BASKETBALL

Invention of the game

James Naismith was a Canadian American physical education instructor at the International YMCA Training

School in Springfield, Massachusetts. In December 1891, the director of the school, Dr. Luther Halsey Gulick, asked
Naismith to find a physical activity to occupy a "class of incorrigibles." Naismith may have other motivations as well.
Naismith wanted to create a game of skill for the students instead of one that relied solely on strength. He needed a game
that could be played indoors in a relatively small space. And he wanted to keep his football players in shape off-season.
As a kid Naismith played a game called duck on a rock. He took account of the game he played as a kid and made it into
what we now call basketball. With the help of his wife he devised a game suitable for a gymnasium.

The object of the game was to throw the soccer ball into the fruit baskets nailed to the lower railing of the gym
balcony. Every time a point was scored, the game was halted so the janitor could bring out a ladder and retrieve the ball.
Later, the bottoms of the fruit baskets were removed.

The first public basketball game was in Springfield, MA, on December 21, 1891.

Most Commonly Used Basketball Equipment

The Basketball (ball)

The basketball is an inflated sphere usually made out of leather. Leather basketballs are those which are
recommended for indoor professional competitions. The rubber covered basketballs are the ones which are used for daily
practices and play. A basketball usually weighs 600 to 650 grams and is 75 to 78 cm in circumference.

The size and weight of the basketball depends on who plays the game. If women are playing, the official size of
the basketball is 28.5” in circumference (which is size 6) and weighs 20 oz, as opposed to 29.5” circumference and 22 oz
weight ball used for men’s games. Prior to the commencement of a match, the referee will test the ball for suitability.

The Basket
The Basket is the Goal in the game, and is made up of a horizontal, circular metal rim with a net attached to it.
This rim is mounted 10 feet (3.05 m) above the court and 4 feet (1.2 m) inside the baseline.

The Backboard
The Backboard is the firm rectangular board behind the rim. You would be able to see backboards made of glass,
steel, aluminum and acrylic (clear and tinted). The heavier and thicker the backboards are, the better the rebound effect
will be. The size of a backboard would usually be 1800mm horizontally and 1050mm vertically.

The Uniform
This is one important part in the game. Every team will have their own uniform, which includes a shirt (jersey)
and a pair of shorts, which will be numbered on both the front and back sides (and sometimes with names printed on it)
for quick and easy identification.

Shoes
The shoes worn by basketball players are high-topped shoes made to facilitate higher ankle support than normal
running shoes for extra comfort during play.

The Shot Clock

This is the clock that counts down the maximum 24 seconds the offence is allowed to have the ball in hand before
shooting. If they fail to attempt a shoot that hits the rim within this time limit, they will lose possession of the ball. 

The Floor / Court

The Floor / Court is a playing surface made of wooden floorboard. In international games, the regulation
basketball court is 28m x 17m (approximately 92 ft x 49 ft), whereas it is 29m x 15m (approximately 94 ft x 50 ft) in the
National Basketball Association (NBA).

Section of the Basketball Court

Center circle

The only two players permitted to enter this area prior to the tipoff are the players contesting the jump ball
(usually but not always centers). Both players have to jump when the referee throws the ball in the air to attempt to push
the ball into the hands of a player of their own team.
Three-point line

The three-point line is the line that separates the two-point area from the three-point area; any shot converted
beyond this line counts as three points. If the shooting player steps on the line, it is counted as two points only. Any foul
made in the act of shooting beyond the three-point line would give the player three free throws if the shot doesn't go in,
and one if it does.

Perimeter

The perimeter is defined as the areas that are farthest from the basket outside the free throw line and inside the
three-point line. Shots converted (successfully made) from this area are called "perimeter shots" or "medium-range shots."
If a player's foot is on the three-point line, it could also be considered a "perimeter shot."

Low post area

The low post is defined as the areas that are closest to the basket but outside of the free throw lane This area is
fundamental to strategy in basketball. Skilled low post players can score many points per game without ever taking a jump
shot.

Key

The key or shaded lane refers to the frequently painted area beneath the basket; for NBA, it is 16 feet (4.9 m)
wide, for the NCAA it is 12 feet (3.7 m) wide; for both instances it is 15 feet (4.6 m) from the backboard. At the top of the
rectangle is the free-throw line, behind which players shoot uncontested shots when they're fouled in the act of shooting or
any other penalty. A circle is drawn beyond the free-throw line with a 6 feet (1.8 m) radius; this is used for jump ball
instances similarly done at the center circle. There are two 6 in hashes, 3 ft from the free throw line. These marks serve no
purpose, though NBA Rule 1 (g) requries them to be drawn.

Restricted area arc

The restricted area arc is a semi-circular arc drawn around the area directly underneath the basket. With some
exceptions, defending teammates cannot draw charging fouls in this area. The restricted arc
in NBA and WNBA competition is of radius 4 feet (1.22 m) from the center of the basket. The restricted arc
in NCAA competition (both men's and women's) is of radius 3 feet (0.91 m) from the center of the basket.

FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS IN BASKETBALL

Dribbling

Dribbling the basketball is done to move the ball around only when a passing isn't a better option and a lane isn't
available. Dribbling while looking for an offensive option is a good way to lose the ball.

1. Passing 

Passing is the number 1 option for moving the ball around the court on offense. Passing is quicker than dribbling
and so it is a deadly offensive tool for reaching that open man so they can have the shot. Good passes are the hallmark of
good teams because most offensive plays are set up by good passes.

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

Chest Pass

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

2. Shooting 

Shooting is probably the most practiced skill for new and experienced players. Yet so many people still practice it
wrong. In practice all drills should be done at game speed and done as you would under pressure. 
 3. Rebounding 

Rebounding can come in two forms - offensive and defensive. Lots of newer player look at rebounding and
immediately think that it is a big mans area. Yet this is not so. Rebounding is more than just being big. It even
surpasses just jumping ability.

4. Offense 

Offense is a fundamental which encompasses all aspects of the offensive court. Shooting has already been
covered. Yet moving off the ball to give offensive options to the player with the ball is another thing that is essential for
good offense. 

5. Defense 

This is seen year after year so a simple conclusion can be made here - defense is key to victory. Defense is not
only about getting the steal or block but also about intimidation of the opponents.

The Basketball Rulebook

Outside: The ball or a player who is in contact with the ball is not allowed to go outside the playing area. If the player or
the ball goes outside the court, the opposition team gets a throw-in.

Traveling: As the player moves, he has to continuously dribble the ball. If he moves without dribbling the ball, it is called
traveling and is a foul. The only exception to this rule is if he is throwing a basket. In this case he allowed to move 2 steps
and jump without dribbling.

Double Dribbling: A player is allowed to dribble with only one hand at a time. A player is also not allowed to hold the
ball and then resume dribbling. This is called double dribbling.

Carrying the Ball: While dribbling the player's hand must be above the ball. If he put his hand below the ball it is called
carrying.

Back Pass: Once one team establishes control at the front half of the court, the members of that team are not allowed to
pass the ball to the rear-half of the court. This rule was created to ensure more attacking play.

Goaltending: Once a player of one team shoots the ball towards the basket, and the ball is on a descent towards the
basket, a player of the opposition team is not allowed to block the ball. If a player does so, it is considered as a basket.

Personal Fouls: The rule for a personal foul is a little ambiguous and it depends on the referee whether he thinks if the
action was serious or not. A personal foul is said to have been committed when an unfair disadvantage is caused to an
opposition player through unnecessary physical contact. Most common fouls are tripping a player while dribbling or
tapping a players hand from behind as he takes a shot. A penalty shot (one point if successful) is awarded to a team if its
player is fouled. In an NBA game, if a player commits six personal fouls, he is 'fouled out' and not allowed to participate
for the rest of the game.

Technical Fouls: When a player shows dissent towards a referee or a player, or shows unsportsmanlike conduct during
the course of the game, it is known as a technical foul. Repeated incidents of technical foul will also result in the ejection
of the player. The number of technical fouls to be committed by a player before he is ejected also depends upon the
discretion of the referee.

Fouls and Violations

 FOULS

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

1. Hitting

2. Pushing

3. Slapping

4. Holding

5. 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.
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, as can technical details regarding filling in the scorebook improperly or dunking during
warm-ups.

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 is traveling.

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

1. Offensive. Forwards are responsible to get free for a pass, take outside shots, drive for goals, and rebound.

2. 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.
 1. 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.

2. Defensive. On defense, a guard is responsible for stealing passes, contesting shots, preventing drives to the hoop,
and for boxing out.

Basketball Hand Signals

List of hand signals:

BLOCKING: Illegal contact that impedes the progress of an opponent.

CANCEL SCORE/ CANCEL PLAY: To disallow the preceding basket or play.

CHARGING: An offensive foul that occurs when a player runs into a stationary defender who has position.

PALMING OR CARRYING THE BALL: When a player moves his/her hand under the ball and scoops it while
dribbling.

DIRECTION OF PLAY: The direction of the basket of the team awarded possession.

TO DESIGNATE OFFENDER: The number of the player called for foul or violation to the official scorer.

DOUBLE FOUL: When two opposing players commit personal or technical fouls against each other at approximately
the same time.

GOALTENDING: An offensive or defensive violation in which a player interferes with a shot ball while it is on a
downward arc to the basket. If a defender goaltends, the offensive team is credited with the made goal; if an offensive
player goaltends, any goal is void and the defensive team receives possession.

DOUBLE DRIBBLE: Occurs when a player stops dribbling and then dribbles again without giving up possession, or
when a player dribbles the ball with both hands at the same time.

HAND CHECK: When a defender makes repeated contact with her hands on her opponent.

HOLDING: Illegal physical contact that impedes the progress of an opponent.

ILLEGAL DRIBBLE: When a player runs with the ball without dribbling, or dribbles a second time after he has
voluntarily ended his first dribble.

ILLEGAL SCREEN OUT OF BOUNDS: A player illegally leaving the playing floor on the endline in the frontcourt
for the purpose of setting a screen.

ILLEGAL USE OF HANDS: Illegal hand contact or "hand-checking" of an opponent.

JUMP BALL: To put the ball in play with a jump ball between two opposing players after such occurrences as a held
ball.

LOOSE BALL FOUL: Illegal contact after the ball is live when team possession does not exist.

OFFENSIVE FOUL: A foul caused by an offensive player, usually in the form of charging.

OVER-THE-BACK: When a player jumps on and over the back of an opponent. It usually occurs when players are
battling for rebounds or when a defender takes a shooter's pump fake and comes down on top of him.

PERSONAL FOUL: Illegal physical contact with an opponent when the ball is live.

PUSHING: Such personal contact as bumping or moving an opponent.

REACHING: When a defender attempting to steal the basketball reaches in with her hands and makes contact with the
ball handler.

TECHNICAL FOUL: A penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct or violations by team members on the floor or seated on
the bench. It may also be assessed for illegal contact that occurs with an opponent before the ball becomes live.

THREE-SECOND VIOLATION: A violation in which the offensive player stands in the free-throw lane for three
seconds or more without commencing a shot.
TRAVELING: Illegal movement in which a player in possession of the ball pivots, jumps, or shuffles the feet
improperly.

24-SECOND VIOLATION: A violation in which the offensive team fails to attempt a field goal within 24 seconds after
gaining possession.

TIME-IN AND TIME-OUT: Signals to the timer when to start and stop, respectively, the official game clock.

20-SECOND TIMEOUT: Signals the granting of a team's request for a 20-second time-out. Teams are allowed one 20-
second timeout per half.