Basketball

Basketball Overview Basketball (commonly nicknamed "B-ball" or "hoops") is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules. Basketball is one of the world's most popular and widely viewed sports

History of Basketball In December of 1981 James Naismith created the game of basketball when trying to come up with an activity to occupy his physical education class on a rainy day. Peach baskets were used until 1906 when they were finally replaced by metal hoops with backboards. The first balls made specifically for basketball were brown, and it was only in the late 1950s that Tony Hinkle, searching for a ball that would be more visible to players and spectators alike, introduced the orange ball that is now in common use.

History of Basketball The first official game was played in the YMCA gymnasium located in Albany, New York on January 20, 1892 with nine players on each side. By teams of five became standard. On February 9, 1895, the first intercollegiate 5-on-5 game was played at Hamline University between Hamline and the School of Agriculture. The first national championship for NCAA teams, the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) in New York, was organized in 1938; the NCAA national tournament would begin one year later.

History of Basketball Founded in 1937, the National Basketball League, often abbreviated to NBL, was the first professional men's basketball league in the United States In 1946, the Basketball Association of America (BAA) was formed as another professional basketball leagues. Three seasons later, in 1949, the BAA merged with the National Basketball League to form the National Basketball Association (NBA). The NBA now has 30 franchised teams in its league.

The Basketball Court In basketball, the basketball court is the playing surface, consisting of a rectangular floor with tiles at either end. In professional or organized basketball, especially when played indoors, it is usually made out of a wood, often maple, and highly polished. Outdoor surfaces are generally made from standard paving materials such as concrete or asphalt. The basketball court comes in different shapes and sizes. In the NBA, the court is 94 feet by 50 ft. The baskets are located on either ends of the court and are always 10' above the floor.

The Basketball Court Center Circle: Circle located on the center of the floor. Only two players enter this circle at the start of a game for the tip-off. Three Point Arc: Line that separates the two point area from the three point area. Any shot made beyond the three point arc counts for three points. Free Throw Line: Center line of the half circle located inside the three point arch where shooters take their foul shots from.

Player Positions Point Guard: Known as the “1” is the team’s best passer and ball handler. Shooting Guard: Know as the “2” is the teams best shooter. Small Forward: Known as the “3” is typically shorter, quicker, and leaner than the power forward. Often the small forward and shooting guard are interchangeable. Power Forward: Known as the “4” is typically a low post player. These players are usually the bigger, bulkier players on the floor. Center: Known as the “5” is usually the tallest player on the team. This player is typically a low post player but exceptional athleticism gives some a good outside shot as well.

Basketball Fouls In basketball, a foul is an infraction of the rules concerning illegal personal contact with an opponent and/or unsportsmanlike behavior. Personal foul: the most common type of foul in basketball. Not malicious. Contact that is made on a player who is the act of shooting or dribbling the basketball. Flagrant Foul: A foul that is made intentionally. Unsportsmanlike. Technical Foul: A foul that is made usually after play is stopped. Showing up the referee. Throwing or kicking the basketball. Excessive trash talking.

Other Violations Double Dribble: Once a player stops dribbling they cannot begin dribbling again. Traveling: If a player takes more than three steps without dribbling. Up and Down: If a player leaves their feet to take a shot but does not shoot. Back Court Violation: If the ball crosses back over the half court line once it is in the offensive half. Carrying: Or palming, when the player uses their hand to manipulate the ball. Goaltending: blocking a shot that is already on its way down to the hoop. Charging: running into a player who has position with their feet set. Defensive 3 Second: a defender cannot be in the paint for more than 3 seconds Shot Clock Violation: if a team possesses the ball for longer than the time on the shot clock Kick Ball: if a player uses their foot to kick the ball or break up a pass.