the game.
• The 24-second clock signals.
• When a player of one side breaks a rule and the referee blows the whistle to stop play.

A team will lose if that basketball team commits the offensive following:

Before the match starts, the basketball team that does not have 5 players on the field will lose immediately.

Some actions prevent the game from taking place.

Like many other sports, sportsmanship in basketball is very important.  

• Any athlete and coach who violates the rules of basketball.
• The basketball players or coach make offensive words and actions on the court.
• Athletes use tricks to stop the opponent illegally.
• The player intentionally causes injury to the opponent.
• Players or coaches use inappropriate words or actions to protest against the referee’s decision.
• Especially heavy penalties for players or coaches of both teams fighting on the court.

Now you already find out the answer to the question “how many people are on a basketball team”, right? Scott Fujita has well-provided knowledge related to basketball rules. We hope you have the best basketball games with your friends.

How many players are there in basketball? Positions of players and their meanings

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03/23/2020 All sports Leave a comment 43,047 Views

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Basketball is a popular indoor team game played by 2 teams of 5 players each. The essence of the game is to throw the ball into the opponent's ring from different positions, score more points than the opponent. The official basketball rules indicate the following number of players:

• How many in one team on the field - 5
• How many on the site at the same time - 10
• Total number of substitutions in each team - 12
• How many sit on the bench - 7 for each team

It should be clarified that in the past this sport was played 9v9, then they came to the 7v7 version, and today they play 5v5 in all tournaments. Each basketball match consists of 4 periods: 10 minutes each in competitions under the auspices of FIBA ​​and 12 minutes each. in the National Basketball League (NBA). The number of substitutions in basketball is not limited.

We also note that there are no differences in the number of people on the court in the NBA and FIBA: 5 vs 5 are played here and there. -and years. True, here each team can have 10 people in the application (5 on the field, 5 on the substitution).

There is another common version of basketball called "streetball". Here they play 3 on 3 plus, and in total there can be 6 people in the squad with spares. Read more about the rules of the streetball game here.

Positions of players in basketball and their meanings

There are 3 positions in basketball (defender, forward and center), but if you divide the players by ampoule, then 5 categories are distinguished:

• Point guard (first number) - Point Guard (PG )
• Shooting guard (second number) -Shooting Guard (SG)
• Small Forward (SF)
• Power Forward (PF)
• Center (fifth number) - Center (C)

Point guard

Point guard is a player who must have good ball handling, dribbling and leadership skills. Traditionally, the point guard enters the field at number 1: they are short, very fast and agile. As a rule, basketball players of this role play away from their own and other people's baskets and in the other half of the court they are a playmaker who performs a large number of attacking actions.

Attacking defender

Such a player is responsible for long-range 3-point shots on the field, he must have good accuracy and hit the basket from different distances. The attacking defender must also be excellent with the ball and assist the point guard in creating combinations. Perhaps the most striking example of the best shooting guard in basketball history is Michael Jordan.

Small forward

The small forward is the most versatile player on the basketball team. Its functions include scoring, rebounding, blocking. The combination of height, agility and speed allows the small forward to play well in a number of positions and score a lot of points.

Power Forward

The power forward must be tall and strong in order to be proficient under the basket. Many basketball players in this position do not score many points, but they bring a lot of value on rebounds. Such forwards are also good at blocking other people's shots.

Center

As a rule, these are the most powerful and tallest members of the team with a height of more than 2 meters and a weight of more than 100 kg. The center can be an excellent scorer, as well as an excellent ball interceptor and blocker. For most teams, the center is the last line of defense. Especially in the 20th century in the NBA, the presence of a center on the field was considered a fundamental factor in winning matches and the tournament as a whole. The most striking example of a center is Shaquille O'Neal.

Basketball rules do not establish a strictly regulated position of players on the court - it's all purely formal. Any player during the match can be anywhere on the court. Particularly appreciated in this sport are universal basketball players who can play equally well in any position. A player with a huge arsenal of skills will certainly be taken to one of the best teams in the world. In modern realities, it is very important to develop yourself in different positions - universality is a valuable indicator, as well as in many other sports.

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2020-03-23

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How many players are there in basketball and what position do they occupy on the field?

To find out how many players there are in basketball, you just need to watch any match. Five people on each side, it's easy to count. But the team consists of a larger number of persons, since substitute players are needed. If a basketball player from the main team for some reason cannot enter the court, then he will be replaced by a substitute from the same team. This is not all the features, each player has his own role and functions. It doesn’t hurt to deal with the T-shirts, why don’t the numbers on them go in order? From this article, you will find out how many people are on the basketball team, what duties they have, as the strange numbering on the uniform explains.

Basketball is not just competition for the ball and accuracy of hits, it is primarily a tactic. Any coach reflects on tactics, starting from the characteristics of his wards. To play a good game, he needs specialists of various profiles, placed in suitable places. Let's start with the size of the composition.

How many people are on the basketball team?

Distribution of roles is carried out according to available skills. If the teams are in full force and no one has been removed, then 10 people will play, 5 from each side. There are also spares, for each - no more than 7 in stock.

Let's count the number of players in the basketball team. It turns out that up to 12, that's how much you can enter the tournament. Substitutions are not limited in this sport, but they are infrequently required. If the referee calls from the bench with the characteristic gesture of crossing his arms, then he ceases to be a substitute.

Distribution and tactics

Knowing how many basketball players are on the court, you can proceed to the study of functions. In amateur teams they are divided into two lines, in teams of a higher level there are five positions. There are dozens of functions in professional games.

The back row are those who defend their basket and start attacking the opponent's side. Positions on the lines can change, but at the very beginning of the position on the back are occupied by two defenders, who plays and throws.

point guard

First and foremost, and he sets the tone for the whole team, is its think tank. Performs the following functions:

• fast response, rapid decision-making in a changing situation;
• basket protection, belaying your comrades to enhance protection;
• synchronization of actions of all players;
• creating optimal conditions for front line players to perform an accurate throw;
• fighting for the rebound;
• active actions at the opponent's ring.

He is also entrusted with the function of monitoring compliance with the tactics outlined by the coach. He can aggravate or, on the contrary, slow down the game when the situation requires it. If the concept changes, it is he who lets everyone know about it.

Of the total number of players in basketball, it is the point guard who is distinguished by outstanding sports and analytical features, moreover, he enjoys authority in his team. He creates the conditions for good attacks, leads the team behind him and closely monitors every action of the opponents, meets them harshly on his part of the field and leads the game to intercept.

Attacking defender

Assists the first player. The difference is that he aims to mark the biggest opponents, he meets opponents and enters the fray for rebounding the ball under the basket. The most important skill for this basketball player is the accuracy of long-range hits, so that their percentage is high, he must be able to get out of custody and choose advantageous positions.

Main responsibilities:

• repelling an attack, taking the ball away;
• three-point hits;
• distraction of the opponent, release of zones for comrades.

Comboguard

If there is a Comboguard on the field, then this is a player with the same qualities as the first two, but in some way inferior to them. For example, he may not be tall enough to compete for the ball under the basket with taller players, or unable to make quick decisions. At the same time, a very necessary figure, he is usually mobile and capable of effective attacks. Often such a basketball player is released on the field as a replacement for another representative of the team.

Front line

Now let's see how many people play basketball on the attack line. They are responsible for performance, the best ways to deliver the ball into the basket. If necessary, they will help the defenders.

Small Forward

Can replace the attacking defender, performing his functions, he can also be aimed at long-range shots. The difference lies in the position, in the standard formation the shooting guard is located under his basket to counter the opponents' attacks, and the small forward is under the opponent's basket. He picks up the balls, bringing the team points. Also, this figure moves from one basket to another when there are useful skills. For this player, height is not the most significant of the indicators, muscle is much more important. There should be enough of them to fight for the ball, clear the way for themselves and their comrades.

Power forward

This basketball player can be compared to a ram, he is physically developed and strong, energetic and hardy, which allows him to complete attacks. He completes the attack himself or passes the ball to the post. During each of the attacks, he is always under the shield, as he is the best at fighting for the rebound. The success of the attack depends on how the center and power forward interact, together they control every rebound and shot, bypass block shots and screens.

Such athletes are equally good with both hands, they clearly and accurately give passes to the nearest millimeter. The main indicator for them is the quality of close shots after the rebound. It will not hurt them to master the “hook” throw, it is for this role that the technique will be as effective as possible. Heavy forwards can play both front and back, and are generally bold and aggressive, often opposing on the verge of fouling.

Center

If the point guard is the brain of the team, then the center is the heart. The highest players go to this role, and the set of points depends on them. Most of the goals he scores will come from close range. A significant part of the violations of the rules occur precisely at the center, the opponent does not allow him to hit from an advantageous position, knowing that it will be more difficult for him to hit from the free throw zone.

Coaches build tactics based on the strong qualities of the center, since it is he who will get most of the rebounds under the shields, however, as well as block shots.

The center constantly predicts the situation, he fights for the continuation of the attack, which is beneficial for his team, but he does it carefully, since he does not need violations. He has a whole range of deception moves, high-level specialists can deceive the enemy with just their eyes. As a rule, this role is assigned to guys whose height exceeds 210 cm.

Center forward

Combines center and power forward, plays well in the three-second zone. He wins rebounds and rebounds for his own, carries out attacks with his face and back to the basket. He is taller than the power forward, and the center is superior in maneuverability.

Combo forward

Combines the functions of two forwards, as he can hit from any distance. He can be called a jack of all trades, as he moves quickly and just as quickly makes the right decisions, misleads opponents and insures in the fight under the basket.

Point Forward

Another basketball genius, he can be a point guard and forward, as he has defensive skills, but he is also a great shooter. The point forward makes accurate shots from any distance.

Swingman

A unique compromise between offense and defense.

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