How to Play Basketball

Game Overview

• Team Composition: Basketball is played with two teams, each with up to 15 players but only 5 players on the court at any time.
  • Positions include two forwards, two guards, and one center.
• Game Start: Begins with a jump ball/tip-off where one player from each team tries to tap the ball away.
• Game Duration: Consists of four 12-minute quarters.

Objective

• Score points by throwing the ball into the opponent’s hoop.

Basketball Court

• Dimensions: Rectangular court, 91 feet long by 50 feet wide.
• Key Areas:
  • Middle court line divides the court.
  • Each end has a basket 10 feet high.
  • Three-point arc with a "key" area including a free throw line.

Basic Rules

• Player Substitution: Unlimited substitutions allowed.
• Players cannot:
  • Kick the ball or hit with a fist.
  • Double dribble.
  • Stay in the backcourt with the ball for more than 8 seconds.
  • Step on foul/end/sideline during key actions.
  • Throw the ball out of boundaries.
• Ball Regulations:
  • After possession change, must cross half line in 10 seconds.

Dribbling

• Movement: Ball moved by dribbling or passing.
• Dribble Control: Use one hand, move feet, stop dribble = move one foot only.
• Double Dribbling: Cannot start dribbling again immediately after stopping unless another player touches the ball.
• Carrying: Hand must stay on top of the ball.

Violations

• Backcourt Violation: Cannot return to backcourt after crossing half court.
• Traveling: Taking excessive steps without dribbling.
• Three in the Key: Cannot stay in key for over three seconds.
• Shot Clock: 24 seconds to shoot after gaining possession.
• Throw-In: Opponent gains ball control after rule violations.
• Goaltending: Cannot touch ball on its way down or while on rim.
• Charging: Player control foul when charging into a set defender.

Free Throws

• Award Conditions: Accumulated team fouls lead to free throw opportunities.
• Points: Free throw scores one point.

Scoring

• Point System:
  • 3 points from outside the arc.
  • 2 points from inside the arc.
  • 1 point per successful free throw.

Winning the Game

• Victory Conditions: Team with more points after game time wins.
• Tie-Breaker: Extra quarters played if scores are tied.

End of Notes