Basketball is a sport in which players advance the ball by dribbling, passing it or shooting it. Players can also use several types of offense and defense shots, such as blocking shots and stealing the ball from another player. Infractions in basketball include dribbling the ball with both hands, carrying the ball while dribbling and not crossing the half-way line within ten seconds of receiving possession of it.
One type of shot is called a layup. This involves the player aiming to hit the basket with the ball and then using their dominant hand to “lay” it up into the basket. Typically, layups are made off of a backboard, but a player can also shoot the ball without one. Another shot is a slam dunk, which is one of the most awe-inspiring moves in basketball. Players jump high to throw the ball through the basket.
There are many benefits of playing basketball, including increased physical fitness and improved health. It has also been found to improve overall body composition. A study of untrained men showed that after three months of street basketball training, their overall fitness levels and body fat percentage went down. Basketball is also an excellent way to increase cardiovascular fitness, which is linked to reduced risks of cardiovascular disease.
The main objective of basketball is to score points by getting the ball through the hoop more than the opposing team. The game has five players on each team and requires skill in shooting, passing and dribbling. The game is played over four quarters, which are 12 minutes long. In the end, the team with the most points wins the game.
The position of the basketball player on a team is called a center. This player usually is the tallest player on the team. The center performs several key roles for his team, including screening defenders and offensive rebounds. The center must be able to dribble with both feet and not begin another dribble before stopping. In addition, the center must keep the ball in bounds. Otherwise, the offensive team is not allowed to return the ball to the backcourt after passing half-court.
After World War II, basketball slowly gained popularity in the United States. The widespread use of television increased awareness of the sport. Then, the advent of cable television brought the sport to the forefront of the American sports scene. In the 1980s, the popularity of basketball exploded. The game was able to expand rapidly in four major areas.
Basketball’s popularity has spread globally. In addition to the big leagues, small and medium-sized players have played an important role in shaping the sport. In the United States, a small-sized player named Bob Cousy was one of the first to use the behind-the-back pass and the between-the-leg dribble. These players paved the way for the development of basketball.
