BASKETBALL

The objective of the game is to score in the opponent’s basket and to prevent the other team from
scoring. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.

Court dimension: 28 m I Length by 15 m in width measured from the inner edge of the boundary line.
Backcourt consists of it’s own basket, the inbounds part of the backboard and that part of the playing
court limited by the endline behind their own basket, the sidelines and the center line. Frontcourt
consists of the opponents’ basket, the inbounds part of the backboard and that part of the playing court
limited by the endline behind the opponents’ basket, the sidelines and the inner edge of the center line
nearest to the opponents’ basket. All lines shall be drawn in white colour, 5 cm in width and clearly
visible.

Boundary line - The playing court shall be limited by the boundary line, consisting of the endlines
and the sidelines. These lines are not part of the playing court. Any obstruction including seated team
bench personnel shall be at least 2 m from the playing court.

The centre circle shall be marked in the centre of the playing court and have a radius of 1.80 m
measured to the outer edge of the circumference. If the inside of the centre circle is painted, it must be
the same colour as the restricted areas the mid-point of the free-throw lines.

The free-throw circles have a radius of 1.80 m. The free-throw line shall be drawn parallel to each
endline. It shall have its furthest edge 5.80 m from the inner edge of the endline and shall be 3.60 m
long. Its mid-point shall lie on the imaginary line joining the mid-point of the 2 endlines.

Duration

The game consists of four periods of 10 minutes.

There shall be an interval of play of 20 minutes before the game is scheduled to

begin.

An interval of play begins:

• 20 minutes before the game is scheduled to begin.

• When the game clock signal sounds for the end of the period.

An interval of play ends:

• At the beginning of the first period when the ball leaves the hand(s) of the

referee on the toss for the jump ball.

• At the beginning of all other periods when the ball is at the disposal of the

player taking the throw-in.

BASIC SKILL
Why dribble? Well, aside from passing, dribbling is also a way that lets you move the ball around the
court. It allows you to move from point A to point B without committing any violation. In fact, with
good dribbling skills, you will be able to attack the hoop by charging forward or by getting a quick
jumper. This can be accomplished by losing your defender through your dribbling skills. The truth is
dribbling is far more complex as compared to just bouncing the ball from your hand to the floor and
back to your hand. Dribbling requires a lot of coordination and rhythm which is usually perfected
through hours and hours of practice. Aside from having to master different dribbling rhythms, you also
need to be able to dribble using your weak hand.

Kinds of Dribble

Low Dribble As its name suggests, low dribble just means that you must keep the ball bouncing low
nearest to the floor. This can effectively ensure the ball from guards. This entails the dribblers to extend
his hand so as to limit the space the opponent can penetrate.

Speed Dribble This is typically used when the dribbler is an open court and has to take advantage of time
while keeping good control with the ball and his body. Because the player isn't guarded heavily, he isn't
forced to protect the ball excessively. This gives him a good chance to make faster dribbling while
achieving some distance.

Change-Of-Pace Dribble This type of dribble is characterized with the slowing down of motion that may
be conceived as stopping. This would effectively make the opponent think that you are stopping to pass
the ball. However, once you achieve the reaction from the opponent, you must be keen to explode with
speed then drive through the opponent.

Crossover Dribble This type of dribble is used to deflect the guarding player. It is characterized by one-
hand dribbling while pushing the ball in front. After which, the offensive player would have to explode
right through the opponent. While this is good for achieving distance, it is also prone for steals. To
protect the ball, dribbling must be kept low as the ball passes form one hand to another.

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Types of Basketball Passes

Chest Pass – this type of pass is probably the most accurate pass you can use. It is executed by holding
the ball with both hands near your chest or at the level of the sternum and releasing it by extending
both arms forward to make the pass. This pass goes in a straight line mostly parallel to the floor which
requires a lot of force to execute thus making it a high velocity pass.

Bounce Pass – this type of pass is very useful when you are being heavily defended or when you are
dribbling and you want to pass the ball to a teammate. This pass is executed by bouncing the ball off at
an angle in between you and your ball recipient. Although this pass may look easy, it can still be a bit
tricky as you need to judge the distance of your recipient along with how much strength and deflection
you need to give the ball. The accuracy of this type of pass is dictated by the speed and trajectory of the
ball. You can also change the trajectory of the ball to some degree by putting some spin to it.

Overhead Pass – this type of pass is useful when you are being marked tightly or when you are
considerably taller than your defender. However, if wrongly used, it poses the risk of interception. To
execute the overhead pass, you need to have both hands placed on the respective sides of the ball. You
then position the ball behind your head. To make the pass, you extend your arms forward while
bringing the elbows down to put more strength in the pass.

Behind the Back Pass – this type of pass is rarely used in a game unless it is used for offensive purposes
such as misdirect the defender from the ball. To execute this pass, you need to cup the ball using your
wrist and fingers and sling it behind you towards the recipient.

Baseball pass - The aim is to improve the baseball pass technique. This is most often used when passing
over a long distance, or to start a fast break.

Scoring
A basket scored from near the basket (inside the three-point arc) is worth two points.

A basket scored from far (beyond the three-point arc) is worth three points.

A basket scored from the free-throw line is worth one point.

A team member is entitled to play when his name has been entered on the score- sheet before the start
of the game and as long as he has neither been disqualified nor committed 5 fouls.

Players shall not wear equipment (objects) that may cause injury to other players.

• The following are not permitted:

▬ Finger, hand, wrist, elbow or forearm guards, casts or braces made of

leather, plastic, pliable (soft) plastic, metal or any other hard substance,
 even if covered with soft padding.

▬ Objects that could cut or cause abrasions (fingernails must be closely cut).

▬ Headgear, hair accessories and jewellery.

• The following are permitted:

▬ Shoulder, upper arm, thigh or lower leg protective equipment if the material

is sufficiently padded.

▬ Compression sleeves of the same dominant colour as the shirts.

▬ Compression stockings of the same dominant colour as the shorts. If for the

upper leg it must end above the knee; if for the lower leg it must end below

the knee.

▬ Knee braces if they are properly covered.

▬ Protector for an injured nose, even if made of a hard material.

▬ Non-coloured transparent mouth guard.

▬ Spectacles, if they do not pose a danger to other players.

▬ Headbands, maximum 5 cm in width, made of non-abrasive, unicolour

cloth, pliable plastic or rubber.

▬ Non-coloured transparent taping of arms, shoulders, legs, etc.

During the game, any player who is bleeding or has an open wound must be

substituted. He may return to the playing court only after the bleeding has stopped

and the affected area or open wound has been completely and securely covered.

If the injured player or any player who is bleeding or has an open wound recovers

during a time-out taken by either team, before the scorer’s signal for the substitu-

tion, that player may continue to play.

The captain (CAP) is a player designated by his coach to represent his team on the

playing court. He may communicate in a courteous manner with the officials during

the game to obtain information, however, only when the ball becomes dead and the
game clock is stopped.

The captain shall, immediately at the end of the game, inform the referee if his team

is protesting against the result of the game and sign the scoresheet in the space

marked 'Captain's signature in case of protest'.

Coaches Duties and Powers --- At least 20 minutes before the game is scheduled to begin, each coach or
his representative shall give the scorer a list with the names and corresponding

numbers of the team members who are eligible to play in the game, as well as the

name of the captain of the team, the coach and the assistant coach. All team

members whose names are entered on the scoresheet are entitled to play, even if

they arrive after the beginning of the game.

The coach or the assistant coach may go to the scorer’s table during the game to

obtain statistical information only when the ball becomes dead and the game clock

is stopped.

Either the coach or the assistant coach, but only one of them at any given time, is

permitted to remain standing during the game. They may address the players

verbally during the game provided they remain within their team bench area. The

assistant coach shall not address the officials.

The captain shall act as coach if there is no coach, or if the coach is unable to

continue and there is no assistant coach entered on the scoresheet (or the latter is

unable to continue). If the captain must leave the playing court, he may continue to

act as coach. If he must leave following a disqualifying foul, or if he is unable to act

as coach because of injury, his substitute as captain may replace him as coach.
Moving the ball

The ball may either be passed from one player to another, or dribbled by a player from one point to
another (bounced while walking or running).

Before passing or shooting the ball, a player may take two steps (without dribbling). Once a
player has stopped dribbling, he may not start to dribble again.

Once the team in possession of the ball has passed the half-court line, it may cross back over the line
with the ball.

Shot clock

When a team gains possession of the ball, they have a maximum of 24 seconds to attempt a shot.

Additionally, offensive players may not remain within the restricted area (key) for more than three
consecutive seconds.

Fouls

If a foul is committed when or just before the game clock signal sounds for the end

of playing time, any eventual free throw(s) shall be administered after the end of

playing time.

A personal foul occurs when there is illegal contact between two opponents. A player who makes more
than five personal fouls is excluded from the game.

A foul made on a player attempting a shot results in the awarding of the same number of free-throws as
those of the shot taken (two from inside the arc, three from outside). If a player is fouled but makes the
attempted shot, the shot counts and an additional free-throw will be awarded.

Once a team has made four fouls in a period, each additional foul (on a player not attempting a shot) will
result in the automatic awarding of two free-throws.

If an extra period is required as a result of this free throw(s) then all fouls that are

committed after the end of playing time shall be considered to have occurred during

an interval of play and the free throws shall be administered before the beginning of

the extra period.

Art. 10 Status of the ball

The ball can be either live or dead.

• During the jump ball, the ball leaves the hand(s) of the referee on the toss.

• During a free throw, the ball is at the disposal of the free-throw shooter.

• During a throw-in, the ball is at the disposal of the player taking the throw-in.

The ball becomes pace dribb when:

• Any field goal or free throw is made.

• An official blows his whistle while the ball is live.

• It is apparent that the ball will not enter the basket on a free throw which is to

be followed by:

▬ Another free throw(s).

▬ A further penalty (free throw(s) and/or possession).

• The game clock signal sounds for the end of the period.

• The shot clock signal sounds while a team is in control of the ball.

• The ball in flight on a shot for a field goal is touched by a player from either

team after:

▬ An official blows his whistle.

▬ The game clock signal sounds for the end of the period.

▬ The shot clock signal sounds.

The ball does not become dead and the goal counts if made when:

• The ball is in flight on a shot for a field goal and:

▬ An official blows his whistle.

▬ The game clock signal sounds for the end of the period.

▬ The shot clock signal sounds.

• The ball is in flight on a free throw and an official blows his whistle for any rule

infraction other than by the free-throw shooter.

• A player commits a foul on any opponent while the ball is in the control of the

opponent in the act of shooting for a field goal and who finishes his shot with a
 continuous motion which started before the foul occurred.

This provision does not apply and the goal shall not count if

▬ after an official blows his whistle and an entirely new act of shooting is

made.

▬ during the continuous motion of a player in the act of shooting the game

clock signal sounds for an end of period or the shot clock signal sounds.

Art. 12 Jump ball and alternating possession

A jump ball occurs when an official tosses the ball in the centre circle between any

2 opponents at the beginning of the first period.

A held ball occurs when one or more players from opposing teams have one or

both hands firmly on the ball so that neither player can gain control without undue

roughness.

How the ball is played?

During the game, the ball is played with the hand(s) only and may be passed,

thrown, tapped, rolled or dribbled in any direction, subject to the restrictions of

these rules.

A player shall not run with the ball, deliberately kick or block it with any part of the

leg or strike it with the fist.

However, to accidentally come into contact with or touch the ball with any part of

the leg is not a violation.

Player in the Act of Shooting

A shot for a field goal or a free throw is when the ball is held in a player’s hand(s)
and is then thrown into the air towards the opponents' basket.

A tap is when the ball is directed with the hand(s) towards the opponents' basket.

A dunk is when the ball is forced downwards into the opponents' basket with one or

both hands. A tap and a dunk are also considered as shots for a field goal.

The act of shooting:

• Begins when the player starts the continuous movement normally preceding

the release of the ball and, in the judgement of an official, he has started an

attempt to score by throwing, tapping or dunking the ball towards the

opponents' basket.

• Ends when the ball has left the player’s hand(s) and, in the case of an airborne

shooter, both feet have returned to the floor.

Art. 16 Goal: When made and its value

A goal is made when a live ball enters the basket from above and remains within or

passes through the basket.

If a player accidentally scores a field goal in his team’s basket, the goal counts 2

points and shall be recorded as having been scored by the captain of the opposing

team on the playing court.

If a player deliberately scores a field goal in his team’s basket, it is a violation and

the goal does not count.

Definition

A time-out is an interruption of the game requested by the coach or assistant coach.

A time-out opportunity begins when:

• For both teams, the ball becomes dead, the game clock is stopped and the

official has ended his communication with the scorer's table.

throw.

• For the non-scoring team, a field goal is scored.

A time-out opportunity ends when the ball is at the disposal of a player for a throw-

in or for a first or only free throw.

Each team may be granted:

• 2 time-outs during the first half,

• 3 time-outs during the second half with a maximum of 2 of these time-outs in the

last 2 minutes of the second half,

• 1 time-out during each extra period.

Art. 22 Violations

A violation is an infraction of the rules.

Penalty

The ball shall be awarded to the opponents for a throw-in at the place nearest to the

infraction, except directly behind the backboard, unless otherwise stated in the

rules.

Art. 25 Travelling

Travelling is the illegal movement of one foot or both feet beyond the limits outlined

in this article, in any direction, while holding a live ball on the playing court.

Fouls

Charging is illegal personal contact, with or without the ball, by pushing or moving

into an opponent’s torso.

with or without the ball.

Illegal guarding from the rear is personal contact with an opponent, by a defensive

player, from behind. The fact that the defensive player is attempting to play the ball

does not justify his contact with an opponent from the rear.

Holding is illegal personal contact with an opponent that interferes with his freedom

of movement. This contact (holding) can occur with any part of the body.

Pushing is illegal personal contact with any part of the body where a player forcibly

moves or attempts to move an opponent with or without the ball.

Art. 17 Throw-in

A throw-in occurs when the ball is passed into the playing court by the out-of-

bounds player taking the throw-in.

An official must hand or place the ball at the disposal of the player taking the throw-

in. He may also toss or bounce pass the ball provided that:

• The official is no more than 4 m from the player taking the throw-in.

• The player taking the throw-in is at the correct place as designated by the

official.

The player shall take the throw- in at the place nearest to the infraction or where the game was stopped
by the official except directly behind the backboard.

The five basketball positions normally employed by organized basketball teams are the point guard (PG),
the shooting guard (SG), the small forward (SF), the power forward (PF), and the center (C). While these
position names are still used, most modern teams use a point guard, two wings, and two post players, or
use no specific positions at all. The rules of basketball do not mandate them, and they are sometimes
not used. Indeed, it could be said that the designation of positions is done more to satisfy broadcasters
and fans than for coaches or players, and many top coaches, including Olympic coach Mike Krzyzewski
choose to ignore positions altogether.

Typically, the point guard is the leader of the team when on the court. This position requires substantial
ball handling skills and the ability to facilitate the team during a play. The shooting guard, as the name
implies, is often the best shooter. They are probably capable of shooting accurately from longer
distances. Generally, they also have good ball-handling skills. The small forward often has an aggressive
approach to the basket when handling the ball. The power forward is considered to be what is called a
post player or a big. A post player typically works around the basket, often with lay-ups or shots near the
basket. The center is also considered a big. They work primarily around the basket, mostly shooting
layups, and don't dribble the ball as often.

The point guard (PG),[2] also known as the one, is typically the team's best ball handler and passer.
Therefore, they often lead their team in assists and steals. They are often quick and are able to hit shots
either outside the three-point line or "in the paint", largely depending on the player's skill level. Point
guards are looked upon as the "floor general" or the "coach on the floor".

The shooting guard (SG) is also known as the two or the off guard. Along with the small forward, a
shooting guard is often referred to as a wing because of its use in common positioning tactics. As the
name suggests, most shooting guards are good shooters from three-point range.

The small forward is considered to be perhaps the most versatile of the main five basketball positions.
Versatility is key for small forwards because of the nature of their role, which resembles that of a
shooting guard more often than that of a power forward. This is why the small forward and shooting
guard positions are often interchangeable and referred to as wings. Small forwards have a variety of
assets, such as quickness and strength inside. One common thread among all kinds of small forwards is
an ability to "get to the line" and draw fouls by aggressively attempting (post up) plays, lay-ups, or slam
dunks.

The power forward (PF), also known as the four, often plays a role similar to that of the center, down in
the "post" or "low blocks". On offense, the power forward is often the team's most versatile scorer,
being able to score close to the basket while also being able to shoot mid-range jump shots from 12 to
18 feet from the basket. Some power forwards, known as stretch fours, have since extended their
shooting range to three-point field goals. On defense, they are required to have the strength to guard
bigger players close to the basket, and to have athleticism to guard quick players away from the basket.
Most power forwards tend to be more versatile than centers since they can be part of plays and are not
always in the low block.

The center (C), also known as the five, nicknamed the "pivot", usually plays near the baseline, close to
the basket (referred to as the "low post"). They are usually the tallest player on the floor. The center
usually scores "down low, in the paint" (near the basket, in the key), but some can be good perimeter
shooters. They are typically skilled at gathering rebounds, contesting shots and setting screens on plays.