BASKETBALL

What is basketball?

⮚ Basketball is a game played between two teams of five players each on a rectangular court,
usually indoors. Each team tries to score by tossing the ball through the opponent’s goal, an
elevated horizontal hoop, and a net called a basket.
When was Basketball invented?

⮚ Basketball was invented by James Naismith on or about December 1, 1891, at the

International Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) Training
School, Springfield, Massachusetts, where Naismith was an instructor in physical education.
Basketball is the only major sport strictly of U.S. origin (although Naismith was born in Canada).

History of basketball

James Naismith hung two half-bushel peach baskets at the opposite ends of a gymnasium and out-lined
13 rules based on five principles to his students at the International Training School of the Young Men’s
Christian Association (YMCA), which later became Springfield College. Naismith (1861-1939) was seeking
for a team sport with limited physical contact but a lot of running, jumping, shooting, and the hand-eye
coordination required in handling a ball. The peach basket he hung as goals gave the sport the name of
basketball.

Equipment in Playing Basketball

● BASKET- a hoop or basket with net around its circumference and of 18 inches diameter is firmly
hung horizontally from a rectangular backboard of 3.5 feet height and 6 feet width on either
side of the court. The rim of the hoop is 10 feet above the ground. The backboard in various
international competitions is transparent for better visibility.
● BALL – basketball is an orange-colored and rough-textured spherical ball with black contours
usually made of leather of composite tough materials.
● SHOES – basketball shoes are specifically designed for the intensity of the game. … With
constant jumping, starting and stopping, basketball shoes are designed to act as shock
absorbers and provide ankle stability with the flexibility to allow players to move laterally.
● JERSEY UNIFORM – a basketball uniform worn by basketball players. Basketball uniforms consist
of a jersey that features the number and the last name of the player on the back, as well as
shorts. The basketball jersey uniform is designed for the players to be more comfortable in
moving inside the playing court.
EQUIPMENT IN OFFICIATING UNIFORM

● NBA officials wear light grey shirts with black slacks and black shoes. The NBA shirt is light grey
with thin white stripes, black sleeves, a black stripe on the other side, a red and a blue collar, the
official’s number in the center at the top on the back, and the NBA logo above the left breast.
● WHISTLE – all officials wear a whistle that is used to stop play as a result of a foul or a violation
on the court. Hand signals are used to indicate the nature of the infraction or to administer the
game.
● SCOREBOARD – a basketball scoreboard will at the minimum display the time left in the period
and both team’s scores… Since 1991, the NBA has mandated that each shot clock carry a
duplicate readout of the time left in the period in addition to the shot time.
● SCORESHEET – the basketball scoresheet has room for many details of a game, including a roster
and player stats (fouls, scoring, free throws), and the ability to track the running score for both
the home and visiting.

FACILITY AND COURT DIMENSIONS

BASKETBALL COURT
Court Dimensions

⮚ The court is a flat, hard surface free from obstructions, 28m long and 15m wide, measured from
the inner edge of the boundary line. The backcourt is the team's own basket, the inbounds part
of the backboard, and the part of the playing court limited by their own end line, sidelines, and
center line.
Lines

⮚ All lines are white, 5cm wide and clearly visible.

Boundary line

⮚ The playing court is limited by the boundary line, consisting of end lines and the side lines. The
court is marked by a further boundary line in contrasting color and is 2m wide minimum. The
color of the further boundary line must be the same as that of the center circle (if painted) and
the restricted area.
Center line, center circle and free throw semi-circles

⮚ The center line is marked parallel to the end lines from the midpoint of the side lines. It extends
0.15m beyond each sideline. The center line is part of the backcourt.
⮚ The center circle is marked in the center of the playing court and has a radius of 1.80m
measured to the outer edge of the circumference.
⮚ The free throw semi-circles are marked on the playing court with a radius of 1.80m measured to
the outer edge of the circumference and with their centers at the midpoint of the free throw
lines.

3 -Point Field Goal Area

⮚ The team’s 3-point filed goal area is the entire floor area of the playing court, except for the
area near the opponents’ basket, limited by and including:
⮚ The two parallel lines extending from and perpendicular to the end line, with the outer
edge 0.90m from the inner edge of the side lines.
⮚ An arc of radius 6.75m measured from the point on the floor beneath the exact center
of the opponents’ basket to the outer edge of the arc. The distance of the point on the
floor from the inner edge of the midpoint of the end line is 1.575m. The arc is joined to
the parallel lines.
⮚ The 3-point line is not part of the 3-point field goal area.

Team Bench Areas

⮚ The team bench areas are marked outside the playing court limited by 2 lines.
Throw in lines

⮚ The two lines are 0.15 m long and marked outside the playing court at the sideline opposite the
scorer’s table. The outer edge of the lines is 8.325m from the inner edge of the nearest end line.
No-charge semi-circle areas

⮚ The no-charge semi-circle lines shall be marked on the playing courts, limited by:
A semi-circle with a radius of 1.25m measured from the point on the floor beneath the
exact center of the inner edge of the semi-circle.

BASIC SKILLS IN PLAYING BASKETBALL

I. 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.
II. 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 – a jump shot is most frequently used for a mid to long-range shots, including
shooting beyond the arc.
⮚ Lay ups – is a shot made from short range by a player moving towards the basket. Usually
utilizing the backboard if he approaches the hoop from an angle. This is also one of the most
basic and common way of scoring a basket in the game.
⮚ Free Throws Shots – is a shot attempt given to a player that was fouled and it is taken on the
free throw line. The player must stay behind the free throw line when taking the shot.
⮚ Dunk Shot – The dunk is usually the most spectacular shot and is one of the toughest feats in
basketball. It requires more jumping ability than shooting skills.
III. RUNNING – Running is a big part of basketball. In a full-court game, you will find yourself running
back and forth as game quickly transitions between offense and defense. When you have the ball,
running will help you to avoid defenders and get to the basket quicker. On defense, you often will find
yourself needing to run after the opponent, especially during fast breaks.
IV. 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 PASSES
 Chess pass – it is thrown by gripping the ball on the sides with the thumbs directly
behind the ball.
Bounce pass – is thrown with the same motion however it is aimed at the floor.
Overhead pass – is often used as an outlet pass.
ADVANCE PASSES
Baseball pass – is a one-handed pass that uses the same motion as a baseball throw.
Dribble pass – is used to quickly pass the ball with one hand off of the dribble. This can
be an air or bounce pass.
Behind-the-back pass – is when you wrap the ball around your back to throw the ball.
Pick and roll pass – a pass that is used when the defenders double-team switch on the
pick and roll.
V. PIVOTING - a term in basketball used to define both the act of keeping one foot in place while
moving the other and the actual foot which remains on the ground. Keeping one foot in place is
necessary when a player stops dribbling the ball but wishes to re-position himself for a pass or shot.
Blocking – a block or blocked shot occurs when a defensive player legally deflects a field
goal attempt from an offensive player to prevent a score. The defender is not allowed to make contact
with the offensive player’s and hand (unless the defender is also in contact with the ball) or a foul is
called.
VI. REBOUNDING – rebound in basketball are a routine part in the game; most possessions change after
a shot is successfully made, or the rebound allows the defensive team to take possession.

Rebounds are divided into two main categories:

Offensive rebounds – in which the ball is recovered by the offensive side and does not change
possession.
Defensive rebounds – in which the defending team gains possession.

PLAYERS POSITION IN BASKETBALL

5 positions in Basketball
1. Center – usually the team’s tallest and strongest player
and is positioned under the basket.
2. Power Forward – usually the second tallest in the team
and are the closest to the center in terms of physical
attributes and playing style but with more speed.
3. Small forward – usually the shorter of the two forwards
on the team but plays the most versatile role out of the
 main five positions.
4. Shooting guard – potentially the shortest player on the
team, the Shooting Guard is the team’s best outside shooter.
5. Point guard – usually the shortest but the best ball handler
on the team. Also known as the ‘coach on the floor’ or the
‘floor general’, a point guard is responsible for directing plays.

HOW TO PLAY BASKETBALL

The sport basketball starts with a jump ball. The ball is tossed in the air to start the game. One of the
players deflects it to the teammate. It is dribbled and passed among the teammates to protect the ball
and to make a goal. The basket or the hoop is placed horizontally at the height of 10 feet on the back
board. Each team tries to protect the goal on their side while trying to make a goal on the opponent’s
side of the court.

The opposite team tries to get the ball, take control of it while bouncing and tries to grab it while it is
passed among the team mates to prevent a goal. When a player commits a foul, the other team gets a
chance of free throw or to inbound the ball. Each goal carries two points and each free throw one point.
The team with higher score wins the game. Players may be substituted when a substitute asks for it.

The game starts when the referee throws a jump ball. In the international sport, each game is divided
into four 10 minutes periods. However, if there’s a tie between the teams they play for an extra period
of 5 minutes.

After the first period and after the third period, the players take two minutes break. After the second
period the players take 15 minutes break and exchange baskets. After a break, the last player holding
the ball in and starts the next period.

The play time may also be increased if a foul is committed just before the time ticks off. In such cases a
free throw is granted despite the time lapse.

If a player throws the ball before the time lapses, but the ball flies down the basket after the timer ticks
off, the goal is still considered.

Rules of the Game

● Any player possessing the ball cannot stay inside the foul ring of the court with his back to the
basket for more than three seconds.
● No players should touch the ball, basket or its rim while the ball is passing through the basket.

● Players are allowed to make a brief contact with an opposing player trying to pass the ball or
make a goal, but cannot obstruct them.
● Fouls as per the situation, grant free throws to the opposing team and the ball is handed over to
them.
● Players cannot carry the ball with them and walk or run. This is called travelling.
 ● When a player is surrounded by opponents, within 1m radius, trying to get hold of the ball,
he/she cannot have the ball for more than 5 seconds. Such payer is considered to be close
guarded.
● Players of the team possessing the ball shouldn’t stay in the restricted area of the opponent’s
team for more than three seconds.
● They should the ball before the shot clock clicks.

What a Basketball Player should not Do?

A player should not –

▪ Throw the ball away out of the court boundaries.

▪ Step on a foul line while free throwing the ball.

▪ Step on the end or side line while passing the ball to a teammate.

▪ Kick the ball.

▪ Dribble or hit the ball with their fist.

▪ Double dribble the ball.

▪ Hold the ball and stay in the backcourt that contains their basket for more than 8 seconds, else
the team responsible should bear a foul.

Regulating Bodies

FIBA – Federation Internationale de Basketball Amateur (FIBA) is the international regulating body of
basketball. It governs rules, appoints referees for international tournaments and conducts world cups
every four years for both men and women. It is based in Geneva.

NBA – A tutorial on basketball cannot be complete without mentioning NBA, the most important
basketball league based in North America. NBA organizes league championship and is a member of USA
Basketball association. Its are highly paid and they also play for other teams outside the US. Attracted by
the huge talent in the US and high renumerations, many international players also play in NBA league
matches. NBA formulates rules for its matches that may be slightly different from the ones stated by
FIBA.

OFFICIATING BASKETBALL

The supervision of the sport competitions in accordance with established rules. The quality of sports
officiating depends on the official’s knowledge of the rules of the sport, on his ability to apply the rules
while observing the requirements of sportsmanship, including unbiased judgment and accuracy, and on
his experience as an official. Sports officiating should have educational value for athletes and spectators
alike.
QUALITIES THAT A SPORT OFFICIAL SHOULD POSSESS

✔ Integrity – a great sport officials is the last guardian of honesty in athletes. He must maintain a
complete absence of bias.
✔ Hustle – since officiating is a game of angles and positioning, officiating hustle describes
movement and court position.
✔ Judgment – great judgment is a by product of effort and experience. It goes beyond the rule
book and includes an almost instinctive ability to apply the critical principal of
“advantage/disadvantage.”
✔ Communication – basically, communication means, “can you deal with people?”

✔ Consistency – young officials have more difficulty with consistency than any other quality,
mainly because they lack the experience to realize when their decisions are inconsistent.
✔ Courage – regardless of the situation, personalities involved, pressures from the crowd or
possible repercussions, great officials place fairness above all other concerns. They act
courageously and according to the dictates of that value.
✔ Common Sense – common sense is the most important. That which is fair and right must take
precedence throughout each game.

OFFICIALS AND THEIR DUTIES

Referee: Duties and powers

The referee shall:

o Inspect and approve all equipment to be used during the game.

o Designate the official game clock, twenty-four (24) seconds clock, and stopwatch and recognize
the table officials.
o Select a game ball from at least two (2) used balls provided by the home team. Should neither
of these balls be suitable as the game ball, he may select the best quality ball available.
o Not permit any player to wear objects that may cause injury to others players.
o Administer a jump ball to start the first period and an alternating possession throw-in to start
all other periods.
o Have the power to stop a game when conditions warrant.
o Have the power to determine that a team shall forfeit the game.
o Carefully examine the scoresheet at the end of playing time or any time he feels is necessary.
o Approve and sign the scoresheet at the end of playing game, terminating the official’s
administration and connection with the game. The officials’ power shall begin when they arrive
on the playing court twenty (20) minutes before the game is scheduled to begin, and when the
game clock signal sounds for the end of the playing time as approve by the officials.

Officials: Duties and power

 o The officials shall have the power to make decisions or infractions of the rules committed either
within or outside the boundary line including the scorers’ table, the team benches and the areas
immediately behind the lines.
o The officials shall blow their whistles when an infraction of the rules occurs, a period ends or the
officials find it necessary to stop the game.
o When deciding on a personal contact o violation, the officials shall, in each instance, have regard
to and weigh the fundamental principles:

OFFICIALS’ HAND SIGNALS

Game Clock signals

❖ Stop the clock – open palm

❖ Stop the clock for foul – one clenched list

❖ Start the clock – chop with the hand

Scoring

❖ 1 point – 1 finger, ‘flag’ from wrist

❖ 2 points – 2 fingers, ‘flag’ from wrist

❖ 3 points - 3 fingers extended, one arm: Attempt, Both arms: Successful

Substitution and Time-out

❖ Substitution – cross forearms

❖ Beckoning-in – open palm, wave towards the body

❖ Charged time-out - form T, show index finger

❖ Media time-out – open arms with clenched fists

Informative

❖ Cancel score, cancel play – scissor-like action with arms, once across chest

❖ Visible count – counting while moving the palm

❖ Communication - thumbs up

❖ Shot clock reset – rotate hand, extend index finger

❖ Direction of play and/or out-of-bounds – point in direction of play, arm parallel to sidelines
 ❖ Held ball/jump ball situation – thumbs up, then point in direction of play using the alternating
possession arrow.

Violations

❖ Travelling – rotate fists

❖ Illegal dribble: double dribbling – patting motion with palm

❖ Illegal dribble: carrying the ball – half rotation with palm

❖ 3 seconds – arm extended, show 3 fingers

❖ 5 seconds – show 5 fingers

❖ 8 seconds – show 8 fingers

❖ 24 seconds – fingers touch shoulder

❖ Ball returned to the backcourt – wave arm front of body

❖ Deliberate football – point to the foot

Number of Players

❖ No. 00 and 0 – both hands show number 0, right hand shows number 0

❖ No. 1-5 – right hand shows number 1 to 5

❖ No. 6-10 – right hand shows number 5, left hand shows number 1 to 5

❖ No. 11-15 – right hand shows clenched fist, left hand shows number 1 to 5

❖ No. 16 – first reverse hand shows number 1 for the decade digit – then open hands show
number 6 for the unit digit
❖ No. 24 – first reverse hand shows number 2 for the decade digit – then open hand shows
number 4 for the unit digit
❖ No. 40 – first reverse hand shows number 4 for the decade digit – then open hand shows 0 for
the unit digit.
❖ No. 62 – first revers hands show number 6 for the decade digit - then open hand shows 2 for the
unit digit
❖ No. 78 – first reverse hands show number 7 for the decade digit – then open hands show
number 8 for the unit digit.
 ❖ No. 99 – first reverse hand show number 9 for the decade digit – then open hands show number
9 for the unit digit.

Types of Fouls

❖ Holding – grasp wrist downward

❖ Blocking (defense), illegal screen (offense) – both hands on hips

❖ Pushing or charging without the ball – imitate push

❖ Hand checking – grab palm and forward motion

❖ Illegal use of hands – strike wrist

❖ Charging with the ball – clenched fist strikes open palm

❖ Illegal contact to the hand – strikes the palm towards the other forearm

❖ Excessive swinging of elbow – swing elbow backwards

❖ Hit to the head – imitate the contact to the head

❖ Foul by team in control of the ball – foul on the act of shooting – one arm with clenched fist,
followed by indication of the numbers of free throws
❖ Foul not on the act of shooting – one arm clenched fist, followed by pointing to the floor

Special Fouls

❖ Double foul – wave clenched fists on both hands

❖ Technical foul – form T, showing palms

❖ Unsportsmanlike foul – grasp wrist upward

❖ Disqualifying foul – clenched fists on both hands

Foul Penalty Administration

Reporting to Table

❖ After foul without free throw(s) – point in direction of play, arm parallel to sidelines

❖ After foul by team in control of the ball – clenched fist in direction of play, arm parallel to
sidelines
❖ 1 free throw – hold up 1 finger
 ❖ 2 free throw – hold up 2 fingers

❖ 3 free throw – hold up 3 fingers

Administrating Free Throws – Active Official (Lead)

❖ 1 free throw – 1 finger horizontal

❖ 2 free throws – 2 fingers horizontal

❖ 3 free throws – 3 fingers horizontal

Administrating Free Throws – Passive Official (Trail & Centre)

❖ 1 free throw – index finger

❖ 2 free throws – fingers together on both hands

❖ 3 free throws – 3 fingers extended on both hands