Basketball Rules: Learn to Play

Whether you have a novice or bona fide fanchances are you’ve had your eye on the (basketball) ball lately. This year The WNBA season attracted a record number of viewers when the New York Liberty captured their first championship in 28 seasons after defeating the Minnesota Lynx. And now NBA and NCAA college basketball are heating up.

The NBA regular season typically runs from mid-October until the playoffs start in mid-April, while college ball starts in early November until the March Madness tournament in early spring. Every game is undeniably electric, but if you Google “basketball rules” at halftime, we’ve got you. Say hello to our guide to all things basketball.

Once you know the basics of the quick game, including the rules and scoring, you’re ready to get started superfans. Here’s the 411 on the rules of basketball.

The teams

How many basketball players are on each team?

Each team has between 11 and 15 players, but only five can be on the field at a time. The W.N.B.A has a maximum roster size of 12 players, while the N.B.A is limited to 15 players per team during the regular season (during the offseason they can have up to 20 players).

What are the basketball positions?

Each of the five players on the field has a position and can touch the ball at any time during the game. Here is an overview of the specific positions, according to the NBA.

Center: The center is usually the tallest person on the team and plays near the basket. When attacking, the center tries to score points and rebound the ball. On defense, the center blocks the opponent’s shots and rebounds missed balls.
Shooting Guard: The shooting guard is often the best shooter on the team. They can make shots from long or short distances and are adept at dribbling and handling the ball.
Point guard: The point guard leads the offense and is usually the team’s best dribbler and passer. They also defend the opponent’s point guard and try to steal the ball.
Small forward: The small attacker plays against small and large players, so that they run all over the field. They are usually shorter, faster and adept at making long and short shots.
Power forward: The power forward is similar to the center, so they play close to the basket, rebound shots and defend against taller players. However, power forwards last longer than centers.

The Court

How big is the basketball court?

A NBA court measures 94 by 50 feet and includes a free throw line 15 feet from the front of the backboard, a key (or free throw lane) that is 15 feet wide and 20 feet from the baseline to the free throw line, a 3- meter point line located 7.75 meters from the basket at the top of the key and 6.5 meters from the basket at the corners, and a half court line located halfway between each end line. The net is 10 feet high, the backboard is 12 feet high and 6 feet wide, and the rim diameter is 18 inches.

A WNBA CourtThe dimensions are exactly the same, except the 3-point line is a little closer. At the top of the key, the three-point line is 20 feet, while the corners are 21 feet from the basket. The net and rim dimensions are also the same as those of the NBA.

The game

What are the rules for basketball games?

To win a basketball game, a team must score more points than the opponent by throwing the ball through the opponent’s basket. Only five players can be on the court at a time, but teams can replace a player from the bench if play is stopped – or after the last free throw attempt.

Players can dribble or pass the ball, but once a player stops dribbling and picks up the ball, he can only take two more steps before passing or shooting. according to NBA rules. If a player “double dribbles” or “travels” the ball, play is stopped and the ball is awarded to the opposing team.

When an NBA or WNBA team has possession of the ball, they also only have 24 seconds to shoot a basket (NCAA basketball has 30 seconds). The shot clock restarts when a shot is attempted, goes into the basket or when the other team gains possession of the ball. When the shot clock expires, the other team is awarded the ball.

What are common basketball penalties?

Players can also be penalized if a foul occurs. Most mistakes happen on defense, but each NBA player is only allowed six mistakes per game (WNBA players are only allowed five mistakes per game). If a player has more than the allowed fouls, he commits a foul and can no longer play in the game. Common errors include:

Reaches: When a player is dribbling, a reaching foul occurs if the defensive player attempts to bump his forearm or grab his arm.
Block: A blocking foul occurs when a defensive player uses his body to prevent another player from moving.

If a player or coach exhibits aggressive or dangerous behavior, a technical or flagrant foul may also be called. In any case of violation, the opponent automatically receives free throws and/or possession of the ball.

How does basketball scoring work?

Points are scored each time a player puts the ball through the basket. However, the number of points awarded is based on the type of shot and the distance from the basket at which the shot is taken. Here is a breakdown, according to the NBAalthough the score is consistent across the WNBA and NCAA:

2-point baskets: Two-pointers are the most common form of scoring in basketball and consist of any shot made inside the three-point line. A 2-pointer can be accomplished with a jump shot (a shot made while jumping), layup (a shot made with one hand near the basket), or dunk (when a player jumps and pokes the ball through the basket with one or both hands ). hands).
3-point baskets: 3-pointers are awarded when a player makes a shot from beyond the 3-point line.
Free throws: Free throws are awarded when a player makes a foul while shooting, when a team committing the foul has entered the bonus/penalty situation (when a team commits at least five fouls in one quarter), or when a technical foul, such as fighting or verbal abuse takes place. The number of free throws depends on the situation, but any unopposed shot is taken from the free throw line. If a player makes a foul while shooting the ball, he is awarded two free throws for a two-point shot, or three free throws for a three-point shot. If a player is fouled while shooting but a shot is made, this is usually called an “and through” as the player gets the points for the basket plus one additional free throw.

How long do basketball games last?

NBA games are split into four quarters of 12 minutes each, with a 15-minute rest period. However, the entire duration of the event is usually between two and two and a half hours due to timeouts (each team is allowed seven timeouts during regular play), halftime and other interruptions of play. Unlike footballthe game clock stops when a timeout is taken, a foul is committed or the ball goes out of bounds.

WNBA games are divided into four quarters of 10 minutes each, with a rest time of 15 minutes. Games also last approximately two hours, although each team is only allowed five timeouts during regular play.

NCAA women’s basketball games are consistent with the WNBA, but NCAA men’s basketball plays 20-minute halves.

What rules apply to basketball fans?

That’s right: visitors and fans of basketball games are also subject to a code of conduct that prohibits harassment. “While we welcome a growing fan base, the WNBA will not tolerate racist, derogatory or threatening comments about players, teams or anyone affiliated with the league,” reads a statement statement from the WNBA.

So there you have it, folks. Now that you have the official rules, you can enjoy educating your friends about that ‘bad’ call – and supporting them great athletes.

Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based freelance writer and graduate of Emory University and Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Her work has appeared in POPSUGAR, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan and elsewhere.