Are you eager to become the next Michael Jordan, or do you want to know the rules so you can enjoy the game?
Basketball is a fun and exciting sport that people of all ages and skill levels can play. If you’re a beginner, there are numerous ways to improve your game, relish your time on the court and become the top player.
Here are 10 of the best tips and tricks for how to play basketball like a pro.
1. Start with a tip-off.
In basketball, the commencement of each game involves:
- A tip-off.
- A leap ball between one player from each group.
- Taking place at the center circle.
“Kickoff time” is often interchangeably with “tip,” an abbreviation commonly used in this term. Reporters and broadcasters usually indicate the game’s start time alongside the tip-off. For instance, if the match commences at 5:00, the commentator frequently refers to it as a “five o’clock tip.”
Here’s a brief explanation of each rule:
- The jumpers must remain until the ball gets to its most heightened point before it is touched: This regulation is in place to prevent one player from gaining an unfair advantage by jumping too early or too late. Both players must wait until the ball reaches its highest point before attempting to tip it.
- The jumper cannot grab the ball; they must tip it: This rule is in place to prevent the player who wins the tip-off from gaining an unfair advantage by holding the ball and taking possession of it. Instead, they must tip it in the direction of their teammates.
- All players must remain outside the center circle: This rule is in place to prevent players from interfering with the tip-off. Only the two players jumping for the ball are allowed inside the center circle.
- The ball-tipping starts the game, so all players except the one tipping the ball must remain still: This rule is in place to prevent players from moving before the ball is in play. After pitching the ball, all players can move and begin playing the game, and all players can move and start playing the game.
Following these rules ensures that the tip-off is fair and that both teams have an equal chance to gain possession of the ball at the start of the game.
2. Each team has five players.
Per team has five players on the court at any given time. The players are divided into two guards, two forwards, and one center. Basketball teams typically consist of 12 players, ensuring a desirable equilibrium between having enough substitutes to rest and rotate players while avoiding excessive players that would make management and coordination difficult.
This number also enables teams to possess various skills and positions on the court, contributing to their depth and versatility. Moreover, having 12 players allows a sufficient number of players to be on the bench and on the court.
3. The game has quarters.
A quarter denotes a segment of time within a game. Specifically, in the NBA, a game comprises four quarters, each spanning 12 minutes. Throughout the game, a clock displays the remaining time in the current quarter, starting at twelve minutes and counting down to zero; this occurs four times until the end of regulation. If both teams tie at the end, they may play an overtime period of five minutes.
4. Don’t walk with the ball.
Basketball players commit a dribbling violation known as walking or traveling when they move while holding the ball also includes moving their pivot foot or moving without dribbling. When a walking breach occurs, the result is a turnover.
5. The shot clock.
The term “shot clock” pertains to the timer that shows how much time the team has the ball left to take a field goal. The shot clock begins at 24 seconds by default, although Rule 7 may dictate otherwise.
6. Avoid foul shots.
If a player executes a foul, the referee awards foul shots to the other team. The number of foul shots awarded depends on the type of foul and the situation in the game. If a player commits five personal fouls during a 40-minute play or six personal fouls during a 48-minute game, they will be disqualified for the remainder of the game, commonly called “fouling out.”
7. Three-point line.
On the court, there exists a three-point line. If a player shoots the ball from beyond this line and successfully puts it into the basket, the player earns three points instead of two.
8. Timeouts
Timeouts temporarily pause both the game clock and shot clock, allowing teams to have additional time to strategize, substitute players or give rest to players. The shot clock does not reset when it reaches a timeout, but instead, it stops counting and only resumes when the ball becomes life again.
In a game, each team is allowed seven timeouts, with a limit of four timeouts in the fourth quarter. Any unused timeouts are forfeited, and a group can only use a max of four timeouts in the fourth quarter.
9. Double dribble.
During a basketball game, a player commits an illegal dribble, also known as a double dribble or dribbling violation, if they stop their dribble by catching or causing the ball to rest in one or both hands and proceed to dribble it again with one hand.
Additionally, if a player touches the ball before it hits the ground, it is considered an illegal dribble. The dribble ends if the player carries or palms the ball by letting it rest in one or both hands, and if the player continues with another dribble after palming or carrying the ball, it results in a turnover.
10. Game ends when the time runs out.
What are the ways a basketball game can end? In a basketball game, the players typically divide the game into four equally timed quarters. Into four equally timed quarters, it concludes when the 4th quarter expires, and one team has accumulated more points than the other, making them the winner.
In the case of a pickup basketball game, the game concludes when one team reaches a predetermined number of points, and that team is declared the winner.
Play Like a Pro
Basketball is a fun and exciting sport that people of all ages and skill levels can enjoy. If you want to be the best player, you can do many things to enhance your game and enjoy it on the court.
Knowing and following these basic basketball rules can help you appreciate the game’s nuances and make it even more enjoyable to watch or play. So grab a ball, head to the court, and have fun!