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Basketball Rules: Learn How to Play

Harry November 14, 2024

Whether one budding or well-intentioned fanYou’ve probably had your eye on the ball lately. of this year WNBA season draws record viewers When the New York Liberty captured their first championship in 28 seasons after defeating the Minnesota Lynx. And now NBA and NCAA college basketball are heating up.

The NBA regular season typically begins in mid-October with the playoffs beginning in mid-April, while college football begins in early November until the March Madness tournament in early spring. There’s no denying that every game is exciting, but if you’re Googling “basketball rules” during halftime, we’ve got you. Say hello to our guide to all things basketball.

Once you learn the basics of the fast-paced game, including the rules and scoring, you will be ready to play the game. super fans. Here’s the 411 on the rules of basketball.

Teams

How Many Basketball Players Are in Each Team?

Each team has 11 to 15 players, but only five can be on the field at a time. WNBA While the maximum squad size consists of 12 players, NBA Limited to 15 players per team during the regular season (up to 20 players in the off-season).

What are Basketball Positions?

Each of the five players on the field has a position and can touch the ball at any point in the game. Here’s a breakdown of specific positions: per NBA.

Centre: The center is usually the tallest person on the team and plays near the basket. On offense, the center tries to score points and return the ball. On defense, the center blocks opponents’ shots and rebounds missed balls.
Shot Protection: The shooting guard is usually the team’s best shooter. They can shoot from long or short distances and are skilled at dribbling and handling the ball.
Point Guard: The point guard runs the offense and is usually the team’s best dribbler and passer. They also defend the opponent’s quarterback and try to steal the ball.
Small Forward: The small forward plays against small and large players, so they run all over the field. They are generally shorter, faster, and skilled at shooting from long and close.
Power Forward: The power forward is similar to the center, so they play close to the basket, shoot rebounds, and defend against tall players. However, tall forwards take longer shots than centers.

Court

How Big Is the Basketball Court?

One NBA court It measures 94 x 50 feet and has a free throw line 15 feet from the front of the backboard, a key (or free throw lane) that is 16 feet wide and 19 feet from the baseline to the free throw line, a 3-way 23.75 feet from the basket at the top of the key, and the score line at the corners, 22 feet from the basket, and a half-court line located in the middle of each end line. The net is 10 feet long, the backing is 3.5 feet high and 6 feet wide, and the rim is 18 inches in diameter.

A. WNBA courtThey are exactly the same size except the 3-point line is slightly closer. At the top of the key, the 3-point line is 22 feet away and the corners are 21.75 feet from the basket. Net and hoop sizes are also the same as the NBA.

Game

What are the Rules of Basketball Games?

To win a basketball game, a team must score more points than the opposing team by throwing the ball into the opponent’s basket. Only five players may be on the field at a time, but teams may substitute a player from the bench when play is stopped or after the last free throw attempt.

Players can dribble or pass the ball, but when a player stops dribbling and receives the ball, they can only take two steps before passing or shooting. According to the NBA rule book. If a player “double dribbles” or “walks” the ball, play is stopped and the ball is awarded to the opposing team.

When an NBA or WNBA team gains possession of the ball, they only have 24 seconds to score a basket (NCAA basketball has 30 seconds). shot clock It restarts when a shot is attempted, enters the basket, or the other team gains possession of the ball. If the shot clock runs out, the ball is awarded to the other team.

What Are Common Basketball Penalties?

Players may also be penalized if a foul occurs. Most fouls occur on defense, but each NBA player is only allowed to commit six fouls per game (WNBA players are only allowed to commit five fouls per game). If a player commits more fouls than designated, he is “fouled” and can no longer play in the game. Common fouls include:

Reaching: If a player is dribbling the ball and the defensive player attempts to hit his forearm or grab his arm, a reaching foul occurs.
Blocking: A blocking foul occurs when a defensive player uses his body to prevent another player from moving.

If a player or coach exhibits aggressive or dangerous behavior, a technical or flagrant foul may also be called. In case of any foul, the opposing team automatically gains the right to take a free throw and/or gain possession of the ball.

How Does Basketball Scoring Work?

Points are scored each time a player puts the ball into the basket. However, the amount of points awarded depends on the type of shot and the distance from the basket from which the shot was made. Here is a breakdown, per NBAAlthough scoring is consistent in the WNBA and NCAA:

2 Point Baskets: 2-point field goals are the most common type of scoring in basketball and consist of any shot made from inside the 3-point line. A 2-point shot can be achieved by a jump shot (a shot made from a jump), a layup (a one-handed shot made near the basket), or a dunk (a player jumping and putting the ball into the basket with one or both shots). hands).
3 Point Baskets: A 3-point shot is awarded when a player shoots from behind the 3-point line.
Free Throws: Free throws are awarded when a player is fouled while shooting, the fouling team enters a bonus/penalty situation (when a team commits at least five fouls in a single quarter), or a technical foul such as a brawl or brawl is committed. There is verbal abuse. The number of free throws depends on the situation, but every uncontested shot is made from the free throw line. If a player is fouled while shooting the ball, he is awarded two free throws for a 2-point field goal or three free throws for a 3-point field goal. If a player is fouled during the shot but makes a shot, this is often referred to as an “and-on” because the player receives points for the basket plus one additional free throw.

How Long Do Basketball Matches Last?

NBA games are divided into four quarters of 12 minutes each, with halftime being 15 minutes. However, the entire length of the event is usually between two and two and a half hours due to timeouts (each team is given seven timeouts during regular play), half-time, and other pauses in play. Different footballThe game clock stops when a timeout is called, a foul is committed, or the ball goes out of bounds.

WNBA games It is divided into four quarters of 10 minutes each, with a 15-minute half-time. Games also last about two hours, but each team is allowed only five timeouts during regulation play.

NCAA women’s basketball games are consistent with the WNBA, but NCAA men’s basketball is played in 20-minute halves.

What Rules Apply to Basketball Fans?

That’s right: basketball game attendees and fans too code of Conduct This prohibits harassment. “While we welcome a growing fan base, the WNBA will not tolerate racist, derogatory or threatening comments made about players, teams or anyone affiliated with the league.” Statement from WNBA.

There you have it, folks. Now that you’re armed with the official rules, you can enjoy educating and supporting your friends about this “bad” call. tremendous athletes.

Andi Breitowich Chicago-based freelance writer and graduate of Emory University and Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Her work has been published in POPSUGAR, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan and elsewhere.

Semainede4jours

Semainede4jours

Basketball Rules: Learn How to Play

Teams