Pathfit Basketball

James Naismith

The game of basketball was invented by__________ in 1891 in Springfield, Massachusetts, to condition athletes during the colder months. Naismith was a prior physical education instructor Springfield at YMCA International Training School, which is now Springfield College.

Backboard

It is a raised vertical board made from plexiglass (or tempered glass) which stands ten feet from the ground. The basket/net is usually mounted on the backboard.

Basketball Ball

A ball used in basketball games has different sizes according to different federations in which it's used.

Basketball Ring

A highly flexible basketball rim that bends downward whenever a player dunks the basketball and then snaps back into its original position. It allows the player to dunk the ball without breaking the backboard and also helps prevent wrist injuries.

Basketball Court

It is usually made up of maple wood or concrete or asphalt. Basketball courts come in many different sizes. In the National Basketball Association (NBA), the court is 94 by 50 feet (28.7 by 15.2 m).

High Bounce Dribble

It is used when you are trying to move the ball up the court very quickly. Typically, you will see high dribbles after steals and during fast-break opportunities. To execute a high dribble, keep your torso erect and push the top of the ball forward, well ahead of your body. The bounce of the ball should reach anywhere from between your upper thigh to slightly above your waist.

Change of Pace Dribble

It is used to cause your defender to lose his balance as you move the ball forward with a high dribble. The change of pace occurs when you slow your momentum moving the ball forward and relax your torso. The defender, thinking you are slowing down, goes back on his heels. You rapidly accelerate past him.

Crossover Dribble

If your defender is making a strong attempt to prevent you from going right or left, using a crossover dribble can be effective. For example, if your defender is trying to prevent you from going to your right, you would perform a crossover dribble to your left. To do so, flick the ball across your body from your right hand to your left hand, while simultaneously moving your right foot across your body to your left. It is important to keep your body low; your dribble should be no higher than your knees. Accelerate past your defender by pushing off with your left foot.

Between the Legs Dribble

it is used to go past a defender who is overplaying you. If you are going left, begin with rapid low dribbles with your right hand. Take a deep step forward with your left foot and flick the ball through your legs to your left hand. Keep your body low as you move forward to your left.

Behind the Back Dribble

If you want to change directions while keeping a good view of the entire court, a behind-the-back dribble can be effective. If you want to move to your left, begin dribbling with your right hand. To execute this dribble, you need to place your left foot while simultaneously wrapping the ball behind your back, across the back of your thighs, and flick the ball toward your left hand. Be sure to plant your right foot before stepping forward with your left foot.

Jump Shot

It is most frequently used for mid to long- range shots, including shooting beyond the arc.

To achieve balance when facing the basket for a jump shot, you have to take a wide stance, usually, shoulder width apart, bend your knees and square your shoulders.

Hook Shot

It is when the shot is made while your body is not directly facing the basket.

To execute a hook shot, you need to face the basket sideways so that your shooting hand, dribbling the ball, is facing away from the basket. This is also the stance to help guard the ball against your opponent. This makes it difficult for your opponent to try to block the shot due to the distance created between you and your defender.

Bank Shot

It is when any shot made where the ball hits on the backboard before heading into the net.

To execute a bank shot, treat it as though you're taking a jump shot but this time, aim slightly higher by shooting for the backboard.

Free Throw

It 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.

Before attempting to shoot, one must maintain their balance. Find the nail or dot in the middle of the free throw line and line your shooting foot against it. For right-handed shooters, the shooting foot will be the right foot and vice versa.

Layup Shot

It 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 ways of scoring a basket in the game.

To execute a layup, dribble the ball towards the basket. If you're on the right flank, dribble the ball with your right hand.

Passing

It is another way to move the ball around the court. A team with strong passers may generate more scoring opportunities, allowing them to win more games and score more points

Chest Pass

it is named so because the pass originates from the chest. It is thrown by gripping the ball on the sides. It is thrown by gripping the ball on the sides with the thumbs directly behind the ball. When the pass is thrown, the fingers are rotated behind the ball and the thumbs are turned down. The resulting follow through has the back of the hands facing one another with the thumbs straight down. The ball should have a nice backspin.

When throwing a chest pass, the players should strive to throw it to the receiver's chest level. Passes that go low to high or high to low are difficult to catch.

Bounce Pass

It is thrown with the same motion, however, it is aimed at the floor. It should be thrown far enough out that the ball bounces waist high to the receiver. Some say try to throw it 3/4 of the way to the receiver, and that may be a good reference point to start, but each player has to experiment how far to throw it so it bounces to the receiver properly. Putting a proper and consistent backspin on the pass will make the distance easier to judge.

Overhead Pass

It 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 to bring the ball behind your head, because it can get stolen, and it takes a split-second longer to throw the pass.

Baseball Pass

It is a one-handed pass that uses the same motion as a baseball throw. This is often used to make long passes. Be careful with young kids. You don't want them to throw their arms out.

Behind the Back Pass

It is when you wrap the ball around your back to throw the ball. It is used to avoid the defender when making a pass across the front of you would be risky. It can also be used to throw the ball to a player trailing on the fast break.