How to play middle school basketball

For your convenience, we have compiled our

drills, plays, tips, and resources for middle school basketball coaches. This should help you sift through the huge amount of material on this website and quickly find the best stuff that pertains to you.

You can of course refer to the left navigation menu for an index of everything on this site. But to cut to the chase, here are some top resources for you...

DVD Resource - Bob Bigelow's Coaching Middle School Basketball The Right Way

Top 10 All-Around Basketball Drills for Middle School Teams

We call these top "all-around" drills because the drills you choose should depend on your coaching philosophy, the offense you use, skill level, and player strengths.

For example, if you run a motion offense, we suggest that you use lots of drills that mimic motion movements from your offense (cuts and screens) while working on skills at the same time (shooting, passing, etc).

Never the less, we're still constantly asked what drills we recommend. So here are our top "all-around" drills for middle school coaches:

1. Jump Stop Drill
2. Steve Nash Passing Series
3. The Multi-Purpose Offense and Shooting Drill
4. Fast Break Drill
5. Defensive Challenge
6. Full Court Press Breaker Drill
7. Defense Drill - 1,2,3 Progression
8. Chair Changes
9. Middle Man Passing
10. Reaction Rebounding

For more Basketball Drills, click here

Best All Around Advice for Middle School Basketball Coaches

1) Keep things fun!
Don't forget that your young players are there just want to have fun. Don't make the all too common mistake of getting caught up in the pressure of winning.

To keep things fun, young players like to be active and keep moving. So be sure to plan out practices that keep things fast paced and fun. You should minimize standing in lines and use fun drills. (For more ideas, check out this eBook for fun basketball drills and tips to make practice fun.)

2) Allow your players to be successful!
Sometimes competition is not a motivator for young kids. However ALL kids need to taste success (and hopefully lots of it). Now this doesn't mean winning. It means getting better and succeeding in practice. Allow your players to run drills that they can succeed at and feel good about. Celebrate small accomplishments and successes with your players.

3) Don't neglect the inexperienced kids.
You'd be surprised how good some players can become if they just get a chance. I was one of those late bloomers that didn't get interested in basketball until late in school. Many kids just need an opportunity, confidence, and someone that believes in them.

I know it seems that some kids are hopeless, but at this level you should implement a program that gives everyone an equal opportunity to learn fundamentals and skills.

4) Teach life lessons in your practices.
A good reminder of what's important and we can all do a better job with this... https://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/articles/lifelesson1.html

5) Make sure your players have a solid foundation!
This is a critical time in most player's lives where they really start getting lots of experience and develop habits. This point and time can have a HUGE effect on your player's success when they get into high school and college.

You should teach basic fundamentals and skills that these players can use no matter who is coaching them in the future. You must build a SOLID foundation for these kids to build on. This is better for your players in the long run.

6) Fix shooting form NOW!
If you have players with poor shooting form, take the time to fix them now. I know it's hard to do. But if they don't fix it now, it may never happen. When correcting shooting mechanics, make sure players practice AWAY from the basket. In other words, have them shoot to a spot on the floor, to a spot on the wall, or to themselves. Do NOT send them to the basket. Because if they don't see the ball going through the hoop, they will think the new form does not work and get discouraged.

7) Focus on the fundamentals.

8) Work with your high school coach (even if you don't like him/her!).
It amazed me how few middle schools run a system that complements the high school program. Swallow your pride and do what's best for your players. You should run a program that complements the high school coache's system and prepares your players for maximum success.

Arrange some meetings with the school coach. Learn about their system and teach your players fundamentals that will benefit them when they get into high school. Why in the world should players have to learn a whole new style of play every single year? That doesn't help them. Working with the high school coaches is the right thing to do.

Top 10 Articles for Middle School Basketball Coaches

Here are some of the more important articles we think you should read.

1. The Easy Way To Teach Basketball Offense
2. IMPORTANT: Focusing on the Fundamentals
3. 16 Best Set Play/Offense Tips (This is a Must Read)
4. Score More Points: Offense Theory Article
5. Top 3 Defensive Quickness Secrets
6. Top 5 Tips for Better Defense on the Ball
7. Simple Trick to Reduce Turnovers
8. 10 Tips to Motivate Players
9. The Foundation for Success: Your Coaching Philosophy
10. How to Establish Control and Discipline

For more Basketball Tips & Articles, click here

Top 10 Offenses & Plays For Middle School Coaches

1. 5 Out Motion Offense - Cutters - Motion offense that was used by State Champs (and it can be taught in ONE day)! It can be used as a delay offense, primary offense, and can be used at any level.
2. Michigan - Man Offense - This offense is continuous and has a very simple motion.
3. Yo Yo - Zone Offense - This is a very simple zone offense that can be used at any level. It works best against a 2-3 zone.
4. Overload - Zone Play - This overload play is simple, but very effective against zone defenses.
5. Double - Zone Play - This play works great against any zone defense but works especially well against the 2-3 zone.
6. Pitt - Zone Play - If you have a point guard who is a solid decision maker, this play can work at any level. I've seen it used by Pittsburgh against Syracuse's deadly 2-3 zone, and I've used it with 12 year olds as well.
7. Quick Hitter Against 1-3-1 Zone - This play can get you an easy lay up against a traditional 1-3-1 zone defense.
8. Wide Open Spaces - Inbounds Play - This is an inbounds play against man-to-man defense that creates great shot opportunities and forces the defense to be concerned about the whole court.
9. Slice - Sideline Inbounds Play - This sideline inbound play can get your best shooter a wide open jump shot.
10. Line - Press Breaker - This press breaker works extremely well against teams that pressure the inbounds pass.

For More Basketball Plays, click here:

Fore more on Basketball Offenses, click here:

Recommended Products for Middle School Coaches

Here are a few products that we highly recommend for middle school coaches. These products will help you accelerate your teaching of fundamentals and your team's success.

1. Coaching Middle School Basketball the RIGHT WAY (By Bob Bigelow) - In this two DVD set Bob Bigelow takes you through a variety of drills, fundamentals, and teaching points specifically targeting coaches that work with players around the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade levels. We highly recommend this DVD. It gives you excellent ideas on how to run offense, teach fundamentals, and drills to run.
2. Footwork and Post Player Development - One of the most important things to teach players is proper footwork. Yet few coaches know how to teach footwork properly. Tim Duncan, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and countless superstar players all have ONE THING in common -- they have superb footwork. Teaching proper footwork will take your players a long way in their development. We highly recommend this book because it demonstrates footwork brilliantly and simplifies the teaching process.
3. Developing a High Scoring Motion Offense - We highly recommend motion offense for middle school coaches because of its versatility, effectiveness, and because it teaches kids "how to play". One of the best things about a motion offense is that you work on fundamental skills while practicing the offense. This allows you to get more done in less time and also improves player development. This is what we recommend to all youth and middle school coaches.
4. Developing High Percentage Shooters - In addition to footwork (which is an important aspect of shooting), developing a great shooting stroke is very important for young kids. In this book you will discover concepts you never knew existed. This product is the most comprehensive shooting resource available today -- partly because it was developed by a group of 8 experts, 6 of which are some of the greatest shooting coaches in the world. We guarantee this book will help you develop better shooters and increase your team's shooting percentage.
5. Developing a Tough Man to Man Defense - When it comes to defense we strongly recommend man to man defense. From a development standpoint, there are numerous advantages to a man defense, which you can read about here. If you'd like the quickest and most effective step by step method to teach defense, check out this book.
6. Fun Youth Drills and Games - This is a very popular product that youth and middle school coaches really appreciate. We recommend this product because it will make practices more for fun for you and your players. And making practice fun is one of the best ways to motivate and get more done!

Where to Go From Here?

Don't stop with this "Top Resources" section. ..

For general coaching tips and advice, check out the Coaching Links on the left menu. You'll find a huge selection of coaching information that you can use for reference.

You can also post your questions and start discussions in our forum.

12 Simple Basketball Plays for Kids (2022 Update)

If you’ve ever coached young kids before, you’ll understand the need to keep basketball as simple as possible.

When you overwhelm kids with information and send them out onto the basketball court, it can develop into a chaotic mess very quickly.

This is especially important when it comes to basketball plays.

When plays are too complex there is very little chance kids will be able to execute them effectively during a game.

When coaching kids you need simple basketball plays.

I don’t recommend coaches run plays often (it’s better to have a base decision-making offense), but there’s nothing wrong with memorizing a couple of plays to draw up near the end of a game when your team desperately needs a score.

Below I’ll share 7 simple basketball plays that are easy to teach, very effective, and simple for your players to execute during games.

Here we go!

This play involves an up-screen for the guard leading to an open key. This can often lead to a simple pass inside and easy layup. If that option isn’t available, the post player sets a screen on the wing.

• 5 should be a post player or the best screener on the team.

• 2 should be the player you want dribbling in a pick-and-roll.

• 1 should have the ability to finish at the rim with pressure.

Setup: The play begins in a 4-out 1-in formation with the 4 perimeter players above or in-line with the free-throw line.

1. The play starts with the point guard (1) making the pass to 2 on the wing.

2.  As this pass is made, 5 sprints up and sets a strong screen on the back of 1’s defender as 1 cuts off the screen towards the rim.

3. If this pass is open, 2 will make the pass inside the key to 1 for the layup.

4. If the layup isn’t available, 1 clears out to the weak-side corner.

5. 5 will then immediately set an on-ball screen for 2 on the wing.

6. 2 attacks the rim off 5’s screen as 5 rolls to the rim looking to create an opportunity to score.

7. As 2 is driving to the rim, 3 and 4 slide up and into open passing lanes for the potential open shot and also to play safety.

• It’s crucial that 5 ‘hunts’ for the 1’s defender and then sets a strong screen if there’s going to be a chance for the pass inside and open layup.

• 1 can cut ball-side or weak-side of the screen and should direct themselves towards the ball-side block looking to receive the basketball.

• 2 must be able to make smart decisions out of the wing spot.

A quick play to catch the defense off-guard give the wing player an opportunity to attack the baseline. Also involves the opposite post flashing to the key to counter the defense stepping across to help.

• The player who first receives the basketball on the wing (2) should be the player you want attacking the rim.

• 4 can be any player as long as they can set a strong screen.

Setup: The play starts in a 5-out formation with the post players in the corners.

1. The play starts with the point guard (1) passing to either wing. In this case, passing to 2.

2. As soon as this pass is made, the corner steps up and sets a strong screen on the wing player’s defender.

3. 2 immediately rips the basketball through and attack the baseline.

4. If the defense is set up correctly, 5’s defender will be in help position. To take advantage of the help, 5 flashes into the key and creates an angle for the correct pass.

5. 2 should either finish the drive or drop the pass to 5 for the score inside. 3 will be open on the perimeter if the defense rotates down correctly.

• It’s incredibly important that 4 steps up to set the screen as soon as the pass is made to the wing. The timing of this screen is very important.

• The angle of the screen that 4 sets is very important too. If the screen is set too high, 2’s defender can easily slip under and prevent the drive. The screen must be set on the backside of 2’s defender.

• This can be an easy play for the opponent to pick up on if ran too many times, but it’s great for a quick score when your team needs one occasionally.

This play involves isolating your best mismatch on the low post and then keeping the 4 other offensive players active above the free-throw line to keep the defense busy. Great play against youth teams as most players don’t understand help defense and will stay with their player.

• 5 should be the player you want to isolate inside.

Setup: Players start in a 4-out 1-in formation with the 4 outside players above the free-throw line on the wings and in the slots.

1. The play begins with the basketball being passed either wing. For this example, 1 passes the basketball to 3 on the ball-side wing.

2. 5 immediately flashes to the basketball to take advantage of their mismatch inside.

3. When the pass is made into the low post, the wing players both screen up for the slot players and they both replace each other. This keeps the defenders occupied.

4. 5 can back down in the post or face up and attack to the middle or baseline.

• This play can be used to take advantage of any mismatch in the post. This doesn’t necessarily mean a post player and can even be your point guard if they have a favorable mismatch inside.

• This is a great play to use against a player who is in foul trouble. Put their match up on the block and have your offensive player attack them off the dribble and they’ll likely foul.

• Unless it’s completely open, players should refrain from passing into the post from the slot position as this can be easier for the defense to deflect or steal.

This is the perfect play to achieve a basic pick-and-roll with good spacing on the floor. The simplicity allows the play to be run effectively by teams of any age.

• The player who will have the screen set for them (3) will be the first player to receive a pass on the wing. Ensure this is who you want in the pick-and-roll.

• The screener (4) will always be the post player on the opposite block.

Setup: The play starts in a 3-out 2-in formation.

1. The play begins with the point guard (1) making a pass to either wing. Preferably to the player who you want to be the dribbler in the pick-and-roll (3).

2. 1 will immediately cut through to the opposite corner after making the pass to the wing.

3. The post player on the ball-side low block (5) will step out to the corner dragging the post defender out of the key.

4. 4 will then sprint off the weak-side low block and set a screen on the correct angle for 3.

5. 3 attacks the rim looking to score and 4 rolls to the hoop.

6. 2 slides to the top of the key for safety.

• The main scoring options will be for 3 to finish at the rim, pass to 4 rolling to the hoop, or kick out to 1 in the corner if their defender helps.

• 4 must sprint off the low block before setting the screen. It’s important for 4 to create separation between themselves and their defender.

• 3 should attack the rim looking to score first as that’s the option that will most often be open.

• If possible, put the player who you want to dribble off the screen on the correct side so that they’ll be attacking and finishing with their dominant hand.

An incredibly simple play that often leads to an open layup under the basket. Involves a cross-screen at the top of the key and then two players attacking the rim.

• 1 should be the team’s best passer.

• 4 and 5 should be players with the ability to finish at the rim under pressure.

Setup: The play begins in a box formation with the two bigs on the elbows and the two guards on the low blocks.

1. 1 slaps the basketball to star the play and the 2 and 3 immediately flash out to the corners calling for the ball to drag their defenders out.

2. The post player on the ball-side (5) sets a cross screen for 4.

3. 4 immediately flashes towards the ball-side low block calling for the basketball.

4. After screening, 5 seals off 4’s defender and then flashes to the basketball on the opposite side of the rim calling for the basketball.

5. 1 reads the defense and makes the correct pass in for the layup.

• 5 must set the screen on the correct angle that doesn’t allow 4’s defender to slip under the screen and beat 4 to the rim. The screen should be set on the back hip.

• The post players must have target hands where they want the basketball as they’re flashing towards the rim.

• 3 can cut to the top of the key and receive the lob pass over the top if the pass to 4 or 5 isn’t available.

This simple basketball play begins in a box formation and is designed to get the basketball to either of two post players cutting off up-screens to the basket for a layup.

• 5 and 4 should be the players most capable of finishing at the rim with tight defense and will most likely be the post players of the team.

• 2 and 3 must be able to set strong screens and will most likely be the guards.

• 1 must be a good passer.

Setup: The play starts in a box formation with the bigs on the elbows and guards on the low blocks.

1. The play begins with 2 and 3 stepping up and setting screens for 4 and 5.

2. 4 and 5 both immediately cut to the outside of the screen and explode to the basket.

3. 1 will make the pass to 4 or 5 for the finish.

4. If the pass in unable to be made to 4 or 5, 3 cuts to the wing and receives the pass for the midrange shot or to bring the basketball back out and set up.

• The two players on the low blocks planning to set screens should not start the play facing the direction they’re going to screen. Instead, they should face each other in order to not give away that play the team is in.

• The screeners must seek out the defenders and set strong screens. The screen should be the only thing on the screener’s mind.

• 4 and 5 must do their best to stay to their own sides when cutting to the rim. If they get too close, one defender will be able to deflect a pass to either offensive player.

A quick sideline out of bounds play that begins in a box formation and ends with a ball-screen at the top of the key with good spacing.

• 2 should be the player you want as the dribbler in the pick-and-roll.

• 5 should be the player you want as the screener in the pick-and-roll.

Setup: The play starts in a box formation.

1. The play begins with the post players (4 and 5) setting down screens for the guards (2 and 3).

2. 2 cuts to the top and receives the basketball while 3 pops out to the weak-side wing.

3. After making this pass, 1 steps inbounds to the wing.

4. 5 immediately sprints up and sets an on-ball screen for 2 who attacks the rim.

5. 2 can either finish at the basket or drop the pass down to 4 for the finish if 4’s defender helps on the drive.

• 5 must set the screen on the correct angle to prevent 2’s defender from slipping under the screen.

• 5 should also aim to create as much separation as possible between themselves and their defender by exploding out to set the screen. This prevents their defender from hedging.

• 2 must be a good decision maker when attacking. If 4’s defender steps up to help, pass. If they don’t, finish at the rim.

Simple inbounds play that includes an inbound pass to the weak side, then a cross screen for a player able to score inside the paint.

• 5 should be the team’s strongest post player.

• 3 should be a player capable of setting a strong screen.

Setup: The play begins in a box formation, with the post players on the ball side.

1. The play starts with 2 cutting towards the inbounder then turning and sprinting to the weak-side corner of 3’s screen.

2. 1 inbounds the ball to 2, then fills the opposite corner.

3. Now 3 sets the cross screen on 5’s defender, and 5 looks to receive the pass close to the basket and finish.

• 3 must aim for 5’s defender, set a strong screen and hold as long as possible.

• Since the inbound pass to the opposite side can sometimes be difficult to execute, the inbounder should not give away where the inbound pass will go – advise them to fake a pass to the ball side before passing to the opposite corner.

• This play is designed to catch the defense by surprise – if you use it too often the defense will catch up and defend more easily.

This play will work great for teams with a dominant post player. The play involves two quick passes to get the basketball to the opposite wing, then a cross screen for a player able to score inside the paint.

• 5 should be the team’s strongest post player.

• 3 should be a player capable of setting a strong screen.

Setup: The play begins in a box formation, with the post players on the ball side.

1. The play starts with 4 setting a screen on 2’s defender, and 2 pops out towards the inbounder to receive the inbound pass.

2. After setting the screen, 4 immediately continues to the weak-side wing.

3. 2 passes the basketball to 4, and about the same time 3 sets a cross screen for 5, who looks to receive the pass from 4 and finish at the basket.

4. If the defense helps and manages to prevent the pass to 5 inside, 3 should look to receive the pass around the high post position for a midrange shot.

• 3 must set a strong screen on 5’s defender.

• After setting the screen on 5’s defender, 3 must look to receive the pass around the free-throw line for an open midrange shot if 5 is closed down.

10. Guard Isolation

This simple play involves good spacing and an isolation for the team’s best guard, and then a quick solution if nothing develops out of 1-on-1 play.

• 1 should be a player able to find scoring opportunities out of a 1-on-1 play.

• The play works best if both 2 and 3 are decent outside shooters.

Setup: The play starts in a 5-out formation, with shooters in the corners of the court.

1. In this play, 1 attempts to exploit the space and score 1-on-1 against the defender.

2. If either of the defenders helps on the drive, one of the players around the perimeter will be open for a shot.

3. If 1 passes to 4 or 5 on the wing, the corner player on this side of the floor moves up and around the receiver for a handoff pass, and then immediately attacks the middle of the floor looking to score.

• 2 and 3 should be ready to shoot on the catch.

• This play is designed to get your best scorer a chance to play 1-on-1 with good spacing, but you shouldn’t use it too often because the other four players on the floor are quite stagnant.

This play involves a staggered screen at the beginning of the play, where there should be an opportunity for either a layup or a midrange shot.

• 1 should be the team’s best decision maker.

• 4 should be a player able to hit midrange shots at a high percentage.

Setup: The play starts in a 3-out 2-in formation.

1. 1 dribbles towards the wing on 4’s side of the floor, and 2 slides towards the corner.

2. Now 5 and 4 set a staggered screen for 3 on the weak side, and 3 cuts off the screen towards the basket looking to receive a pass and finish.

3. 4 tries to hold 3’s defender as long as possible, and then flashes towards the ball-side elbow looking to receive the pass from 1 and take a midrange shot if their defender helps on the screen and prevents a pass to 3.

• 4 and 5 must set strong screens on 3’s defender.

• 1 must look for 3 cutting to the basket as a first option, and if this option isn’t available, 4 should be open at the high post position.

A quick and simple play that involves a pick-and-roll right away at the start of the play, but with a back screen for the screener who rolls towards the basket.

• 5 should be a player able to roll to the basket quickly and finish strong.

• 4 can be any player as long as they can set a strong screen.

Setup: The play begins in a 1-4 high set.

1. 1 dribbles towards 5’s side of the floor, and 5 moves up to set the ball screen.

2. The intention of this screen is to engage 5’s defender more than we expect to actually provide an advantage, and while 5 moves up to set the ball screen, 4 moves towards the middle of the floor to create a good angle and set a strong back screen on 5’s defender.

3. 5 rolls off the 4’s back screen and looks to receive a pass from 1 and finish at the basket.

4. After setting the screen, 4 pops up to the top of the key to receive a pass – more often than not both 4’s and 5’s defender will focus on preventing 5 from cutting completely open, and 4 can be open for a shot.

• Timing of 4’s back screen is crucial for the play to be successful. It should occur immediately after 5 sets the ball screen on 1’s defender and begins rolling to the basket.

• 1 shouldn’t rush the pass to 5 inside the paint. In case 5 is not in a good position to receive the pass and score, 4 could be open at the top of the key.
• This play can be run on either side of the floor, in case both 4 and 5 are able to set proper screens and finish strong at the basket.

Basketball rules for schoolchildren: clear and concise

Few people know, but it was in one American school that the first basketball appeared. One teacher challenged himself to come up with an intense and fun game, and his students really liked his idea. Many years have passed since then, but basketball remains one of the most popular sports in physical education classes. The rules and refereeing have become a little easier, but for the students and schools it has only benefited.

Brief history

Rugby was the most popular sport in the United States until the 20th century. It was a good relaxation and load for the students, but it required a lot of strength and heavy build of the players. James Naismith, a schoolteacher at one of the schools, set himself the task. He needed to come up with a game in which agility and speed would be the most important attributes of the players. Thus, James in 1891 came up with the first basketball prototype.

The PE teacher set up two baskets on opposite sides and told the students to throw the ball into someone else's basket. In the beginning, the basketball score might not differ much from the football score. The players pushed hard, and it rarely came to throws. However, with the help of word of mouth, the game suddenly began to gain popularity.

James began to come up with new rules and make basketball stricter and more spectacular. He placed the rings at a certain height and fastened them to metal shields. Wooden buckets now have a bottom cut out so that the ball can quickly fall to the players.

For about 50 years, basketball has evolved unevenly. He had bad moments, which were dictated by the Great War, the depression of the 30s, the Second World War. But at the same time, the game is starting to gain popularity in colleges and universities. In parallel with this, basketball came to the USSR. George Dupperon popularized this sport, and also held the first official games in 1906 year.

In 1946, the National Basketball Association (NBA) was formed. From now on, the game goes to a new level. Now basketball receives accreditation from partners and states that began to compete in the World and European Championships. Since the middle of the 20th century, millions of spectators have been riveted to the matches of this game.

The 10 Basic Rules of Basketball

The rules of basketball have been the same for years. In order for the game to be as fair and interesting as possible, the main ones are:

1. No more than 5 players from each team can be on one field. Each team has 7 more members in reserve. The stock can change with the base at any time.
2. The main goal is to shoot the ball into the enemy basket as many times as possible. Throws from longer distances give more points.
3. The game consists of 4 parts, the break between them is 2 minutes. Between the two halves of the match, the break is longer - 15 minutes.
4. The game starts with a jump ball. The referee throws the ball up, and the two players in the center try to knock it into their own half of the field.
5. The technique of moving with the ball across the field is important: it is imperative to run with the ball, hitting it on the floor, and deliberately hitting it with your foot or fist is a violation.
6. The team with the most points in the limited time wins. If at the agreed time the score is equal, then an additional time of 5 minutes is played. It will run until one of the teams wins by points.
7. Game time limits must be respected. So, 24 seconds are given for an attack in the opponent's half of the field, and no more than 8 seconds for taking the ball out of one's own zone. The three-second rule says that you can stay under the ring for no more than 3 seconds, then the ball is out of bounds.
8. Basketball is a non-contact game in which physical pressure cannot be exerted on the opponent. If the contact of the players was too rough, then such a violation is punishable by free throws.
9. If the ball goes out of bounds, it must go to the opposing team.
10. You cannot return the ball to your own half of the field after an attack. This is a violation.

How many points are given for what

As already mentioned, in basketball, different numbers of points are given for different shots. In total, there are three options for accruing when the ball hits the basket:

• 1 point. Given on a free throw. The team throws the ball into the basket from a line close to the ring.
• 2 points. For hitting from medium and close range. The most frequently scored points in basketball.
• 3 points. The ball hit the basket from a distance. Usually such throws can be made from a distance of more than 7 meters.

Although long-range shots are the most valued, the score in the game is gained mainly due to 2-point shots. This is due to the fact that even for professionals such hits are complex and rare.

Is it possible to play by simplified rules?

For schoolchildren of all ages, playing basketball according to the official rules can seem quite difficult, so schools do not penalize so much for violations. It is possible to play by simplified rules, but for this you will need to agree among yourself on what can and cannot be done. Most often, the rules remain unchanged: the ban on physical contact, match on points, hitting the ball in touch, the rule of the "middle" line.

To simplify the game, teachers in grades 5-6-7 most often forget about time limits. So for an attack, an unlimited amount of time is given (instead of 24 seconds), and for defense, you can pass passes in your own half for quite some time. Since students rarely throw the ball further than 7 meters from the ring, three points during the game are rarely awarded.

Rules of the Seconds

There are times in basketball that all players and both teams must play. Violation of these rules will be regarded as a foul:

• 3 seconds. The athlete spent more than three seconds in the “paint”. In order to "reset" the timer, you need to go with both feet over the line. Otherwise, the violation will be punished with an out and the transfer of the ball to the opposite team.
• 5 seconds of passivity. When closely guarded by the opponent (less than 1 meter), the athlete does not pass or throw for 5 seconds. This is a violation and is punishable by an out and passing the ball to the other team.
• 8 seconds. If the players of the team do not remove the ball from their own half of the field during this time, then a violation is counted. After the lead athlete has entered someone else's zone, the ball cannot be returned back.
• 10 seconds. The free throw must be taken within this time. Otherwise, all additional attempts will be canceled and the other team will receive the ball.
• 24 seconds. The attack must be carried out within this time. If the players did not have time to complete it due to some circumstances (foul or out), then their stay time can be increased to 14 seconds. If this time the attack is not completed, then the team is declared a violation.
• 30 seconds. A throw attempt must be made at least once during this time. Otherwise, the ball will go to the other team.

The rules of seconds are quite strictly observed in professional basketball, but they are not followed in school. Otherwise, the game turns into an endless violation of the rules and the imposition of penalties because of this.

Fouls and Penalties

If the seconds rules are eliminated, there are two areas for fouls - physical contact and loss of the ball. If one of the teams plays too rough, the referee may issue a warning. If such warnings were given to one player 5 during one match, then this person is removed from the field.

Do not grab the opponent by the arms or enclose him in tongs. You need to play mainly by covering the partners of the enemy team and blocking the passes and throws of the player. If the violation is gross, the referee will award free throws. Their number may vary depending on the severity of physical contact.

A special role is given to how to dribble the ball. You can not pick it up and walk around the field. You need to lead it rhythmically, hitting the floor every time you take a step. Otherwise, the player is credited with a "run", and the team passes the ball to their opponents. You cannot dribble the ball with both hands at the same time or purposely kick it with your foot. This is also considered a violation.

Position of the players

Since there are 5 players in the team, the positions are the same:

1. Point guard. The main brain of the team and the "conductor" of its orchestra. The point guard tends to have the smallest physical attributes, but focuses not on speed or shooting, but on passing and dribbling. Such a player always has several options in his head for playing, as well as for carrying out an attack. In fast playing conditions, he never gets lost and helps his team by creating scoring chances.
2. Attacking defender. The person who is responsible in the team for successful long-range and medium throws. These players usually don't have any obvious strengths, but they need to be fast enough to cover the distance from their own ring to someone else's. The shooting guard has one of the most important roles in scoring goals.
3. Light forward. This player is higher than the previous ones, but his main task is no longer defense, but attack and score. A light forward will achieve results through good dribbling and speed. This player scores the most goals, and therefore he can be considered the main person responsible for the team's performance. Well blocks throws on the approach of opponents. Also, this player can move into the category of powerful forwards if he gains enough muscle and mass.
4. Power forward. One of the easiest roles in the team. Its goal is quite easy to understand, but only truly powerful and tall players will be able to achieve it. This player has the largest height and mass in the team. When attacking, he stands in the zone for 3 seconds and tries to pick up the ball. Usually in this area of ​​the site the most intense struggle takes place, in which the power forward must pick up the ball and throw it into the basket. The number four has recently started to play as an attacking player, before that he played the role of rebounding the ball in defense under his ring.
5. Center. The main task is to recover the ball at the beginning of the match and in controversial moments. The center player is versatile in terms of his set of qualities, but at the same time he must be as strong and big as a powerful forward. This person picks up balls from the enemy basket and fights in the center of the field. Good free throws are important to him, as well as the ability to block opponent passes. He usually scores the highest number of blocks and successful rebounds per game.

Now the roles of the players are rather blurred and universal. Due to the great popularity of basketball in good teams, there is always a choice between a more enduring player or a taller one. Therefore, the roles are often mixed up, supplemented, and the coaches themselves say: the main thing is not your role in the team, but how much you benefit it.

Basic terms

To easily navigate the game, it is worth understanding some words. Players use them during the match, as they are shorter and clearer than their long counterparts. For example, there are such concepts:

• Paint. This is the 3 second zone where 2-point shots are made and the main fight takes place.

• Dunk. This is a way to shoot the ball when a small or power forward jumps to the ring and puts the ball in the basket. Looks very impressive.
• Treshka. This is a throw worth 3 points. Sometimes it is called distant or arc.
• Vi-cat. This is an opening for your partner to receive a pass or get out of pressure.
• Brick. When thrown, the ball hit the ring and its metal rod, but the backboard was not hit.
• Jogging. An offense in which a player with the ball in his hands took more than two steps and did not pass, did not shoot.
• Lay-up. Throw from under the basket.
• Assistant A pass to a player who immediately scored a goal after it.
• Pick. After a throw or block, an attempt to reach the ball and take possession of it.

Of course, this is not the whole list of game terms, but if you list all the slang and concepts of basketball, then you can make a list of a couple of dozen A4 sheets. Here are the most common concepts that both professionals and beginners should know.

Key Points for Teaching School Students

12/19/2018 All sports 2 comments 215,806 Views

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The rules of basketball are quite simple, but for schoolchildren and novice players, they may seem confusing and incomprehensible. The rules of 3, 5, 8, 24 seconds, double dribbling, fouls and much more make basketball a difficult sport, although in fact it is not, the main thing is to present the material correctly to students, because to play at school level, it will be enough to explain to them the most important thing. It is also worth noting that training will be effective with the use of practical exercises.

For better assimilation of the rules by schoolchildren, first tell about them in various variations, using the word method, visualization (for example, showing video fragments) and, of course, practical exercises. Interest students, and for this, it is best to briefly talk about the history of this sport.

A brief history of the creation and development of basketball

Basketball as a sport was invented by James Naismith, a college teacher in Massachusetts. It happened in 1891 year. Naismith hung two fruit baskets from two railings and took a soccer ball, explaining to the students that they need to throw it into the basket, whose team hit the most times, they won.

This game appealed to many, and quickly spread to colleges in the United States of America. Basketball was gaining popularity around the world at an incredible pace, professional leagues were created, international tournaments were held, and in 1936 the game was included in the number of Olympic sports.

Today the most popular, famous and profitable basketball league in the world is the NBA (USA). The most famous players of this sport are Mile Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Andrei Kirilenko, Dwayne Wade, Scottie Pippen, Magic Johnson.

More information - The history of basketball: how the game originated and developed

Basic rules of basketball

The goal of the game of basketball is to throw the ball into the ring, whose team will score more points, is declared the winner. The game takes place on a rectangular court, and depending on where the ball was thrown into the basket from, the number of points scored (2 or 3) will depend.

Each team consists of 12 basketball players, and only 5 can be on the field at the same time (the number of substitutions is not limited). In basketball, players are divided into the following roles:

• Point guard
• Attacking defender
• Center
• Light Forward
• Power or heavy forward

During the game, basketball players of all positions can move around the court at their discretion.

Basketball court has the shape of a rectangle measuring 28 by 15 meters. The middle line divides the court into two halves, in the center of which there is a small circle, the game starts from this place (the referee throws the ball into the air, and one player from each team tries to take possession of it). The height of the ring is 3.05 meters. Near each of the rings there is an arc (semicircle) with a radius of 6.75 m (according to the FIBA ​​standard), which is a projection of the center of the basket. At a distance of 5.80 m from the inside edge of the end line is the free-throw line, which has a length of 3.60 m.

The game is divided into 4 equal periods of 10 minutes each (in the NBA, a half is 12 minutes long). There is a 15 minute break between the 2nd and 3rd quarters.

Basketball score:

• 3 points: if the ball hits the hoop from outside the arc;
• 2 points: if the ball is thrown within the arc;
• 1 point: 1 point is awarded for each successful free throw.

The winning side in basketball is determined very simply: whoever scores more points is the winner. In case of fixing a draw, an additional period of 5 minutes is added.

Basketball rules of 3, 5, 8 and 24 seconds

In yard basketball, and even at the school level, rules related to seconds are often ignored. There is nothing complicated here, what each of them means, we will analyze right now.

• 3-Second Rule: An attacking player must not be in the opponent's penalty area for more than three seconds without the ball. If the attacking player controls the ball in the three-second zone for more than 3 seconds, then this is not a violation.
• 5-Second Rule: How much time is given to a basketball player to put the ball into play, take a free throw or free throw. The countdown starts from the moment when the player took the ball in his hands.
• 8 Second Rule: Once the attacking side has possession of the ball in their own half of the field, they have 8 seconds to advance the ball into the opponent's half of the field. If the team has not crossed the middle line within the set time, according to the rules, the ball is given to the opponent.
• 24 second rule: the team has 24 seconds to attack, and if during this time the ball has not touched the edge of the opponent's basket or has not entered it, then the defending side takes possession of the ball. This rule was first applied in 1954. It was introduced to prevent attacking teams from wasting time with endless possession of the ball

Overview of the basic rules of the game of basketball: consolidation of the material

And now, to consolidate the material, let's consider the rules of the game of basketball briefly point by point (the most basic is highlighted):

• At the same time, 5 players can be on the field from each side (the total number of players in a team is 12, the number of substitutions is not limited).
• The game consists of four periods, each lasting 10 minutes (between the second and third half there is a break for rest of 15 minutes).
• Basketball is only allowed to be played with hands. The ball can be dribbled exclusively by dribbling, there should not be any runs (a run is a basketball player taking more than two steps without dribbling). If a player dribbles and then stops, he is not allowed to take any more steps.
• Each team has 24 seconds to attack. During this period of time allotted by the rules, the attacking side must hit the ring with the ball, or at least the ball must touch the edge of the basket.
• Players are prohibited from being without the ball in the three-second zone for more than 3 seconds.
• Fouls in basketball are: running, double dribbling, stopping and then resuming dribbling, returning the ball to your own half of the field from the opponent's half.
• Points are awarded for each hit of the ball in the ring: 2 points - within the arc, 3 points - outside the arc, 1 point - free throw.
• The game counts the number of fouls (there are personal and team).

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