Basketball Study Guide

History Basketball was invented by Dr. James Naismith in 1891 in Springfield, Massachusetts. Dr. Naismith was a college professor who wanted to create a game that his physical education classes could play inside during the long winters. The first games used peach baskets nailed to the wall for rims. The first ball used was a soccer ball.

The Game Basic Rules of Basketball The object of a basketball game is to score points by making field goals or free throw shots. There are two opposing teams, each with five players. A game commences with a jump ball at center court. Each team then tries to recover the ball and make baskets in their opponents basket. The rim of the basket is 10 feet from the floor.\ A varsity high game consists of four 8 minute quarters. A college game consists of two 20 minute halves.

Scoring A field goal (basket) scores two points if shot inside the 3 point line/arc (19’9”). If shot behind the 3 point line the basket is worth 3 points A free throw is worth 1 point

Team/Positions 5 players 1) Point Guard 2) Shooting Guard 3) Small Forward 4) Power Forward 5) Center

Court Dimensions

Court Terminology

Definition of Terms Backcourt Blocking Dead ball Defensive team the area from the midcourt line to the end line (baseline) furthest from the offense’s basket Blocking the use of a defender’s body position to illegally prevent an opponent’s advance Dead ball any ball that is not live, occurs after each successful field goal or free throw attempt, after any official’s whistle or if the ball leaves the court. It stops play which is then resumed by a jump ball, throw in, or free throw Defensive team the team that does not have the ball and is trying to prevent the other team from scoring

Definition of Terms Dribbling Frontcourt Free throw when a player repeatedly pushes, taps, or bats the ball towards the ground with one hand. Used to advance the ball or keep control of it Frontcourt the area between the midcourt line and the end line (baseline) closest to the offense’s basket Free throw an unguarded shot taken from the free throw line (15 feet from the backboard). Free throws are awarded to an offensive player who was fouled while in the act of shooting by a defensive player or if the foul occurred in the “bonus”

Violations Violation- an infraction of the rules that does not involve personal contact with the opponent or unsportsmanlike conduct When a violation occurs the ball is called dead and rewarded to the opposing team for a throw in from the sideline nearest where the violation occurred

Violation Examples Traveling Double dribble To move one's pivot foot illegally or to fall to the floor without maintaining a pivot foot. Carrying/palming the ball is also considered traveling. Double dribble To dribble the ball with two hands at the same time (2) To dribble, stop, and then begin to dribble again; Either act results in a loss of possession Stepping on the sideline while in possession of the ball 5 seconds holding the ball 10 seconds in the backcourt 3 seconds in the lane (offensive player) Over & back Touching the ball in the backcourt after it has entered the frontcourt and was not last touched by the other team.

Fouls Foul an infraction of the rules that involves personal contact with the opponent or unsportsmanlike conduct If a player is fouled while in the act of shooting the ball he/she is rewarded free throws- 2 free throws if the shot did not go in, 1 free throw if the shot went in Each player is allowed 5 personal fouls. The player is ejected from the game on the 5th foul committed.

Fouls “Bonus” “Double Bonus” After a team has seven fouls in a half, the opponent is in the “bonus.” A bonus is awarded in the form of a 1&1 from the free throw line. “Double Bonus” After the 10th team foul in a half the opponent is in the “double bonus” where the opponent’s player who was fouled is given a 2 free throw opportunity

Foul Examples Blocking- Charging Hand Check The use of a defender's body position to illegally prevent an opponent's advance. Charging an offensive foul which occurs when an offensive player runs into a defender who has establish position. Hand Check Impeding the progress of an opponent with the illegal use of hands.

Basic Skills Dribbling Shooting Rebounding Defense Passing Chest pass Bounce pass Overhead pass