PEFN04G – TEAM SPORTS/GAMES
BASKETBALL
HISTORY
The history of basketball dates back more than a hundred years to
1891, Springfield, Massachusetts, USA.
At that time Dr. James Naismith was a physical educator in the
School for Christian Workers (now Springfield College). As the
coach of the school football team he was given the task to create an
interesting indoor game to occupy the students during the winter
months. In a fortnight he came up with the basic rules of a new
game. Mr. Naismith evolved 5 basic principles when he created the
rules.
1. The game is played with a round ball and with the hands.
2. A player cannot run with the ball.
3. Any player can take up any position on the playing court at
any time.
4. There shall be no physical contact between players.
5. The goal ( basket ) shall be placed horizontally above the
floor of the court.
He chose two wooden peach baskets and nailed them to the side of
the balcony of the hall. The height where the baskets were hung
was dictated by the height of the balcony. This height ( 10 feet )
was so ideally selected that it has never been changed.
The first games were played with a football and a janitor sat on a
ladder to retrieve the ball from the basket when a player made a
goal.
The new game became a success. The 13 of Naismith original
basketball rules were based on the principle that the points are to be
attained by skill rather force. The rules were published in
“Triangle” magazine in January 15, 1892 under the title “A New
Game”.
PE 4 - Basketball page 1
March 2, 1892 – first publicly played game of basketball between
students and teachers at the Springfield College. The students won
5-1 before a crowd of over 200. In the same year, Lew Allen of
Hartford, Connecticut made cylindrical baskets of heavy woven
wire to eliminate Naismith’s peach baskets. The rims were hung at
the balcony and some spectators amused themselves by diverting
the ball away from the hoop. To protect the ball from spectators,
first backboards (3.60x1.80m) were introduced.
The ball itself outgrew the football ball and was replaced by an
official basketball in 1894. In the next year a 1.80x1.20m
backboards was approved. Free throws were introduced.
March 22, 1893 – the first women’s match took place in
Northampton. No men were allowed to watch the game.
From 1896 field goals were changed to 2 points, free throws to 1
point. The same year Chicago and Iowa competed in the first
college match. Five players were allowed on each team. Neither
team used substitute players.
Dr. James Naismith’s Original 13 Rules
The object of the game is to put the ball into your opponent’s goal.
This may be done by throwing the ball from any part of the
grounds, with one or two hands, under the following conditions and
rules.
1. The ball may be thrown in any direction with one or both
hands.
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 2. The ball may be batted in any direction with one or both
hands.
3. A player cannot run with the ball. The player must throw it
from the spot on which he catches it, allowances to be made
for a man who catches the ball when running if he tries to
stop.
4. The ball must be held by the hands. The arms or body must
not be used for holding it.
5. No shouldering, holding, pushing, tripping or striking in
any way the person of an opponent shall be allowed; the
first infringement of this rule by any player shall come as a
foul, the second shall disqualify him until the next goal is
made, or, if there was evident intent to injure the person, for
the whole period of the game, no substitute allowed.
6. A foul is striking the ball with the fist, violation of Rules 3,
4, and such as described in Rule 5.
7. If either side makes three consecutive fouls it shall count as
a goal for the opponents (consecutive means without the
opponents in the meantime making a foul).
8. A goal shall be made when the ball is thrown or batted from
the grounds into the basket and stays there, providing those
defending the goal not to touch or disturb the goal. If the
ball rests on the edges, and the opponent’s moves the
basket, it shall count as goal.
9. When the ball goes out of bounds, it shall be thrown into
the field of play by the person touching it. He has a right to
hold it unmolested for five seconds. In case of a dispute the
umpire shall throw it straight into the field. The Thrower-in
is allowed five seconds; if he holds it longer it shall go to
the opponent. If any side persists in delaying the game the
umpire shall call a foul on that side.
10. The umpire shall be the judge of the men and shall note the
fouls and notify the referee when three consecutive fouls
have been made. He shall have power to disqualify men
according to Rule 5.
11. The referee shall be judged of the ball and shall decide
when the ball is in play, in bounds, to which side it belongs,
PE 4 - Basketball
and shall keep the time. He shall decide when a goal has
been made and keep account of the goals, with any other
duties that are usually performed by a referee.
12. The time shall be two fifteen-minute halves, with five
minutes rest between.
13. The side making the most goals in that time shall be
declared the winner. In the case of a draw the game may, by
agreement of the captains, be continued until another goal is
made.
The Game
Basketball Game
Basketball is played by two (2) teams of five (5) players each. The
aim of each team is to score in the opponents’ basket and to prevent
the other team from scoring.
Basket: opponents’/own
The basket that is attacked by a team is the opponents’ basket and
the basket which is defended by a team is the team’s own basket.
Winner of the game
The team that has scored the greater number of points at the end of
playing time shall be the winner.
Court and Equipment
Playing court
The playing court shall have a flat, hard surface free from
obstructions with dimensions of twenty-eight (28)m in length by
fifteen (15)m in width measured from the inside edge of the
boundary line.
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Lines

All lines shall be drawn in white color, five (5)cm in width and
clearly visible.

Boundary line

The playing court shall be limited by the boundary line, consisting

of the end lines ( on the short sides ) and the sidelines ( on the long
sides ). These lines are not part of the playing court.

Any obstruction including seated team bench personnel shall be at

least two (2)m from the playing court.

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 Equipment

- Backstop units, consisting of:

 Backboards
 Baskets comprising (pressure release) rings and nets
 Backboard support structures including padding

- Basketballs
The ball shall be spherical and an orange color. It shall have 8
traditionally shaped panels. It shall be made with an outer surface
of leather, rubber or synthetic material. It shall be inflated to an air
pressure such that when it dropped onto the playing surface from a
height of 1.80m measured from the bottom of the ball, it will
rebound to a height of 1.20-1.40m measured at the top of the ball.
- Game clock
- Scoreboard
- Twenty-four second device
- Stopwatch or suitable (visible) device (not the game clock) for
timing time-outs
- Two (2) separate, distinctly different and loud sound signals
- Scoresheet
- Player foul markers
- Team foul markers

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- Alternating possession arrow Low or control Dribble
- Playing floor
- Playing court
- Adequate lighting

Basic Elements of Basketball

In basketball there are three basic ways to move the ball: dribbling,
passing and shooting.
It is used whenever the player is closely guarded. This type of
Dribbling is the way to progress with the ball by an individual
dribbling simply
player, in order to get free from his opponent or to get in a good
entails keeping the ball low to the floor and in player’s control. The
passing or shooting position.
ball is
dribbled on the side of the body awayfrom the defender. The palm
Passing the ball is the quickest and most effective way to get the
of the
ball from player to player. The perfect end result of a series of a
dribbling hand is kept over the ball.
well-executed passes will be a pass made to an open teammate
close to the basket who just takes the ball and easily scores. A good
assist has the same importance and attraction as scoring a basket.
High or speed Dribble
Shooting is the final movement to complete the offensive action in
order to score a basket. The many goals scored are the features that
make basketball interesting, attractive, and exciting for the
spectators.

Dribbling

During a dribble, the dribble keeps the ball on the side of his body
that is away from the defender. To dribble, the ball is pushed down
b spreading the fingers by a light pressure. All players should learn
to dribble equally well with both hands without looking the ball.
When a player is in the open court and needs to go as fast as he can
with the ball, he uses the high/speed dribble. In such case the
dribbler is not closely guarded and while running fast, he pushes
the ball in front of him and lets the ball bounce at hip level. With
this type of dribble the dribbling hand is not directly over the ball
as in the low dribble, but behind it.

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Between-the-legs Dribble
This dribble is a quick way to move the ball from one hand to
another between the legs when a dribbler is close guarded or when
he wants to change direction.
Behind-the-back Dribble
This type of dribble is used when the dribbler changes direction in
order to get loose from his opponent. The dribbler moves the ball
from one side of his body to another by swinging it behind and
across his back.
PE 4 - Basketball
Reverse Dribble
This dribble is also a type of dribbling to change direction and to
bounce the ball from one hand to another when the dribbler is
closely guarded. To use it effectively, it must be executed quickly
when the dribbler pushes the ball to the floor and rotates around his
defender.
Crossover Dribble
It entails dribbling with one hand, then, as the dribbler get close to
his defender, pushing the ball out in front of him, over the other
hand, and exploding past him. This move is a very good way to
beat the defender, but since the ball is unprotected as he makes the
crossover, it can be stolen by the defense if the move is not done
smoothly.
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 The basic mechanics of the bounce pass are the same as those of
Passing the chest pass,
although the situations when it is used are not. A bounce pass is
Chest Pass used most
often in pivot plays when the passer is passing to a teammate
guarded from
behind, or in other situations when the chest pass cannot be used.

Overhead Pass

The chest pass is the most common pass in a game when there isn’t
a defensive
player between the passer and his teammate. To execute this pass,
the ball is held in two hands chest-high and close to the body. The
elbows are tucked and fingers spread around the ball. As he
releases the ball, arms and hands are extended with the palms
turning outward. This is the most accurate of the various passes. This pass is commonly used for passing the ball into the high and
low post area, or as an outlet pass directly off a rebound to begin a
fast break, or during a throw-in.

Bounce Pass

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One-hand ( Baseball ) Pass One-hand ( push ) Pass

This is a long-distance pass that is usually thrown more than half of

the court length. This pass is not too accurate but is useful in
getting the ball for a fast break. The push pass is a quick pass made with one hand to a short
distance. The pass originates near the ear and relies on elbow being
bent for its power. It can either a straight or a lob pass depending
Behind-the-back Pass on the defensive alignment.

Shooting

Lay-up Shot

This pass was once considered to be a fancy pass but has now
become a normal offensive weapon.
In the game basketball, a lay-up is the first shot that should be
learned. In a competitive situation this is the one shot that the
player has to be able to make with both right and left hands. The
dribble towards the basket is generally finished by a lay-up shot.
When the dribbler is several feet away from the ring

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simultaneously lifts his hand and the same knee up when jumping
towards the basket.
Underhand Shot
This is the special type of the lay-up shot when the shooter after
taking his jump towards the basket extends his arm and lifts his
hand upward keeping the ball away from the defender.
Set Shot
During the normal course of the game the set shot is generally not
used, since if the shooter does not leap to the air the shot can easily
be blocked. It is commonly used only when executing free throws,
when the shooter may take an unhindered shot.
PE 4 - Basketball
Jump Shot
Of all the shots taken in basketball game, the jump shot is the most
widely used in a player’s offensive arsenal. Since it is taken at the
highest point of the shooter’s vertical jump, it is a shot that is
extremely hard to block. From a long distance it is almost the only
type of shot.
Hook Shot
The hook shot is a soft and accurate shot and excellent low post
move. When executed correctly, it is nearly impossible to block,
because the shooting hand is away from the defender, even when
guarded by a taller player.
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Dunking
The dunk shot was once considered a special attraction of the tallest
players. Recently, it has become common and its benefit is that the
shot has no upward flight and is very difficult to block it. The dunk
shot is the most spectacular offensive move and it is one that can
boost the teammates’ spirits and quickly demoralize the opponent.
Dunking can be made by one or two hands, from in front or from
behind.
Reverse Lay-up
This lay-up has the benefit of the rim and backboard to help protect
the shooter from defenders trying to block his shot from behind. It
PE 4 - Basketball
is a good shot to use after a penetration along the end line or when
he receives the ball inside the lane with his back to the basket
Tapping (Tip-in)
The Tap-in is not really a shot. This move consists of only a soft
flick of the fingertips. The fingertips are positioned under the ball
as it comes off the rim and the ball is gently pushed up and tapped
in the direction of the rim or backboards. Timing and good jumping
ability are needed to perform this shot.
Blocking and Rebounding
Rebounding is one of the most important parts of the game. Every
rebound that a player can get gives the opportunity to that team to
score a basket. Since approximately half of all the shots are missed,
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the difference in rebounding between the two teams can determine Man-to-man Defense
the winner.

Height and good jumping ability are certainly big advantages in

rebounding but they are not only the factors in becoming a good
rebounder. Good position and timing are equally important. When
the offensive players are blocked out by the defensive players even
the shortest player can get the rebound.

Screening The most often used defense is the man-to-man defense. In this
defense, each player guards an opponent. This type of defense
requires every player to play good defense because, if one of the
defensive players makes a mistake his opponent can easily score a
basket.

Zone Defense

A screen is also a pick, is a legal block set by an offensive player

on the side of or behind a defender in order to free a teammate to
take a short or receive a pass or dribble past his defender.

The screen should be set perpendicular to the direction that the

defense expects to move.

Defense
To play good defense, the elementary fundamental to master is
footwork. The defender shall anticipate his opponents by moving
his feet, so as to establish legal guarding the position in the path of
his opponent.
When using this defense, the defenders are not guarding every
opponent individually but they guard a specific area (zone) around
the basket. The defensive team’s moves do not directly mimic the
opponents but remain in a defensive pattern as they follow the path
of the ball. Every player has his own position. It is generally used
when the defensive players are tall but not as quick as their
opponents.

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Position of Players
Guard ( also called point guard or play maker )
He organizes the play of his team. Generally, he is the most agile
player of the team and often he is the shortest among the
teammates. He does not go very often close to the basket but he
shoots from long distance and serves his partners by giving good
assists. Penetration of the defense is a most effective skill for a
guard to master.
PE 4 - Basketball
Forward
Forwards are expected to be good middle and long distance
shooters and to scores baskets from penetration.
Center
The centers are the tallest players of the team. Most of the goals
they scores are from close range shots and from rebound situations.
Both in defense and in offense they have mainly the task to get the
rebounds.
Basketball glossary
Bellow is an alphabetical listing of
the most common basketball terms
and their definitions.
A
Assist: A pass to a team-mate that directly leads to a basket.
Attendance: Number of spectators (sold tickets).
B
Biggest scoring run: Biggest margin of consecutive points scored
by a team without any points from opponent.
Biggest lead: Highest score difference in any moment of the game.
For a team who never led, the value of 'biggest lead' is 0.
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Blocked shot: When the defense deflects or stops a shot attempt
with their hand while the ball is still on its upward flight.
C
Captain: Leader of the team elected by the players or appointed by
the coach.
Championships/Olympic Games: The entire event including the
opening ceremony, competition,
closing ceremony, official training and other official activities.
Classification of team: Classification of teams shall be made on
classification points according to their win-loss records, namely 2
(two) points for each game won, 1 (one) point for each game lost
(including lost by default) and 0 (zero) points for a game lost by
forfeit.
Closely guarded player: A closely guarded player (within one
normal step) who is holding the ball shall pass, shoot, roll, or
dribble the ball within five (5) seconds. Infraction of this article is a
violation.
Commissioner - Official responsible for supervising the work of
the Table Officials and to assist the Referee and Umpire in the
smooth functioning of the game.
Competition: The Competition is an event from the start of the
first game to the completion of the last game, excluding the
opening and closing ceremony.
D which game is awarded is not ahead, the score shall be recorded as
Defensive rebound: Grabbing the ball from the missed shot
attempt by an opponent.
Disqualifying foul: Any flagrantly unsportsman-like infraction.
PE 4 - Basketball
Double foul: Two opposing players commit fouls against each
other at approximately the same time.
F
Fast break point: Point scored from a very quick counterattack.
Field goal: A basket scored from an action on the playing court
except free throws.
Fifth (5th) foul - Player who has committed five (5) either personal
and/or technical fouls must automatically leave the game.
Free throw: An opportunity given to a player to score one (1)
point, uncontested, from position behind the free throw line and
inside the semicircle.
G
Game lost by forfeit: A team shall lose the game by forfeit if:
1. It refuses to play after being instructed to do so by the Referee.
2. By its actions it prevents the game from being played
3. Fifteen (15) minutes after the starting time, the team is not
present or is not able to field five (5) players. The game is awarded
to the opponents and score shall be twenty (20) to zero (0).
Game lost by default: A team shall lose a game by default if,
during the game, the number of players of that team on the court is
less than 2 (two).If the team to which the game is awarded is ahead,
the score at the time of the stoppage shall stand, if the team to
2 (two) to 0 (zero) in its favour.
Game: Basketball is played by two teams of five players each. The
purpose of each team is to score into the opponent’s basket and to
prevent the other team from securing the ball or scoring. The ball
may be passed, thrown, tapped, rolled or dribbled in any direction,
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subject to the restrictions laid down. The game is played in four is tied at the end of fourth period. So many five minute extra
periods of ten minutes each (4 x 10 minutes). periods are played until one team emerges as the winner.

Goal average: Goal average is calculated by division between

points scored and points received in order to establish P
classification. Period: A part of the game (4 quarters and overtimes).

I Personal foul: Player foul which involves illegal contact with an

Injury: A situation when a player is not capable to continue the opposing player, whether the ball is live or dead.
game due to physical damage.
Phase of competition: A phase of competition consists of one or
J more games. Examples of phases are listed below:
Jump ball: An action of tossing the ball vertically by the referee · preliminary round
between two opposing players to a height greater than either of
them would reach in the jump.  Classification games
 Quarterfinals
Jury of appeal: Official body responsible for deciding in the  Semi-finals
second instance on appeals against decisions taken by the Technical  Finals
Committee concerning the approval of game results and penalties
imposed. Its verdict cannot be appealed.
Player disqualification: A flagrant foul penalized by expulsion
from the game.
O
Offensive foul: When an offensive player, with or without the ball, Playing position: A place of a player ensuing from the team’s
makes illegal contact against an opponent. It will be also charged as arrangement for a specific playing design. The playing positions
a turnover to this player. are:
Offensive rebound: When a player grabs his/her own or a team-  Guard (1 / Point Guard or 2 / Shooting Guard)
mate’s missed shot attempt.  Forward (3 / Small Forward or 4 / Power Forward)
 Centre (5 / Centre)
Officials: A Referee and an Umpire assisted by Table Officials (a
Timekeeper, a Scorer, an Assistant Scorer and a 24 second
Operator). Points in the paint: Points scored inside the painted (restricted)
area.
One (1) point: A goal scored from a free throw.
Points: The sum of the value of scored baskets (free throw, 2
Overtime: Extra period(s) (lasting 5 minutes each), after the score points, 3 points).

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Points from turnover: Points scored following a turnover without
the clock being stopped.
R Team standings: Placement of the teams according to the result of
Referee: The court official.
S proper conduct of the game or of the spirit of sportsmanship and
Scoreboard operator: Official who operates the scoreboard.
Scorekeeper: Official responsible for filling score sheet before and
during the game (keeping a record of the names and numbers of
players who start the game and all substitutions who enter the
game, keeping chronological running summary of points scored,
recording personal and technical fouls called on each player,
recording technical fouls called on each coach, recording the time-
outs charged); indicating the number of fouls committed by each
player; indicating the team fouls using team marks.
Second chance points: Points scored from repeated shot (after
offensive rebound).
Starting line-ups: Starting line-ups represent the five players of
each team which will start the game.
Statistics: Statistics evaluate the performance of the teams and
players.
Steal: A defensive action, which causes a turnover by an opponent.
Substitution of player: A change (replacement) of players on the
playing court.
T
Team fouls penalty rule: When the players of a team, in a period
PE 4 - Basketball
of a game (10 minutes), have committed four (4) player fouls
(personal and/or technical), all subsequent player personal fouls
shall be penalized by two (2) free throws.
their game(s).
Technical foul: A deliberate or a repeated infringement of the
fair play. Technical fouls by a player are all player fouls which do
not involve contact with an opponent.
Technical Committee Official body responsible for:
 Supervision and approval of playing installations and
technical equipment,
 Establishing the competition schedule,
 Appointment of referees and approval of Table Officials
(Timekeeper, Scorer, Assistant Scorer and 24 second
Operator)
Twenty-four (24) second rule: When a player gains control of a
live ball on the court, a shot for goal must be attempted by his team
within 24 seconds. Infraction of this article is a violation.
Twenty-four (24) second operator: Operator of the twenty-four
(24) second clock.
Three (3) second rule While his team is in control of the ball, a
player shall not remain for more than three (3) consecutive seconds
in the restricted area. Infraction of this article is a violation.
Three (3) points: A goal scored from 3-point field goal area.
Time played: Cumulated time the player is on the court.
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Timekeeper: Operator of the game clock.
Timeout: A timeout of one (1) minute shall be charged to a team
under the following provisions: one (1) charged timeout may be
granted to each team during each period (exception: fourth period
when two (2) timeouts may be granted to each team).
Turnover: If the offensive team loses possession of the ball
without attempting either a field goal or a free throw.
Two (2) points: A goal scored from 2-point field goal area.
U
Umpire: The second court official.
Unsportsman-like foul: Personal foul on a player with or without
the ball which, in the opinion of the Official, was deliberately
committed by the player against an opposing player.
V The tallest player on the team usually plays “center” also known
Venue capacity: Number of all spectator seats in a venue,
including accreditation restricted seats.
Venue public capacity: Number of spectator seats excluding
accreditation restricted seats.
Violation: An infraction of the rules of the game:
 Travelling
 Illegal dribble or double dribble
 Carrying the ball
 3 second violation
 5 second violation
 8 second violation
PE 4 - Basketball
 24 second shot clock violation
 Ball returned to back court· out of bounds
 Intentional foot ball
 Basket interference
Basic Basketball rules
Number of players
If you want to play basketball for fun, you have the possibility of
playing on your own. But you can also play team games with
either 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 players on each teams. Teams can be mixed,
with boys and girls, or not.
On a competition level, a team is made up of 5 players playing on
the court and 5 players sitting on the bench that can be used for
substitution during the whole period of the game.
Positions
Each player is assigned a position when playing. This position is
usually determined by the height of the player.
as “position 5”, while the medium size ones play “forwards” /
“position 3 and 4”. The shortest players then play “guards” /
“position 1 and 2”.
Scoring
A player scores when he manages to throw the ball into the
basket, with the ball passing through the basket from above the
hoop. Scoring a basket increases the team’s score by 3, 2 or one
point.
If the player successfully shoots from outside of the 3 points line,
the basket is worth 3 points, otherwise it is worth 2 points.
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 Scoring Fouls
charging into a stationary defender.
It is also possible to score one point when shooting from the free
throw line, after a foul for instance.

Violation
A violation occurs when the player breaks one of the rules of
Basketball. A violation results in the awarding of the ball to the
opponents.

It can also result from the player taking more than 2 steps without
bouncing the ball on the floor. This is called Traveling.

Another example of violation occurs when a player stops

dribbling and then starts dribbling again or when he bounces the
ball with both hands on the ball. We call this a double Dribble.

A violation is also committed if you twist your hand, when in

contact with the ball, beyond the vertical, bringing it under the
ball. This is called Carry, as the hand must always remain on the
top of the ball.

Fouls
A foul is an illegal action that can be committed by player from
one team against a player from the opposing team. Basketball is
generally said to be a non-contact game. If contact occurs beyond
what is deemed to be reasonable, or if a player thereby obtains an
unfair advantage from it, a foul is committed.

There are two types of fouls. The first are called defensive fouls.
They occur when the offensive player is being fouled by the
defender. Defenders should not block, push, trip, strike or hold the
player in possession of the ball. The second ones are the offensive
fouls. For example, a player in offence commits a foul when

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References:

Basketball for Everyone

Official Rulebook in Basketball

www.fiba.com