BASKETBALL

RULES
Two teams of five players each try to score by shooting a ball
through a hoop elevated 10 feet above the ground.
Game is played on a rectangular floor called the court, and there is a
hoop at each end
If the offensive team puts the ball into play behind the mid-court
line, it has ten seconds to get the ball over the mid-court line.

The team with the ball is called the offense. The team without the ball
is called the defense.
When a team makes a basket, they score two points and the ball goes
to the other team. If a basket, or field goal, is made outside of the
three-point arc, then that basket is worth three points
A free throw is worth one point. Free throws are awarded to a team
according to some formats involving the number of fouls committed in
a half and/or the type of foul committed
Fouling a shooter always results in two or three free throws being
awarded the shooter, depending upon where he was when he shot. If
he was beyond the three-point line, then he gets three shots.
 Once that number is reached, then the player who was fouled is
awarded a '1-and-1' opportunity.
In the pros, quarters are twelve minutes long. There is a gap of
several minutes between halves.
If the score is tied at the end of regulation, then overtime periods of
various lengths are played until a winner emerges.
Each team is assigned a basket or goal to defend. This means that the
other basket is their scoring basket. At halftime, the teams switch
goals.
A referee will toss the ball up between the two. The player that gets
his hands on the ball will tip it to a teammate. This is called a tip-off.

FOULS AND VIOLATIONS

FOULS

Personal fouls: Personal fouls include any type of illegal physical contact

Hitting
Pushing
Slapping
Holding
Illegal pick/screen -- when an offensive player is moving. When an
offensive player sticks out a limb and makes physical contact with a
defender in an attempt to block the path of the defender

Personal foul penalties: If a player is shooting while a being fouled, then

he gets two free throws if his shot doesn't go in, but only one free throw
if his shot does go in

Three free throws are awarded if the player is fouled while shooting
for a three-point goal and they miss their shot. If a player is fouled
while shooting a three-point shot and makes it anyway, he is awarded
one free throw.
Inbounds. If fouled while not shooting, the ball is given to the team
the foul was committed upon. They get the ball at the nearest side or
baseline, out of bounds, and have 5 seconds to pass the ball onto the
court
One & one. If the team committing the foul has seven or more
fouls in the game, then the player who was fouled is awarded one
free throw. If he makes his first shot, then he is awarded another
free throw
Ten or more fouls. If the team committing the foul has ten or more
fouls, then the fouled player receives two free throws
 Charging. An offensive foul that is committed when a player pushes
or runs over a defensive player. The ball is given to the team that the
foul was committed upon.
Blocking. Blocking is illegal personal contact resulting from a defender
not establishing position in time to prevent an opponent's drive to the
basket.
Flagrant foul. Violent contact with an opponent. This includes hitting,
kicking, and punching. This type of foul results in free throws plus
the offense retaining possession of the ball after the free throws.
Intentional foul. When a player makes physical contact with another
player with no reasonable effort to steal the ball. It is a judgment call
for the officials.
Technical foul. Technical foul. A player or a coach can commit this
type of foul. It does not involve player contact or the ball but is instead
about the 'manners' of the game. Foul language, obscenity,
obscene gestures, and even arguing can be considered a technical
foul

VIOLATIONS

Walking/Traveling. Taking more than 'a step and a half' without

dribbling the ball is traveling. Moving your pivot foot once you've
stopped dribbling
Carrying/palming. When a player dribbles the ball with his hand too
far to the side of or, sometimes, even under the ball.
Double Dribble. Dribbling the ball with both hands on the ball at
the same time or picking up the dribble and then dribbling
again is a double dribble.
Held ball. Occasionally, two or more opposing players will gain
possession of the ball at the same time. In order to avoid a prolonged
and/or violent tussle, the referee stops the action and awards the ball
to one team or the other on a rotating basis.
Goaltending. If a defensive player interferes with a shot while it's
on the way down toward the basket, while it's on the way up
toward the basket after having touched the backboard, or while it's in
the cylinder above the rim, it's goaltending and the shot counts. If
committed by an offensive player, it's a violation and the ball is
awarded to the opposing team for a throw-in.
Backcourt violation. Once the offense has brought the ball across
the mid-court line, they cannot go back across the line during
possession. If they do, the ball is awarded to the other team to pass
inbounds.
Time restrictions. A player passing the ball inbounds has five
seconds to pass the ball. If he does not, then the ball is awarded to
 the other team. Other time restrictions include the rule that a player
cannot have the ball for more than five seconds when being
closely guarded and, in some states and levels, shot-clock
restrictions requiring a team to attempt a shot within a given time
frame.

PLAYER POSITIONS

Center. Centers are generally your tallest players. They generally

are positioned near the basket.
Offensive -- The center's goal is to get open for a pass and to
shoot. They are also responsible for blocking defenders, known as
picking or screening, to open other players up for driving to the
basket for a goal. Centers are expected to get some offensive
rebounds and put-backs.
Defensive -- On defense, the center's main responsibility is to keep
opponents from shooting by blocking shots and passes in the
key area. They also are expected to get a lot of rebounds because
they're taller.

Forward. Your next tallest players will most likely be your forwards.
While a forward may be called upon to play under the hoop, they
may also be required to operate in the wings and corner areas.
Offensive -- Forwards are responsible to get free for a pass, take
outside shots, drive for goals, and rebound.
Defensive -- Responsibilities include preventing drives to the goal
and rebounding.

Guard. These are potentially your shortest players and they should
be really good at dribbling fast, seeing the court, and passing. It
is their job to bring the ball down the court and set up offensive
plays.
Offensive -- Dribbling, passing, and setting up offensive plays
are a guard's main responsibilities. They also need to be able to drive
to the basket and to shoot from the perimeter.
Defensive -- On defense, a guard is responsible for stealing passes,
contesting shots, preventing drives to the hoop, and for boxing
out.
 TYPES OF PASSES

There are essentially two types of passes:

Air Pass - The pass travels between players without hitting the floor.
Bounce Passes - The pass is thrown to the floor so that it bounces to the intended
receiver

Each type of pass comes with its own variations.

Basic Variations:
- Chest Pass
- Bounce Pass
- Overhead Pass
- Wrap Around Pass
Advanced Variations:
- Baseball Pass
- Dribble Pass
- Behind-the-Back Pass
- Pick and Roll Pass

TEACHING POINTS
When teaching passing, points of emphasis should be:

A good pass is a pass a teammate can catch

When passing, step toward your receiver.
When catching, step toward the pass
Like shooting, the ball should have a backspin to it. This is accomplished by
following through on every pass.
Basic Passes

CHEST PASS

The chest pass is named so because the pass originates from the chest. 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

The bounce pass 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

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

WRAP AROUND PASS

Step around the defense with your non-pivot foot. Pass the ball with one hand
(outside hand). It can be used as an air or a bounce pass. You will often see the
wrap-around, air pass on the perimeter and the wrap-around, bounce pass to make
an entry into the post.

Advanced Passes

BASEBALL PASS

A baseball pass is a one-handed pass that uses the same motion as a

baseball throw. This is often used to make long passes.

DRIBBLE PASS

The dribble pass is used to quickly pass the ball with one hand off of the dribble. This can be an air or
bounce pass.

BEHIND-THE-BACK PASS

A behind-the-back pass 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.

PICK AND ROLL PASS

This is a pass that is used when the defenders double-team or switch on the pick and roll. If dribbling
to the right, your left side is facing the target and you bring the ball up from your right side to throw the
ball overhead to the screener who has either rolled to the basket or popped to the perimeter. The pass is
used to shield the ball from the defender, and many times is thrown in "hook shot" fashion. Advanced
players can do this while slightly fading away from the defender.
 TERMINOLOGIES EVERYONE MUST KNOW: BASIC OF BASIC

Alternating-possession rule: The possession arrow changes direction

after each held ball situation, alternating which team gets possession of the
ball.

Assist: A pass that immediately precedes and sets up a scored basket.

Backboard: The rectangular or fan-shaped board behind the basket.

Backcourt: The half of the court that is opposite a teams offensive basket;
the court a team is attempting to defend.

Ball handler: The player with the ball; usually the point guard at the start
of a play.

Ball Side: The half of the court from the middle to the sideline where the
ball is currently located. May also be referred to as the strong side.

Bank shot: A shot where the ball is first bounced (or banked) off the
backboard at such an angle that it then drops into the basket.

Baseline: The boundary line behind each basket; also called the endline.

Basket: Attached to the backboard, it consists of a metal rim 18 in

diameter suspended 10 from the floor, from which a 15-18 corded
net hangs, and through which points are scored; also used to refer to a
successful field goal.

Beat the defender: When an offensive player, with or without the ball, is
able to get past an opponent who is guarding him.

Bench Points: The number of points scored during a game from players
that began the game on the bench. All points scored by non-starters.

Blocked shot: The successful deflection of a shot by touching part of

the ball on its way to the basket, thereby preventing a field goal.

Blocking: The use of a defenders body position to illegally prevent an

opponents advance; the opposite of charging.
Bonus free throw: See One-and-One.

Bounce pass: A pass that strikes the floor before it reaches the receiver.

Boxing out: A players attempt to position his body between his

opponent and the basket to get rebounds and prevent the opponents
from doing so. Also referred to as Blocking out.

Carrying the ball: Also called palming; a violation committed by a

dribbler that involves placing the dribbling hand under the ball and
momentarily holding or carrying it while dribbling.

Center: Also called the pivot player; an offensive position typically

played by a tall player who plays mainly in the key areas (at the post).

Center court circle: The circular area at midcourt from which jump
balls are taken.

Charging: A personal foul committed when an offensive player illegally

contacts a defensive player who has established position or is stationary.

Chest pass: A two-handed pass thrown from the passers chest in a

straight line to the chest area of the receiver.

Controlling the boards: Securing a majority of the rebounds.

Conversion: A made basket or free throw.

Court vision: A players ability to see everything on the court during play
such as where his teammates and defenders are set up which enables him
to make better choices in passing; the best players possess this trait.

Crossover dribble: A dribble in which the ball is moved from one hand
to the other while the dribbler changes directions.

Cut: A quick movement by an offensive player to elude an opponent

or to receive the ball.

Cylinder: The imaginary area directly above the basket where

goaltending or basket interference can occur.
Dead ball: Occurs whenever the whistle blows to stop play and after a
field goal, but before the opponent gains possession of the ball.

Defense: The team not in possession of the ball whose objective is to keep
the opponent from scoring

Defensive rebound:
A rebound of an opponents missed shot.

Double-double: When a player scores double-digits in 2 categories during

one game (points, assists and rebounds are most common, but it can also
be blocks or steals); a sign of great versatility.

Double dribble: occurs when a player dribbles the ball with two hands
simultaneously or stops dribbling and then dribbles again

Double foul: 2 opponents commit a foul against each other simultaneously.

Double team: A defensive tactic in which two defenders temporarily guard

one player.

Downcourt or down the court: The direction a team on offense moves,

from its backcourt into its frontcourt and towards its own basket.

Dribble or dribbling: Process by which a player repeatedly bounces the ball

off the floor so that it returns to his/her possession. Its the only legal means
by which a single player may move the ball across the court.

Drive:
A quick dribble directly to the basket in an effort to score.

Dunk:
When a player close to the basket jumps and strongly throws the ball
down into it; an athletic, creative shot used to intimidate opponents.

Elbow:
A term often used to indicate the area of the court where the free-throw
line and side of the key meet.
Elbowing:
It is a violation if a player vigorously or excessively swings his elbows,
even if there is no contact; it is a foul if contact is made.

End line:
See baseline.

Established position:
When a defensive player has both feet firmly planted on the floor
before an offensive players head and shoulder get past him; the
offensive player who runs into such a defender is charging.

4-point play:
A made 3-point field goal in which the shooter was fouled, followed
by a successful free-throw.

Fake or feint:
A deceptive move to throw a defender off balance and allow an
offensive player to shoot or receive a pass; players use their eyes, head
or any other part of the body to trick an opponent.

Fastbreak:
An offensive strategy in which a team attempts to move the ball
downcourt and into scoring position as quickly as possible so that
the defense is outnumbered and does not have time to set up.

Field goal:
A basket scored on any shot other than a free throw, worth two or three
points depending on the distance of the attempt from the basket.

Flagrant foul:
Unnecessary or excessive contact against an opponent.

Forward:
An offensive position played to the sides of the basket near the key area
and out toward the sideline along the baseline.

Foul (also referred to as personal foul):

A violation resulting from illegal contact with an opposing player.
Foul line:
See Free-throw line.

Foul shot:
See Free-throw.

Free throw:
An unguarded shot taken from behind the free-throw line after a foul. If
successful, the shot counts one point.

Free-throw lane:
Also called the key or lane; a 12-foot wide area extending from the
baseline to the free-throw line. Players may not be in this area during a free-
throw attempt.

Free-throw line:
A 12-foot-long line that is parallel to and 15 feet from the backboard.

Free-throw line extended:

An imaginary line drawn from the free-throw line to the sideline to
determine the location for certain plays.

Front court:
The half of the court (divided by the center line) that contains the
offensive teams basket; the offensive half of the court.

Fullcourt press:
A defensive tactic in which a team guards the opponents closely the full
length of the court.

Game clock:
Shows how much time remains in each quarters or halves of games.

Guard:
An offensive position played primarily at the perimeter, or away from the
basket.

Guarding:
The act of following an opponent around the court to prevent him
from getting close to the basket, taking an open shot or making easy an
pass, while avoiding illegal contact.
Half-court or set offense:
When a team takes the time to develop a play in its frontcourt, such as the
give-and-go or a screening play; opposite of fast break.

Held ball:
Formerly called a jump ball. When two players on opposite teams are in
joint control of the ball.

Help Side:
The half of the court from the middle to the sideline opposite to where the
ball is currently located.

Hesitation Dribble:
A dribbling action with a change-of-pace intended to confuse and/or
freeze the defender. The basic action is a stutter step in which the dribbler
momentarily slows his or her pace and speed.

High percentage shot:

A shot that is likely to go in the basket, such as a layup.

High post:
An imaginary area outside either side of the foul lane at the elbow /
free-throw line extended area.

Inbounds:
The area within the baselines and sidelines of the court; also the act of
bringing the ball into this area by means of a throw-in.

Incidental contact:
Minor contact usually overlooked by officials.

Inside shooting:
Shots taken by a player near or under the basket.

Intentional foul:
A personal foul that the official judges to be premeditated.

In the paint:
In the key area, so named because this area of the floor is painted.
Jump ball:
The procedure for starting play at the beginning of a game or an overtime
period. The official tosses the ball into the air between the two opponents
positioned at the center-court circle; the two players jump up and try to tap
the ball to a teammate.

Jump shot:
A shot that is released after the shooter has jumped into the air.

Jump stop:
A method used to come to a complete stop. Both feet must land
simultaneously either parallel or staggered in order for it to be a jump
stop.

Key:
Also called the free-throw lane or lane; the area measuring 12 feet
in width and extending from the free-throw line to the end line.

Layup or layin:
A shot taken close to the basket that is usually banked off the
backboard towards the basket.

Loose ball:
A ball that is alive but not in the possession of either team.

Low post:
An imaginary area outside either side of the foul lane close to the
basket.

Lower percentage shot:

A shot that is less likely to go in the basket, such as one thrown by a player
who is off balance or outside his shooting range.

Man-to-man defense:
A team defense in which each player is assigned to guard a particular
opponent.

Offense:
The team that has possession of the basketball. Also, a structured
pattern of play that a team uses while attempting to score.
Offensive rebound:
A rebound of a teams own missed shot.

Officials:
The referees who control the game, stop and start play, and impose
penalties for violations and fouls.

One-and-one:
The bonus free-throw situation awarded for non-shooting fouls after
the opposing team exceeds a certain number of team fouls in a half. The
person fouled shoots one free throw; if successful, the shooter takes a
second shot.

Out of bounds:
The area outside of and including the end lines and sidelines.

Outside shooting:
Shots taken from the perimeter.

Over-and-back violation:
A violation that occurs when the offensive team returns the ball into the
backcourt once it has positioned itself in the front court.

Overhead pass:
A two-handed pass thrown from above the forehead.

Overtime:
An extra period played to break a tie score at the end of a regulation
game.

Pass:
An intentional throw to a teammate.

Passer:
The player who passes the ball to a teammate.

Period:
Any quarter, half or overtime segment.
Perimeter:
The area beyond the foul circle away from the basket, including 3-point
line, from which players take long-range shots.

Personal foul:
Contact between players that may result in injury or provide one team with
an unfair advantage; players may not push, hold, trip, hack, elbow, restrain
or charge into an opponent; these are also counted as team fouls.

Pick and Roll:

A play in which an offensive player sets a pick for the dribbler, then cuts off
that pick, or rolls, toward the basket looking for a pass from the dribbler for
a shot.

Pick-up games:
Impromptu games played among players who just met.

Pivot:
A footwork technique in which a player keeps one foot in contact with
a spot on the floor while moving the other foot to adjust the
position of the body or to evade a defensive player.

Point guard:
An offensive position played by a guard who usually brings the ball up
the court and initiates the offense.

Possession:
To be holding or in control of the ball.

Possession arrow:
Used to determine which teams turn it is to inbounds the ball to
begin a period or in a held ball situation.

Post:
An offensive position played close to the basket along the key.

Press:
An aggressive defense that attempts to force the opponents to make
errors by guarding them closely from either half court, three-quarter
court or full court.
Quadruple double:
A triple double with double-digits scored in 4 categories.

Rebound:
The act of gaining possession of the ball after a missed shot.

Run:
Occurs when one team scores several field goals in quick succession
while its opponents score few or none.

Scoring opportunity:
When a player gets open for a shot that is likely to score.

Screen or screener:
The offensive player who stands between a teammate and a defender
to gives his teammate the chance to take an open shot.

Scrimmage:
An unofficial game between two teams, or five-on-five play between
team members in a practice situation.

Shot clock:
A clock that limits the time a team with the ball has to shoot it; 24
seconds in the NBA; in college, 35 seconds for men, 30 seconds for women.

Shooter:
A player who takes a shot at the basket.

Shooters roll or shooters touch:

The ability to get even an inaccurate shot to bounce lightly off the
rim and into the basket.

Shooting range:
The distance from which a player is likely to make his shots.

Sidelines:
2 boundary lines that run the length of the court.
Sixth man:
The best substitute on a team; usually the first player to come off the
bench to replace a starter.

Squaring up:
When a players shoulders are facing the basket as he releases the
ball for a shot; considered good shooting position.

Substitute:
A player who comes into the game to replace a player on the court.

Swing man:
A player who can play both the guard and forward positions.

3-point play:
A made 2-point field goal in which the shooter was fouled, followed
by a successful free-throw.

3 seconds:
A violation in which an offensive player remains within the key for
more than three seconds at a time.

Team fouls:
Each personal foul committed by a player is also counted against his team;
when a team goes over the limit, its opponent is awarded free-throw
opportunities.

Technical foul:
A foul that does not involve contact with an opponent; a foul that involves
unsportsmanlike conduct by a player, coach or non-player; or a contact foul
committed by a player while the ball is dead.

Ten-second line:
The mid-court line over which the offensive team must advance the ball
from the backcourt within 10 seconds to avoid a violation.

Three-point field goal:

A made basket from a distance greater than 19 feet and nine inches
during a high school or college game.
Three-on-two:
A common fastbreak situation in which three offensive players
attempt to score on two defenders.

Timeout:
When play is temporarily suspended by an official or at the request of a
team to respond to an injured player or discuss strategy.

Transition:
The shift from offense to defense, and vice versa.

Traveling:
A violation occurring when a player with the ball takes a step without
dribbling (moving the established pivot foot).

Triple double:
When a player scores double-digits in 3 categories during one game (points,
assists and rebounds are most common, but it can also be blocks or steals);
a sign of great versatility.

Triple Threat Position:

Triple threat is an offensive position a player can use who has not dribbled
yet. The offensive player stands with knees flexed, feet slightly wider than
shoulder width, and both hands on the basketball. From this position, the
offensive player can either shoot, dribble, or pass to a teammate thereby
being a triple threat with the basketball.

Turnover:
A loss of possession of the ball by means of an error or violation.

Upset:
When a higher-seeded (better) team loses to a lower-seeded
(inferior) one.

Violation:
An infringement of the rules thats not a foul. The penalty for a violation
is the awarding of the ball to the opponent.

Weakside:
The side of the court away from the ball.
Zone defense:
A team defense in which each player is responsible for defending an
area of the court and the opponents within that area.

Zone offense:
An offensive pattern of play designed to attack (score against) a
particular zone defense.