BASKETBALL

  1. History – The game of basketball was started in 1891 by Dr. James A. Naismith in Springfield, Massachusetts.  Peach baskets were used for goals, and this is where the game got its name.  The first ball used was a soccer ball.  The players moved the ball around by rolling it on the floor.

  2. Team - 5 players; usually a center, 2 forwards, and 2 guards

  3. Scoring - field goal counts 2 points; free throw is one point; and a shot made from outside the 3-point line counts 3 points

  4. Length of Game - 4 quarters of 8 minutes each 

  5. Court Facilities

a. Court size: The recommended size is 94 feet long and 50 feet wide

b. Baskets- the rim is 10 feet above the floor

c. Free throw line- 15 feet from the front of the backboard

d. 3 point line-21 feet from the front center of the backboard

6. Jump ball - is used to begin the game.  The players jumping face their own goal.  A jump ball also occurs between opponents when neither player can gain possession.  Instead of jumping for the ball, one team gets the ball out of bounds for a throw in.  The team that gains possession of the ball on the center jump at the beginning of the game will alternate possession of the ball with the other team for the remainder of the game.  Alternate possession of the ball will occur for jump balls and to begin play at the start of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quarters.

7. Out of bounds

a. Taken out at the end line after:

1. A field goal

2. A successful free throw

b. Taken out at the side line on other occasions (non-shooting fouls, jump balls, and violations.)

8. Free Throw – an unguarded throw for goal from behind the free throw line.  Taken as the result of a foul.  Taken after a team is in the bonus – after they have been fouled 5 times or more.

a. Two free throws are given when fouled in the act of shooting

b. Must be taken by the player who was fouled

c. Is given as the result of body contact (pushing, holding, etc.)

d. When lining up for a free throw, members of the opposing team occupy both lane spaces next to the basket.








9. Fouls – occur when there is illegal body contact between opponents, which results in the awarding of the ball out of bounds (up to the first 4 fouls), or giving one or more free throws to the player fouled.  Fouls include:

1. Blocking 3. Charging 5. Hacking

2. Pushing 4. Holding 6. Tripping

7. Pulling an opponent into an off balance position while trying to take the ball.

8. Threatening the eyes of an opponent by use of the hands

9. Un-sportsman like behavior

10. Unnecessary roughness – any player may be removed from the game for unnecessary roughness or un-sportsman-like behavior.  Also a player must leave the game on the 5th personal foul.

10. Violations – a breaking of the rules, which result in the ball being given to the other team out of bounds.

  1. Kicking the ball intentionally

  2. Three second lane violation

  3. Tapping ball more than twice on jump ball

  4. Entering circle too soon on jump ball

  5. Holding ball out of bounds more than 5 seconds before throwing it in

  6. Entering free throw lane too soon (before ball hits backboard or rim)

  7. Double dribble

  8. Traveling

  1. Terminology

1. Blocking – foul called when one player impedes (hinders) the progress of an opponent with or without the ball.  Two types of blocking:

  1. Entering the path of an opponent without giving her a chance to stop or change her direction.

  2. Interfering with the movement of an opponent by holding both arms fully extended horizontally.

    1. Charging – foul called when contact results from a player with the ball moving his body or the ball into an opponent whose position is already established.  He is there in a set position and you run him over.

    2. Defense – guarding a player by trying to stay between him and the goal.  Hands should be up.  Main objective is to prevent scoring.

Two main types of defense:

  1. Man to man – when one player guards another player.

  2. Zone – when one player guards an area or zone and must guard any player who comes into his area.

Zones may include: 3-2, 2-3, 1-3-1, 2-1-2, 1-2-2 and 2-2-1.