Basketball is a team sport in which the main objective is to throw the ball in the opposing basket more often than your opponents. The game is played on a rectangular court with a hoop at each end, with players being allowed to advance the ball by dribbling (bouncing the ball repeatedly with one hand while maintaining control) or passing the ball up the court. A shot that hits the rim and backboard in the same way is commonly known as a brick, while one that misses both is often humorously referred to as an air ball. There are 10 players on the court at a time, five on each side, and players may substitute whenever there is stoppage in play.
The most important skill in basketball is dribbling. This involves moving the ball with only one hand while keeping it in contact with the floor and shielding it from defenders, allowing you to observe the whole court and make strategic decisions. When playing basketball, it’s crucial to practice at game speed so that you’re ready for the quick pace of a real game.
Another aspect of the game that makes a difference between good and great players is their defensive skills. There are a number of techniques that you can use to improve your defense, including setting clean picks and screens. A pick is when you block a defensive player with your body to allow your teammate to get open for a pass or shot. When setting a screen, be sure to stand still with your hands clutched at waist-level and your feet flat on the ground, so that you don’t commit a personal foul by making physical contact with an opponent.
When a player is fouled while shooting, they are awarded free throws. These are worth one point each. In addition, there are a number of other formats that can award a team points, such as the three-point line, which is the large semi-circle on each side of the court; this is worth two points, while anything made beyond it is worth three points. In some games, there are also time restrictions, such as a maximum amount of time a player can have the ball when being closely guarded or shot-clock rules that require teams to attempt a shot within a certain time frame.
There are many different variations of basketball, including indoor and outdoor varieties, and rules that vary by level. In general, however, the rules are similar across all variants. For example, there are generally five positions on a basketball team: the tallest player is the center, the second-tallest and strongest is the power forward, the shortest but fastest players are the small forwards, and the best ball handlers are the point guards. In addition, a game of basketball is usually divided into four eight-minute quarters, with a brief break between each period. If the game is tied at the end of regulation, overtime periods of varying lengths may be played until a winner is determined.
