Basketball rules revolve around two teams with five players each at a time on the floor competing to get the best score at the end of the game. These rules govern all aspects of the game, from handling the ball, scoring points, fouls in basketball, and even rules and applicable penalties for personnel. In addition, there are specific basketball rules that apply to amateurs and the professional leagues like the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and National Basketball Association (NBA).
If you’re planning to bet on basketball or are just a fan interested in learning more, then you can read this brief guide. We cover the basketball game rules from positions, scoring, and game length so everyone can fully appreciate this sport.
Basketball rules
The basketball rules we follow today follow the rules first set by Dr. James Naismith in 1891. In basketball, the player aims to move around the ball and shoot it through a metal hoop or basket suspended above the ground. The leading basketball equipment used in the game is the basket or hoops. There are two teams, each with five players at a time. The opposing team aims to score, and the other team tries to defend the basket. In addition to these basic basketball rules, players follow several specific guidelines during the actual game.
How game begins
Under the rules of the basketball game, an opposing team will have five players at a time on the floor. If the opposing team breaks this basic rule, they lose possession of the ball. But while the game is in progress or during breaks, the coaching staff has the option to substitute another player. Then, play begins with a jump ball where two players from both sides take the center court and contest for the ball’s possession and the chance to start the game’s momentum. Once a player gets ball possession, the game begins with the offensive team trying to score a point and the defensive team trying to defend the post and not allow the player to score.
Handling the ball and fouls in basketball
In basketball, one of the challenges is to move and advance the ball. Again, specific basketball rules are required for the team to pass and move the ball without incurring penalties. For example, once the offensive team moves the ball past the half-court line, the ball handler may not cross the line again. If it happens, the offensive player loses the ball possession.
In addition, the ball handler must remain within the designated inbounds, even if the other offensive team members are outside the lines. If the player steps out of bounds or his foot touch the line, the referee awards possession to the other team. While the team’s ball handler is at work, the defensive player and team try to defend the court or steal ball possession. Again, stealing the ball or gaining back control requires basketball skills, timing, and the right confidence. The offensive and defensive teams must protect or steal the ball and score the most points in the quarter.
Positions in basketball
Under basketball game rules, each team will have five players, each assuming a specific position. For example, the five players in the team can be the center, power forward, small forward, point guard, and shooting guard. The center is traditionally the tallest player on the team and plays near the basket. The offensive player that acts as the center tries to shoot or rebound. On the other hand, the defensive player attempts to block the other players’ shots and get the ball if they miss.
We have two forwards in the game- the power forward and the small forward. The power forward can also take the center’s role, but he can also take long shots. The small forward can play against small and large players and is often a reliable free throw shooter.
The remaining two basketball positions on the floor are the point guard and shooting guards. These players are dept in free throws, dribbling, and ball passing. However, the team’s point guard often runs the show and can steal the ball when it comes to defense.
Basketball Scoring
In basketball, the team aims to score more than the other squad. Therefore, the team must score more field goals under basketball rules than the opponent. A field goal refers to a basket a player achieves during the game, which can be a two-point or three-point shot. Field goals that are outside the arc are all worth three points. Goals can take many forms in basketball rules. For example, the player can take a jump shot, a slam dunk, or a tip-in. In addition, a team can also earn one point from the player. It happens when the player gets one free throw and misses the other.
A productive three-point player can also get four points instead of one. It happens when the player is fouled in the act of shooting. If this happens, the player gets a chance at free throws. Free throws are essential points in the game, especially if it’s a tight contest or the clock is winding down.
In scoring under the rules and regulations of basketball, the team must score within the shot clock. The team must complete a shot within 24 seconds in a professional league like the NBA. Players will find a shot clock that’s displayed above the hoop. If the clock elapses, the other team takes ball possession. However, the clock stops when a player makes a free throw.
Game Length
In basketball rules, each game consists of four quarters, played in 12 minutes, for 48 minutes. But this doesn’t mean that the actual basketball game will only run for the time. Throughout the game, the game clock is paused for various reasons. For example, if the team calls for a time-out, the rules call for the time to stop. When the player is taking a free throw, the clock also stops. The game clock only resumes after the player completes his free throw.
There are instances when a game requires overtime. For example, if the score is tied at the end of the regulation, teams play the overtime for five minutes. In the NBA basketball rules, the quarter possession applies to start the period after the opening jump ball. During the overtime, each team will have two time-outs. In the professional leagues, some games can take two or even three overtimes to decide the winner.
Conclusion
The basketball rules remained unchanged and still followed the ideas of Dr. Naismith. Teams and their players aim to score as many field goals as possible, and in doing so, they need to follow the set rules and guidelines on the floor. You may also find slight differences between the rules and regulations of basketball for amateur and professional levels. Often, the differences lie in the penalties and fines for players who don’t follow the rules. But for many players and observers, the main difference lies in the potential for career and money.
