Basketball is a team sport in which players compete to score points by shooting a ball through a basket elevated 10 feet off the floor. The game can be played with two or more teams and adheres to a set of fixed rules. Players advance the ball by bouncing it while walking or running (dribbling) or by passing it to a teammate; they can also shoot the ball into the basket using a variety of techniques, including the layup, the jump shot, and the dunk. In addition, both offense and defense may attempt to steal the ball from a dribbler, intercept passes, or block shots. A player is awarded a free throw if fouled while attempting a basket or when his or her team commits a turnover.
To improve one’s skills, it is important to practice often and correctly. It is also beneficial to watch professional and college games to learn from the players and coaches. This can help players improve their game by learning what strategies and tactics work best against a specific opponent or in certain situations.
Players must be able to move the ball quickly and make decisions under pressure. They must also be able to read the opposition and adjust their strategies accordingly. In order to increase the speed of their movements, players can use a series of footwork drills. These drills involve alternating between left and right footwork, lateral movement, and shuffle steps. Practicing these moves can help players develop the footwork and directional speed they need to control the basketball.
Another key skill in basketball is dribbling the ball with both hands. This can be difficult for young players to master because it requires coordination and timing. It is a good idea for new players to dribble the ball continuously with each hand every day in order to develop the feel of handling it with both hands. It is also helpful to practice the through-the-legs dribble, which involves bouncing the ball between your legs. This technique makes it harder for opponents to reach in and steal the ball.
While it is possible to improve a player’s skills through daily practice, it is more challenging to maintain those skills during a game. This is because the game is played at a faster pace than most solo dribbling and shooting sessions. To increase the challenge, players can pretend that defenders are guarding them when practicing.
The game of basketball is typically divided into timed intervals, usually four quarters or two halves. The team that scores the most points at the end of regulation wins the game. If no team has a lead at the end of regulation, a five-minute overtime period may be played. The game is won by the team that scores the most points during overtime. A game may also be won by a tie. Tie games are rare, however, as the game is usually decided by the first team to score a basket.
