Basketball has a rather curious origin story. This indoor sport was invented in 1891 by Canadian doctor and educator James Naismith. He wanted to distract his 18 students in Springfield (Massachusetts) in the winter with a competitive sport, but with a lower risk of injury than American football, for example. The first basketball hoops were peach hoops, which the school’s caretaker attached to the 10-foot (3.05 meter) high balconies of the Springfield gymnasium. This randomly determined suspension height is still the international standard today. At that time, the teams also needed a long stick to get the balls out of the baskets again. It was not until 1906 that the now standardized open-bottom net was introduced.
To prevent spectators on the balcony from helping out when throwing a basket, a board was placed behind each basket. Together with the school secretary, the player inventor also drafted the 13 basic rules, which have remained almost unchanged to this day. The first basketball game on January 20, 1892 in Springfield ended with a score of just one hit. Nevertheless, this new sport quickly became known and popular in the USA. As early as 1893 there was women’s basketball at Smith College, with Senda Berenson Abbott changing the basic rules slightly and adapting them for women’s sports. The sport has been part of the Olympic Games since 1936 and a basketball world championship is held in a different country every four years.
Even today, basketball is primarily an indoor sport. The aim of the two opposing teams is to throw the ball into the opponent’s basket and thus score points. Basketball is very important in many nations today and is played by around 450 million people worldwide, according to estimates by the World Basketball Association FIBA. The most popular, successful, and highest-paid professional athletes are basketball athletes.
There are now variants such as streetball and beach basketball, which are played outdoors with slightly modified rules.
Content of the game
Basketball is mainly played indoors. Two teams try to get the ball into their opponent’s basket and thereby win points. Players can achieve this using various throwing techniques (dunking), but the ball must always be thrown into the basket from above. The baskets are 3.05 meters high on the two narrow sides of the rectangular playing field. A team consists of five field players and up to seven substitutes, who can change with a teammate as often as they like. Every hit in the basket in the game brings two or three points, depending on the distance, a free throw hit one point. The winner at the end of the game is the team with the higher score.
The playing field
The playing field for basketball games must be rectangular and have a hard surface. For competitions, the dimensions of the field are 28 meters by 15 meters. There are various circles, lines and zones on the field that have their own function.
The boundary lines of the field are the touchlines and the end lines or baselines. If the ball – or a player holding the ball – touches any of these lines or the area outside of these lines, he is out of bounds.
A center line divides the field into two equal halves. The center circle with a radius of 1.80 meters is drawn around the midpoint of this center line. From here, the jump ball is executed at the beginning of a game.
A rectangle is drawn under the baskets. In this so-called zone, players of the attacking team are not allowed to remain uninterrupted for longer than 3 seconds.
This zone is adjoined by a semicircle, from the line of which free throws are made (free throw line).
A so-called three-point line is a semicircle from the basketball hoop with a radius of 6.75 meters and describes the distance from which a successful shot brings three points.
The so-called no-charging semi-circle under the basket is the area in which bumping or pushing (charging) during an attack is not punished as a foul.
The basket
The basket hangs from a board 10 feet or 3.05 meters above the field. Its diameter is 0.45 meters. The board is 1.05 meters high and 1.80 meters wide. The basket net slows down the ball falling through. A successful hit is clearly recognizable and the ball comes back into play in a vertical line.
Ball
Basketball was originally played with so-called panel balls, which were comparable to today’s volleyballs. Later, laced basketballs came into use, which had the now typical lines. Modern basketballs are made of synthetic material or leather and nylon threads. For men’s team competition, a basketball has a circumference of 749 to 780 millimeters (size 7) and a weight of 567 to 650 grams. For women’s basketball, the ball has a circumference of 724 to 737 millimeters (size 6) and a weight from 510 to 567 grams.
Sportswear
Initially, basketball players wore wool jerseys and cloth shorts, as well as knee, elbow, and shin pads. Since the 1960s, jerseys have become more comfortable, with players wearing short shorts. The basketball shoes developed from ordinary leather shoes to special sports shoes of well-known brands. Around 1980, it became common for well-known sporting goods manufacturers to contract certain basketball stars.
Beginning of the game and rules of the game
Each game begins with a so-called jump ball, which decides the first possession of the ball. One of the referees throws the ball up in the center circle between two opposing players. The players try to reach the falling ball and pass it to their teammates. Possession of the ball changes in the following quarters.
The aim of the game is to get the ball into the opponent’s half of the field by dribbling or passing to other players and throwing it into the basket from above. The basketball can also be played on the board. A successful shot is also known as a layup or dunking, which is rewarded with two points. A shot from the three-point line earns three points and a free throw earns one point.
The winner of the competition is the team that has scored more points than the opponent at the end of the game. The game consists of quarters, each quarter usually lasting ten minutes. In the event of a tie, overtime will be played for five minutes until a winner is determined. Each match is officiated by two referees, while three referees are used for matches at national and international level.
Fouls and free throws
In basketball, a distinction is made between personal, technical, unsportsmanlike and disqualifying fouls. Technical fouls include technical errors and indiscipline on the part of players and coaches. An example of an unsportsmanlike foul is hard physical contact. If this even leads to an injury to the opponent, this will be counted as a disqualifying foul.
Defenders commit fouls by holding, blocking, pushing, jostling, or tripping. Attacking fouls are illegal elbowing, pushing an opponent away, or running shoulder-first into an opponent. However, not every touching of an opponent has to be counted as a foul. The referees assess whether the contact gives the player an unfair advantage.
If a player is fouled while trying to make a basket, the fouled player is awarded the specified number of free throws that would have been possible in points. This means the player has three tries at the free-throw line. If a player is fouled while trying to throw and still scores a point, that player also gets a bonus free throw.
However, a foul without a basket attempt does not result in a free throw.
After a disqualifying foul or two unsportsmanlike fouls, the game is disqualified. The disqualified person must leave the field and the hall immediately. Five personal or technical fouls will result in loss of eligibility for the current game. These are personal penalties and do not change the number of players on the field.
Time Violation Rules
24-second rule
Each attack may last a maximum of 24 seconds, which is counted down exactly on a shot clock. After ring contact, a rally (the opposing team wins the ball and then attacks) or the referee’s final whistle for a defender’s foul, the countdown begins again. An out without changing possession does not result in a restart. By the way, a basket counts if a player throws the ball before the end of these 24 seconds.
8-second rule
If a team wins the ball or there is a throw-in, they have 8 seconds to get the ball into the opposing half. If this does not succeed, there is a throw-in for the opponent on the center line.
5-second rule
A player may hold the ball for a maximum of five seconds when throwing in or attempting a field shot.
3-second rule
When attacking, the attacking players may not remain in the opponent’s zone or in the free-throw area for more than three seconds at a time.
Out of
An out-of-bounds occurs when the ball or a player with the ball touches the ground on or outside the out-of-bounds line. However, a player still inside the field who bounces off may pass the ball back into play as long as neither the player nor the ball touches the ground out-of-bounds.
Second leg
When attacking, the ball may not be played back from the opponent’s half into your own half of the field. Return play is any movement of the ball across the center line, whether passed or dribbled. There is no return game if a defender returns the ball to the attacking team’s backcourt.
Step error
A player with the ball must dribble when moving, and if he does not do so, the opponent will be awarded a throw-in on the touchline for a step fault. When a player stops dribbling, a maximum of two foot contacts are allowed, then the ball must be played or thrown into the basket.
Double dribbling
If an attacker has the ball in his hands after dribbling, he may not try to dribble again. This double dribbling offense involves a throw-in for the opponent from the sidelines.
Goaltending
It is only allowed to catch or block the targeted ball throw from the opponent in the air as long as the ball is in upward motion. Otherwise, the ball must first touch the basket before it can be played freely again. For example, a player commits goaltending on a free throw if he touches the ball on its way to the basket before it touches the ring.
Goaltending is also preventing a basket by reaching into the net or hitting the board. The violation will be punished by the attacking team counting the basket attempt as a basket success.
Foot game
Footplay is the intentional touching of the ball with the foot, knee, or leg. Defenders’ footplay will result in the attack clock being reset if more than 10 seconds have elapsed. If there are still less than 10 seconds, you continue playing with the existing time. If an attacker commits a footplay violation, the opposing team gets the ball and the full 24 seconds of a new attack.
Basketball Variants
Over the years, different variants and modifications of the basketball game have been established. For example, there are netball, korfball, mini-basketball, netball, show basketball, water basketball, unicycle basketball and slamball. Particularly popular are:
Streetball, a modification of basketball, has been popular since the 1990s. Here two teams with three players play on just one basket and that outdoors. The basketball rules are also slightly modified. The focus of the game is on direct duels and ball handling skills.
Unicycle basketball
Wheelchair basketball was invented in the United States shortly after World War II. Because some basketball players wanted to continue their sport, even though they had suffered serious war injuries. Wheelchair basketball has been a Paralympic sport since 1960.
Beach basketball
Beach basketball was initially intended in the USA purely as a form of training for basketball, but quickly developed into a popular sport. In Germany, the playing fields are smaller than in the USA and there are two baskets in the game. The German championships in beach basketball take place in Cuxhaven every year.
Advantages
Basketball is an internationally popular sport that is played according to the same rules everywhere.
The basic equipment is inexpensive, unless you care about designer clothes and shoes.
Many parks, beaches and playgrounds have free basket structures for playing street or beach basketball.
Dribbling and shooting baskets are practiced as early as elementary school.
In amateur sports, height doesn’t count, but rather skill and skill.
If you want to do the sport seriously, you will find many active sports clubs and training opportunities in the vicinity.
Disadvantages
In order to practice this sport regularly in a hall, you have to join a club or a school team.
For those who want to take this sport more seriously, height plays a certain role.
Warming up and training is important as this sport requires speed and skill.
Although basketball is not as physical as rugby or American football, there is a risk of injury.
The ankles are also subject to particular stress, so good footwear is a basic requirement.
Conclusion on basketball
Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world and is often found in elementary schools. The same rules apply to the game anywhere in the world. Freely accessible basketball facilities in parks or playgrounds allow games and fun for free. If you want to play this sport seriously, you have to join a sports club. Exercising and good footwear are important, and height can also play a role for aspiring pros.
How to shoot a basketball
You need to be able to put the ball in the hoop.
How does a basketball game start?
A basketball game starts at the centre of the court when the ball is thrown high up by the referee and one player from each team competing to gain possession. The team that catches the ball, or in possession, is called the offensive team while the team not on the ball is the defensive team.
Who invented basketball?
Springfield College alumnus James Naismith invented basketball on campus as a graduate student of the College in 1891.
How many players on a basketball team?
5
How long did a basketball game last under the original rules?
Games were played in two 20-minute halves with a 10-minute rest time between the halves. Although not yet known as defensive goaltending, if a player touched the ball or basket when the ball was on the edge of the rim, the referee awarded one point to the shooting team.
Where was basketball invented?
James Naismith’s connection to Springfield College as a graduate student and instructor who invented the game here in Springfield, Massachusetts as part of his work with the College.
When does basketball season start?
For male athletes in the United States, the National Basketball Association (NBA) regular season runs October-April, with the playoffs extending into June. It is not unusual to play 3 to 4 games per week with the possibility of competing on back-to-back days.
Who is the best basketball player of all time?
Michael Jordan is widely known as the game’s greatest player—and for good reason. “MJ” accomplished everything possible in the game, piling up on the stats and awards. On the game’s biggest stage—the NBA Finals—Jordan went a perfect 6-for-6, also sweeping Finals MVP in his appearances.
What is a field goal in basketball?
Field goals: In the game of basketball, a field goal refers to any basket a player scores during regular game play, from inside the arc that designates the three-point line on the court. A standard field goal refers to any regulation shot a player attempts from inside the three-point line.
What are the positions in basketball?
A basketball player generally falls into one of five positions: point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward and center. Pro Tips is here with a breakdown of these five positions. Take a look at the abilities, skills and qualities needed to be successful at each position.
Who won the ncaa basketball championship in 2019?
Virginia Cavaliers Men’s Basketball
Colgate University Raiders
How to get better at basketball
Who is the best basketball player in the world?
01 Giannis Antetokounmpo.
02 Kevin Durant.
03 Stephen Curry.
04 Nikola Jokic.
05 Joel Embiid.
06 Jayson Tatum.
07 Luka Dončić
08 LeBron James
How many quarters in basketball?
In regulation, there are four quarters that last 12 minutes each. This means that there are 48 minutes in regulation. If the score is equal at the end of regulation, extra quarters of game time are played to determine the winning team. In the NBA, overtime periods last five minutes.
How long does a basketball game last?
In short, an NBA game has an average duration of 2.5 hours, although in some cases, mainly due to playing overtime, they reach a duration of up to three hours.
What is the diameter of a basketball?
approximately 9.5 inches
How does fantasy basketball work?
Fantasy basketball works on the same basic principles as any other fantasy sport: the game is based on constructing teams of players from the respective league and earning points based on their real-life performances. The points you earned determine winners and losers, whether it’s that day, that week, or that season.
Who is the richest basketball player?
According to Forbes, Michael Jordan is NBA’s richest player with a humongous net worth of US$1.7 billion.
How many basketball games in a season?
Each team plays 82 games in the regular season. Eight teams from each of the league’s two conferences qualify for the playoffs. The winners of the Conference Finals advance to the finals to determine the NBA champions.
How many basketball teams are there?
There are currently 30 teams in the NBA. The league is divided up into two conferences, the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference.
How many steps can you take in basketball?
When a player has taken more than two steps without the ball being dribbled, a traveling violation is called. In 2018, FIBA revised the rule so that one can take a “gather step” before taking the two steps. A travel can also be called via carrying or an unestablished pivot foot.
When does college basketball start?
If you’re wondering when college basketball will start for the 2021-22 season, you’re in the right place. The first NCAA game will take place on November 9, 2021, and the season will end on March 6, 2022, with March Madness following.
How to spin a basketball on your finger
Is basketball a contact sport?
The term contact sport is used to refer to sports such as basketball and handball, and the term limited-contact sport to sports like baseball, volleyball and squash.