BASKETBALL

History

 Basketball is built into the fabric of Springfield College.

 The game was invented by Springfield College Instructor and graduate student James Naismith in December,
1891, and has grown into the worldwide athletic phenomenon we know it to be today.
 Inside a gymnasium at Springfield College (then known as the International YMCA Training School), located in
Springfield, Mass., was a group of restless college students. The young men had to be there; they were required to
participate in indoor activities to burn off the energy that had been building up since their football season ended.
The gymnasium class offered them activities such as marching, calisthenics, and apparatus work, but these were
pale substitutes for the more exciting games of football and lacrosse they played in warmer seasons.
 Word of the new game spread like wildfire. It was an instant success. A few weeks after the game was invented,
students introduced the game at their own YMCAs.
 The rules were printed in a College magazine, which was mailed to YMCAs around the country. Because of the
College’s well-represented international student body, the game of basketball was introduced to many foreign
nations in a relatively short period of time. High schools and colleges began to introduce the new game, and by
1905, basketball was officially recognized as a permanent winter sport.
 The rules have been tinkered with, but by-and-large, the game of “basket ball” has not changed drastically since
Naismith’s original list of “Thirteen Rules” was tacked up on a bulletin board at Springfield College.

TERMINOLOGIES

 Air-Ball - a shot that does not hit the rim

 Assist - a pass that leads directly to a score
 Backboard - the solid piece of glass, plastic, or wood that is attached to the back of the rim and anchors it in place
 Backcourt Violation - a team is penalized by loss of possession when the ball crosses back over the half-court line
after the ball has initially been advanced beyond half-court line
 Bank Shot - a shot that ricochets off the backboard through the rim for a score
 Block - to swat, tip, or redirect an opponent’s shot so they cannot score
 Blocking Foul - a foul penalized to a defender that steps in front of an offensive player while the defender is still
in motion
 Box-Out - a technique used to shield an opponent away from the basketball in order to secure a rebound
 Bonus - when a team has committed 7,8, or 9 team fouls in a half, the other team is entitled to shoot a 1- and -1 at
the free throw line (NCAA rules)
 Brick - a shot that clanks off the rim
 Charging Foul - an offensive foul usually committed by the dribbler who runs over a set defensive player
 Crossover – when a player quickly changes the ball from one hand to the other across their body
 Defense - an attempt to stop the opposing team from scoring baskets
 Double-Dribble - a player that dribbles the ball, picks up their dribble, then starts dribbling again is guilty of this
infraction which results in a turnover
 Dribble - to bounce the ball continuously
 Dunk - to throw the ball through the hoop while simultaneously grabbing the rim
 Fast Break - to attack the opposing team before they can set their defense
 Field Goal - to make a basket
 Flagrant Foul - also known as an unsportsmanlike foul in which a player commits a foul without an attempt to play
the ball
 Foul - an infraction committed by using illegal physical contact
 Four Point Play - to shoot and make a 3pt shot while being fouled, and then make the free throw
 Free Throw - a free shot from the free throw line resulting from a foul
 Kicking Violation - to use one’s foot to deflect the ball
 Lane - the rectangular area below the free throw line
 Lay-Up - a close, simple shot in which a player usually uses the backboard
 Offense – team with the possession of the ball
 Pivot Foot - the foot a player has established as the foot that is anchored to the ground while their other foot is free
to move. The pivot foot is established when a player catches the ball or when they pick up their dribble.
 Rebound - to grab the ball after a missed shot
 Technical Foul - a foul given for unsportsmanlike behavior or various other team infractions (ex. coach or player
yelling at a referee, too many players on the court, extracurricular activity after play has stopped, calling timeout
when you have none left, illegal substitutions, etc.)
 Travelling - to take more than two consecutive steps with the basketball, or to change an established pivot foot
 Turnover - a player that throws an errant pass or loses control of the ball so that the other team gains possession
 BASKETBALL
FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT
 The Ball - The most important thing for training is the ball. There are certain guidelines which one needs to follow
when buying a basketball. For practicing, one can play with a rubber ball. For professional competitions, one needs
to use an inflated ball made of leather.
 Basketball Court - The basketball court is the next important thing for shooting balls in this game. The court is
usually made of wooden floorboard. The court size is about 28m x 17m according to the International standards.
The National Basketball Association (NBA) regulation states the floor dimension as 29m x 15m. The standard court
is rectangular in shape and has baskets placed on opposite ends.
 Backboard - The backboard is the rectangular board that is placed behind the rim. It helps give better rebound to
the ball. The backboard is about 1800mm in size horizontally and 1050mm vertically. Many times, backboards are
made of acrylic, aluminum, steel or glass.
 Shot Clock - The offense is allowed a maximum of 24 seconds to have a ball in hand before shooting. These 24
seconds are counted on the shot clock. If the offense fails to shoot a ball that hits the rim, they will lose the possession
of the ball to the other team.
 Hoop/Basket - The hoop or basket is a horizontal metallic rim, circular in shape. This rim is attached to a net and
helps one score a point. The rim is mounted about 4 feet inside the baseline and 10 feet above the court.
 Whistle - The coach or referee uses a whistle to indicate the start or end of a game. S/he can even use the whistle
to stop the play in the middle of a game. Whistle also helps to indicate fouls, timeout, or out of bound balls to the
players. In order to get the attention of the players, many times coaches use the whistle to gather the players.

BASIC RULES AND REGULATIONS

 The rules of basketball can vary slightly depending on the level of play (for example professional rules differ from
college rules) or where the game is played (international rules are different from USA professional rules). These
rule differences, however, are usually just variations on the basic game of basketball and the majority of the rules
discussed below can be applied to most any game of basketball played.
 The winner of a basketball game is the team with the most points. You get points by throwing the basketball through
the opponent's hoop or basket. In regular play a basket made from within the three-point line is worth 2 points and
a basket shot from outside the three-point line is worth three points. When shooting a free throw, each free throw is
worth 1 point.
 The world’s governing body for the basketball rules is the NBA.
 FIBA/NCAA – follows the 10-minute rule for each quarter of the game while on the NBA is 12 minutes
each quarter. Each team who is in possession of the ball has 24 seconds to release and shoot the ball on the
opponent’s court.

Rules for the offense

The basketball team on offense is the team with the basketball. When a player has the basketball there are certain
rules they must follow:
1) The player must bounce, or dribble, the ball with one hand while moving both feet. If, at any time, both hands touch
the ball or the player stops dribbling, the player must only move one foot. The foot that is stationary is called the
pivot foot.
2) The basketball player can only take one turn at dribbling. In other words, once a player has stopped dribbling they
cannot start another dribble. A player who starts dribbling again is called for a double-dribbling violation and
loses the basketball to the other team. A player can only start another dribble after another player from either team
touches or gains control of the basketball. This is usually after a shot or pass.
3) The ball must stay in bounds. If the offensive team loses the ball out of bounds the other team gets control of the
basketball.
4) The players hand must be on top of the ball while dribbling. If they touch the bottom of the basketball while dribbling
and continue to dribble this is called carrying the ball and the player will lose the ball to the other team.
5) Once the offensive team crosses half court, they may not go back into the backcourt. This is called a backcourt
violation. If the defensive team knocks the ball into the backcourt, then the offensive team can recover the ball legally.
Defensive Rules
The team on defense is the team without the ball.
1) The main rule for the defensive player is not to foul. A foul is described as gaining an unfair advantage through
physical contact. There is some interpretation that has to be made by the referee, but, in general, the defensive player
may not touch the offensive player in a way that causes the offensive player to lose the ball or miss a shot.
2) Although the foul rule is described above as a defensive rule, it applies exactly the same to all players on the court
including offensive players.
3) Basketball players cannot kick the ball or hit it with their fist.
4) No player can touch the basketball while it is traveling downward towards the basket or if it is on the rim. This is
called goaltending. (touching the ball on the rim is legal in some games).
5) Every player on the court is subject to the same rules regardless of the position they play. The positions in basketball
are just for team basketball strategy and there are no positions in the rules.
 BASKETBALL
TYPES OF VIOLATIONS
 Travelling - One of the basic ideas of the sport of basketball is that you have to dribble or bounce the ball while
you are walking or running. When you have stopped dribbling one of your feet will become your pivot foot. You
cannot move your pivot foot or lift it off of the ground. If you do, this is called travelling.
 Double Dribble - You only get to dribble once in basketball. If you stop dribbling, you have to pass it to another
player or shoot the ball. If you start dribbling again, this is called double dribbling.
 Three-Second - Offensive players are not allowed to stay in the free throw lane, or key, for more than three seconds.
Anytime they leave the key or the ball hits the rim, the three second count starts over again.
 Eight-Second - The offensive team has 8 seconds to get the ball across half court. If it takes longer than 8 seconds,
then they will lose possession of the ball.
 Backcourt - Once the offensive team has gotten the ball over half court, they cannot go back into the defender's
half court with the ball. This is called over-and-back.
 Carrying/Lifting - Carrying, or palming, is like a double dribble. Players may not put the palm of their hands under
the ball or carry the ball in one hand for a long time. This is similar to holding the ball and a double dribble.
 Out of Bounds - The ball is considered out of bounds when it touches the ground outside the lines of the court. The
lines themselves are considered out of bounds as well. It is also out of bounds if the ball touches a player who has
any part of their body touching the ground out of bounds.
TYPES OF FOULS
 Personal Fouls - Among all the types of basketball fouls, personal foul is the most common type. It relates to the
physical contacts, the illegal ones that are not acceptable in the game of basketball. It can be divided into two more
categories, defensive fouls and offensive fouls.
 Defensive Fouls - Illegal physical contacts which are made by defensive players are known as defensive fouls.
These contacts are primarily aimed to impede the progress of offensive player. Some of the typical defensive fouls
are blocking, reaching in, holding, tripping and pushing.
 Offensive Fouls - Offensive players also commit personal fouls, mainly charging and illegal screen. Charging is
called when offensive player moves into a defensive player, pretending as he is fouled by the defender and illegal
screen when player setting the screen constantly moves and blocks the way of the defender.
 Flagrant Foul - When an illegal physical contact gets more violent, obvious, unnecessary and excessive, then it is
called a flagrant foul. It’s intended to harm a player and results in harsher penalties than personal fouls. Hitting,
punching, shoving etc. in such manner that could injure a player or actually ends up hurting him can lead to fines
and ejection from the game. There are two types of flagrant fouls: flagrant foul 1 and flagrant foul 2. Upon
measuring the severity of contact, referee decides whether to call it type 1 or type 2. He can reclassify his decision
after reviewing it.
 Technical Fouls - Technical foul include those acts or behaviours that are against the sportsmanship or spirit of the
game. It’s an unsportsmanlike conduct from an on court player, bench player, coach or entire team against a player,
coach, referee or spectator. For example, releasing anger or frustration in reckless manner like throwing chair or
any object, spitting, punting a ball, using improper language or trash talking. Team fighting or fight with crowd,
pretending to be fouled.
 TYPICAL DEFENSIVE FOULS
1. Blocking - A blocking foul is called when one player uses their body to prevent the movement of
another player. This is often called when the defensive player is trying to draw a charge, but does
not have their feet set or initiates the contact.
2. Hand Check - A hand check foul is called when a player uses their hands to impede or slow the
movement of another player. This is usually called on the defensive player covering the player with
the ball on the perimeter.
3. Holding - Similar to a hand check foul, but is generally called when a player grabs another player
and holds on to prevent them from moving.
4. Illegal Hand Use - This foul is called for any use of the hands on another player that the referee
thinks is illegal. It's generally called when you hit another player on the arm during shooting or
when trying to steal the ball.
5. Charging - Charging is called on the player with the ball when they run into a player that already
has position. If the defensive player doesn't have position or is moving, then generally the official
will call blocking on the defender.
6. Moving Screen - A moving screen is called when the player setting the pick or screen is moving.
When setting a screen, you have to stand still and maintain position. Sliding a bit over to block your
opponent will cause a moving screen foul to be called.
7. Over the Back - This foul is called when rebounding. If one player has position, the other player
is not allowed to jump up over their back to try and get the ball. This is called on both offensive
and defensive players.
 BASKETBALL
Fundamental skills in playing

 Dribbling
- Dribbling is an important skill for all basketball players. This skill will allow you to move up and down the court,
maneuver past defenders and execute plays. Proper dribbling requires ball-handling skills and knowledge of how
to spread your fingers for ball control. It is also best if you know how to dribble equally well with both hands.
 Passing
- Passing is another skill that when mastered can help you become a complete basketball player. Basketball is a
team sport that involves finding a teammate who is open for a shot. The ability to pass the ball to this player can
make the difference between scoring and not scoring. Really great passers are an important part of a basketball
team and usually the ones who set up scoring plays.
 BASIC TYPES OF PASSING
1. Chest Pass - A chest pass is the most basic way to move the basketball from one player to another.
If you have an open teammate and there's little or no chance that an opponent will steal the ball,
the chest pass should work well. Hold the ball with both hands and pushing hard and outward
with your thumbs. Aim for the teammate's chest.
2. Bounce Pass - The bounce pass often is just as accurate as a chest pass and harder to defend. Hold
the ball at chest level and bounce it off the floor halfway between yourself and your teammate.
The defense may be anticipating a chest pass and often might not be ready for a ball that bounces
hard and comes in from a low angle.
3. Overhead Pass - The overhead pass is often used as an outlet pass. Bring the ball directly above
your forehead with both hands on the side of the ball and follow through. Aim for the teammate's
chin. Some coaches advise not bring the ball behind your head, because it can get stolen and it
takes a split-second longer to throw the pass.
 Shooting
- In order to score points in basketball, you need to shoot the ball into the hoop. This requires the ability to
properly hold and throw the ball into the air toward the basket while avoiding defenders. A proper shot requires
precise aiming, arm extension and lift from the legs. There are different types of shots you need to learn, including
jump shots, layups and free throws.
 BASIC TYPES OF SHOOTING
1. LAY-UP - The most basic shot you can make. You drive to the basket all the way on the right or
left side and lay it up with one hand. The hand you lay it up with depends on
which side of the court you are on.
2. JUMP SHOT - A jump shot is another basic shot to make in basketball. You jump and while
jumping you shoot to the ball, hoping to make it. A jump shot can make three different types of
points which are: a free throw shot, two pointer, and three pointer. If you get this type of shot down,
then you can work on practicing the other types of shots.
3. DUNK SHOT - The dunk, basketball’s most spectacular shot, relies more on jumping ability than
shooting skill. If you can jump high enough, and hands large enough to control the ball, leap, lift
the ball above the rim and push or throw it through the net.

BASKETBALL POSITIONS
The five traditional basketball player positions are:
 Point guard: The point guard is the team leader and play caller on the basketball court. A point guard needs good
ball handling skills, passing skills as well as strong leadership and decision making skills.
 Shooting guard: The shooting guard in basketball has the main responsibility of making long outside shots
including the three-point shot. The shooting guard also should be a good passer and able to help the point guard
with the ball handling. Shooting guards are often the top scorer on a team.
 Small forward: Along with the shooting guard, the small forward is often the most versatile player on the
basketball team. They should be able to help with ball handling, make an outside shot, and get rebounds. The
small forward is often a great defensive player as well. The combination of height and quickness can allow them
to defend a number of positions and take on the best scorer on the opposing team.
 Power forward: The power forward on a basketball team is usually responsible for rebounding and some scoring
in the paint. A power forward should be big and strong and able to clear out some space under the basket. Many
great power forwards in the game today do not score a lot of points, but lead their team in rebounds. Power
forwards are often good shot blockers as well.
 Center: The center is usually the biggest or tallest member of the basketball team. In the NBA, many centers are
7 feet tall or taller. The center can be a big scorer, but also needs to be a strong rebounder and shot blocker. On
many teams the center is the final line of defense.