How To Play Basketball

Although basketball was invented over one hundred and fifteen years ago, the sport lives on today as one of the premier activities of people worldwide.  Though the game has changed, the fundamentals-how to play basketball-have remained constant.  Here is what you need to know if you are interested in learning how to play basketball.

1. Equipment.  Easy.  One basketball and two basketball hoops on opposite ends of the court.  The hoops should be ten feet high.  In a classic game, these and two teams of five apiece will be the requirements.  If a full court and fewer players are available, a casual game with one hoop can be played using alternate rules.

2. Object of the Game.  The object is to score more baskets (successful shots in the hoop) than your opponent. 
3. Length of game.  The National Basketball Association teams (NBA) play a 60 minute game with four 15-minute periods, but you can determine the length yourself. 
4. Start of Game: Tip Off.  To start the game, the two teams line up around their two centers (see positions below for description).  Each player matches up against another based on height and skill (ideally).  The referee throws the ball straight up and the two centers jump up to gain possession.  The goal is to "tip" the ball to you teammate to gain possession. 
5. Offense: Scoring.  Basketball is as an offense vs. defense game.  When you have the ball, all members of the team are on offense.  On offense you are trying to score points by shooting the ball into the defending team's basket.  Each "field goal" or "basket" is worth two points.  Baskets scored outside the 3-point line (an arc-shaped line beyond the free throw line) are worth 3 points.  
6. Offense: Advancing the Ball.  On offense you can advance the ball two ways: passing and dribbling. 
   • The Dribble.  Take the ball and bounce it on the floor in a continuous motion.  This is dribbling.  You can move your feet and body in any direction as long as you are dribbling.  The goal for the team on offense is to move towards the defending teams' basket, so this is usually the direction people on offense dribble in.  Once you cross mid-court, you cannot cross back over it.

     Once you stop the motion and hold onto the ball, your dribble has ended.  At this point, you must stop your forward (or backward) motion and either pass or shoot the ball.  You do, however, have one remaining option to gain ground before you pass or shoot: the pivot.  You may pivot on one and only one foot (no switching during a pivot) to increase your passing or shooting options.  If you fail to stop after the dribbling or pivoting, your motion will cause a "traveling" foul.  Also, if you begin to dribble again, a foul is called and the ball is given to the opposite team.  If you hold the ball for more than five seconds, you incur a penalty and lose possession as well.

   • The Pass. You may choose to pass the ball in order to advance your offense.  Again, if you cross mid-court, you cannot pass the ball back behind the half-line.  This action will result in a change of possession. 

    

7. Defense.  The defenses' goal is to steal the ball from the other team.  You may do this by intercepting a pass or stealing the ball during someone's dribble.  You may not shoulder, push, or make direct physical contact with the player (subject to the discretion of the referee) in order to get the ball.  If you do, a foul is called.  If you can get the ball cleanly, you and your team are on offense and should go towards your defense's goal to score points.  
8. Defense: Zone vs. Man-to-Man Defense.  A zone defense is one that covers area, not specific persons on the opposing team.  Zones can be organized in a variety of ways-2-1-1, 1-2-1, etc.  A Man-to-Man defense is one in which every player "marks" another player on the opposite team.  Zones work well against teams strong at driving to the hoop where as man-to-man works best on teams that struggle with the dribble. 
9. Fouls.  You are allowed five fouls per game.  After you get five fouls, you are removed from the game.  This rule is intended to prevent a very rough game. 

   If a player is fouled mid-shot, he is entitled to a "free throw" or "foul shot."  A free throw is taken on the free throw line, which is located 19 feet from the baseline (under the basket).  The player who was fouled gets to take two unobstructed shots from the line, or three shots if he was fouled while shooting behind the three-point line. His feet cannot touch or go over the free throw line in order for the point to count.  If a player is fouled while shooting and makes the shot, she will only be granted one free throw shot.  After a team reaches over ten fouls, the opposite team is entitled to free throw shots per foul regardless of the kind of foul.

10. 3-Second Violation.  On offense, you cannot remain in the "key" (area designated underneath and directly in front of basket) for more than 3-seconds.   If there is a 3-second violation, there will be a subsequent change of possession.
     
11. Rebounds.  One of the most important elements of the game is getting rebounds.  Rebounds are the missed or deflected shots that are recovered by either team.  Having a team strong in rebounding is an important asset.  Rebounds can be the root of what is called a "fast break," where the team rebounding is able to move the ball quickly down the court through a series of long and hard passes.  Teams with good endurance and strong rebounding skills excel at the fast break, and as a result, gain an advantage on a slower team.
12. Positions: Guards.  The guards are primarily in charge of dribbling and passing the ball. One guard, known as the shooting guard, takes outside shots regularly.  The point guard runs the offense and is known for dribbling skills and passing expertise.  
13. Positions: Forwards.  Forwards play below the basket on offense.  They do much of the shooting because of their positioning near the basket.  
14. Positions: Center.  The center is the tallest person on the team.  The center usually hangs out near or under the basket for passes, shots and rebounds.  He also takes the tip-off at the start of the game.  

Basketball, although it has its share of rules and regulations, is a simple game to play and enjoy.  The basics listed above should help you out, and, when in doubt, "take it to the hole!"