Basketball, a team sport, is played by two teams, each with a goal to put the ball in the basket. Teams can score either by shooting the ball or dribbling it. The player who throws the ball through the basket is called the shooter. However, the most popular form of scoring is through dunks. A dunk is a basketball shot that rebounds off the backboard and falls through the hoop, usually over a defender.
There are five types of playing positions: center, power forward, small forward, guard, and point guard. Generally, the tallest player on the team is a center. On the other hand, the shortest players are point guards.
The game starts with a basketball ball being thrown high by the referee. Each team is given ten seconds to move to the other half of the court. If the other team fails to catch the ball, the first team to touch it wins. For example, if the offensive team misses a shot, they can recover the ball by dribbling it down the court.
When the ball hits the rim, the shot clock is reset. This reset is known as the “garbage time” of a lopsided game. Most possessions end when the opposing team misses a shot. In addition, the shot clock is stopped if the player carrying the ball touches the rim.
A layup is a type of scoring shot. The player who makes the layup is called the layuper, and he is responsible for moving the ball up into the basket and bouncing it into the hoop. Layups without a backboard are called finger rolls.
Shooting guards create a high volume of shots on offense. They also defend the opposing team’s best perimeter player. It is also common for a small forward to cut to the basket and seek steals on defense.
Players may also block or intercept a pass. They may also collect rebounded shots. Some of the best shots are slam dunks, which require the player to jump high and throw the ball through the hoop. Other types of scoring shots include three-pointers (treys) and bank shots.
When a defender blocks a player from dribbling the ball, the player is guilty of a ball violation. Violations are typically punishable by a loss of possession for the offensive team and reset of the shot clock. Similarly, when a player blocks a defender from touching the ball, the player is guilty of dribbling the ball, which is a backcourt violation.
Defensive rebounds are recovered by the defending team. If a player is fouled during a shot, he is awarded one free throw. He can also be awarded a four-point play, which consists of a further free throw. Another way to gain a point is through a floater shot, which is a shot made close to the basket. These types of shots are often made by skilled players.
Players may also use the backboard to redirect the ball into the hoop, as well as screens, cuts, and other offensive maneuvers. These strategies are used to increase the speed and efficiency of a team’s offense.
