1

Basketball

Section 1: History

In the year 1891, Dr. James A. Naismith an instructor at Springfield College in

Massachusetts, was given the challenge of creating a new game that could be played
indoors, basketball. Basketball is played on a rectangular court by two opposing teams of
five players each. The object of the game is to score more points than the other opposing
team in the allotted time. Scoring is accomplished by advancing the ball into position by
passing or dribbling and then shooting the ball through the opponent's goal. The ball is
passed, thrown, bounced, batted or rolled from one player to another. The team not in
possession of the ball attempts to deny the offensive team the opportunity to score.
Basketball presents the opportunity to learn ball skills, coordination, agility, and body
control: participation in the game can contribute toward maintenance of an individual's
total fitness. The fundamental skills needed are pivoting, catching, passing, dribbling,
shooting and rebounding.

Section 2: Equipment

A. The Ground and ball

The playing court has dimensions of not greater than 94 ft. in length by 50 ft. in
width. Modifications are sometimes made to accommodate space limitations or
for younger players. The ball is sperical with a circumference of 29 1/2 to 30
inches for men and 28 1/2 to 29 inches for women.

B. Goal
The two goals or baskets are fastened to the backboard on a metal ring 18 inches
in diameter and 10 feet above the floor.

C. Scoring
A field goal is scored when a live ball enters the basket from above the basket and
passes down through it. If a player mistakenly scores a field goal in the opponent's
basket, the goal is counted for the opponent.

field goal from within 19 ft. 9 in. - 2 points;

field goal beyond 19 ft. 9 in. - 3 points;
Free Throw - 1 point.

D. Game Length
A high school game consists of four quarters eight minutes in length, with a 10-
minute intermission at the half. Each overtime period is four minutes.
 2

E. Stopping the game

Once the ball is put in play, play continues and the clock runs until:
1. a violation occurs;
2. the ball goes out of bounds;
3. a personal foul occurs;
4. a time out is called.

Section 3: Terminology

A. Back court
The section of court from the dividing line to the opponent's basket.

B. Blocking
Illegal personal contact which impedes the progress of an opponent.

C. Blocking out - (boxed out) a term used to designate a player's position under the
backboard witch prevents an opposing player form achieving good
rebounding position.

D. Boundary Lines
The end lines on the width of the court and the sidelines on the length of the court.

E Charging
Illegal personal contact by pushing or moving into an opponent’s torso.

F. Defense
the team not in possession of the ball

G. Dribble
bouncing the ball on the floor, using one hand at a time

H. Double Dribble
Dribbling a second time after his or her first dribble has ended.

I. Field goal
a basket scored from the field

J. Free Throw
The opportunity to score 1 point by an unhindered try for a goal from within the
free throw circle and behind the free throw line. Trying for this goal shall be made
within 10 sec.
 3

K. Front Court
The part of the court between its ending and the nearer edge of the division line.
(includes your basket)

L. Holding
The illegal personal contact with an opponent which interferes with his or her
freedom of movement.

M. Jump Ball
The method of putting the ball into play to start the game.

N. Man to Man
The defensive strategy of guarding a particular person.

O. Offense
the team with possession of the ball

P. Pivot
Stepping once or more than once in any direction, with the same foot while the
other foot is kept at its point of contact with the floor.

Q. Rebound
a term usually applied when the ball bounces off the backboard or basket

R. Traveling
Illegal progression in any direction while retaining possession of the ball
inbounds.

S. Throw-in
putting the ball in play from out-of-bounds. (5sec.) The thrower can not step
on the court while still possessing the ball.
T. Possession arrow
A device located at the scorer’s table, which is used to indicate the direction of the
team's basket for the alternating possession procedure.

U. Violation
an infraction of the rules resulting in a throw-in from out-of-bounds for the
opponent, out of bounds, double dribble, traveling, kick, illegal throw-in

V. Zone
The defensive strategy of guarding a certain area of the court.

Section 4: Rules
 4

A. Definition of Playing Terms

1. closely guarded - the defensive player guards within 3 feet of the player with
the ball
2. dead ball - the ball becomes dead when the whistle is blown and the clock has
stopped.
3. foul - an infringement of a rule for which one or more free throws may be
given.
a. Personal foul - a personal foul results when contact is made with an
opponent while the ball is alive. A personal foul is called if:
1. a player holds, pushes charges or trips an opponent;
2. a dribbler charges into a defensive man when the defensive
man has established position on the court. NOTE: In general
the personal foul is charged to the player who causes bodily
contact to the opposing player.
b. shooting vs. non-shooting personal fouls
The penalty of a personal foul is dependent upon whether the
player is shooting the ball, and how many fouls his/her team has
committed during the half.
1. if a player is fouled in the act of shooting, two free
throws are awarded unless the try is successful in which
case only one free throw is awarded;
2. a non-shooting foul is when a foul occurs away from
the ball. Seven fouls for each team in a half before a
“one on one” situation occurs.
3. two shots are awarded when a team has ten team fouls
c. technical fouls
1. Awarded for situations such as delaying the game,
unsportsmanlike conduct, illegal substitutions, and using excessive
time-outs 2 free throws for each foul

B. Jump Ball Regulations

1. A jump ball is taken in the center restraining circle between any two opposing
players.
2. Player Positions
a. the jumper shall have one foot on or inside half of center circle; both
feet within restraining circle;
b. non-jumpers can not move into circle or change position around circle;
c. non-jumpers can not break the restraining circle; until ball is tapped
d. the ball is tapped after it reaches its highest point;
e. neither jumper shall touch the ball more than twice;
f. when a jump ball violation occurs, the ball goes to an opponent out-of-
bounds at the sideline opposite the restraining circle where the violation
occurred.
 5

C. Ball Handling Regulations

1. A player may hold the ball for 5 seconds inbounds if closely guarded, 5 seconds
out of bounds and 10 seconds on a free throw.
2. A player may use two steps after receiving the ball in the air, on the run or on
the completion of a dribble.
3. A player may use either foot as a pivot foot after catching the ball, while
standing still or after coming to a stop on the first step.
4. A player may throw, tip, bounce, hand or roll the ball to another player.
5. When a violation occurs while handling the ball, the ball goes to an opponent
out-of-bounds opposite the spot closest to where the violation occurred.
6. Failure to advance the ball across the mid-court line within 10 seconds results
in loss of possession

D. Out-of-Bounds Regulations

1. The ball is out-of-bounds when it touches the floor or any person or object on
or outside the boundary line, the supports or back of the backboard.
2. The ball is awarded out-of-bounds at the nearest point after:
a. a violation;
b. a dead ball if no foul is involved;
c. common fouls.
3. The ball is awarded out-of-bounds at the sideline after:
a. a jump ball violation;
b. a free throw violation.
4. The ball is awarded out-of-bounds at the end line after:
a. a field goal;
b. a successful free throw.

E. Three Second Lane Violation

1. A player may not remain for 3 seconds in that part of his or her free throw lane
between the end boundary and the farther edge of the free throw lane while the
ball is in control of his or her team in his or her front court.
6