Basketball

Dr. James Naismith

The inventor of basketball, born in 1861 in Ramsay Township, Ontario, Canada, who created the first 13 rules of the game.

Basketball Court

The playing surface consisting of a rectangular floor 28 meters long and 15 meters wide, made from wood indoors or concrete/asphalt outdoors.

Basketball Ball

A ball with a circumference of 74.9-78 cm and a weight of 567-650 grams.

Regulation Rim/Goal

A hoop with a rim 18 inches (46 cm) in diameter and 10 feet (3.0 m) high, mounted to a backboard.

Lead Referee

The referee who stays close to the player in control of the ball and usually positions himself near the goal.

Trail Referee

The referee who stays farther back, observing player movements and calling fouls when necessary.

Scorer

The official who records player names, scores, fouls, substitutions, and game results.

Timekeeper

The official responsible for signaling the start of the game, tracking the game clock, and signaling the end.

Foul

An illegal physical contact with a player while the ball is in play or unsportsmanlike conduct.

Violation

Actions by players that break a basketball rule, such as traveling or stepping on the line.

Holding Foul

Occurs when a defender holds, grabs, or pulls an offensive player, irrespective of ball possession.

Pushing Foul

Occurs when a defender pushes an offensive player or bumps into them.

Illegal Use of Hands Foul

Called when a defender uses their hands to slap or hit an offensive player with the ball.

Blocking Foul

Occurs when a defender makes contact with an offensive player with the ball using their body.

Charging Foul

When an offensive player runs into a defensive player who has already established position.

Flagrant Foul

A foul made with extreme contact and intent to injure another player.

Technical Foul

Unsportsmanlike conduct or violations by players, coaches, or spectators affecting the game.

3 Seconds Violation

A violation when a player holds ball possession for three seconds in the restricted area.

5 Seconds Violation

A violation when a player fails to pass the ball within five seconds while holding it.

Double Dribble

When a player dribbles the ball with both hands at the same time or dribbles again after stopping.

Traveling

Taking more than a step and a half without dribbling the ball or moving the pivot foot.

Carrying/Palming

Dribbling the ball with hand too far to the side or underneath the ball.

Goal Tending

When a defensive player interferes with a shot while it’s on its way down toward the basket.

Offense

The team in possession of the ball with a chance to score.

Defense

The team without the ball, guarding to prevent the opposing team from scoring.

Free Throw

A shot worth 1 point taken from the foul line after a personal or technical foul.

Dunk

A shot where the player jumps and scores by reaching the rim.

Three-Point Shot

A shot thrown beyond the arc worth 3 points.

Rebound

The act of grabbing the ball after it bounces off the rim or backboard.

Block

A defensive act preventing a field goal by touching the ball en route to the basket.

Shot Clock

The time limit given to the offensive team to attempt a shot.

Jump Ball

The action where 2 players jump to tap the ball tossed by an official, used for tip-off and resetting the play.