The objective of basketball is to put the ball through a hoop more times than the opposing team. The game has five players per team, and players move by dribbling, passing, and shooting. Three points are awarded for baskets behind the three-point line. The game is played over four quarters, with each quarter lasting 12 minutes. The winning team is the one with the most points after each quarter. There are five different positions in basketball, with each one fit for a specific type of player.
The five fundamental skills of the game are dribbling, shooting, passing, and rebounding. A skillful player is able to control the ball by using their peripheral vision and dribbling motion to track it. This means that they can look for teammates, create scoring opportunities, and prevent theft of the ball. In addition, dribbling with both hands helps a player control the ball, which is critical for a player who is trying to score.
In basketball, the player who scores the most points is the center. The center is typically the tallest player on the court. He can be found dribbling the ball down low, collecting rebounds, and blocking shots. The center must be able to dribble the ball with both feet and not start another dribble before stopping the one he was on. The point guard is also responsible for keeping the basketball in bounds, as it cannot be returned to the backcourt unless the offensive team has won the game.
The shot that misses the rim and the backboard is called an air ball, while one that only hits the backboard is known as a brick. Other shooting techniques include the layup and the slam dunk. In addition, players are also allowed to take charges and rebounded shots. Some violations include lifting the pivot foot without dribbling, carrying the ball, and holding it with two hands. If one of these violates the rules, he may be expelled from the game.
In its early stages, basketball was a rigid, structured sport. As the game evolved, individual skills also improved. However, the game remained the ultimate team sport, despite its individualistic nature. This change in the rules of basketball, however, did not diminish the game’s importance. The development of the sport has also led to the growth of several specialized games. Aside from the traditional game of basketball, many people also play a single-player version of the sport.
In addition to the game’s development, basketball has been affected by the development of small and medium-sized players. Some of the early players included Bob Cousy, who played college basketball for Holy Cross College and later for the Boston Celtics. He was one of the first to use the behind-the-back pass and the between-the-legs dribble. These rules were standardized and published in a campus paper. By the end of the nineteenth century, basketball was a popular sport in both college and high schools.