Basketball is a game in which players use their ball handling and shooting skills to score points for their team. In general, offensive plays involve moving without the ball (either through cuts or screens), while defensive plays are typically passed and dribbled. It can be played either one-on-one, three-on-three, or two-on-two.
The rules of basketball are designed to promote offense. Typically, the player who starts the play will be the fastest on the court. Other rules include time limits in certain areas of the court. These are based on a “shot clock” and a “free throw line”. If a shot fails, the ball is restarted.
A basketball goal is located in the center of the court. There are two baskets ten feet high. The tallest player on the team is usually the center, and the second tallest is a small forward.
On offense, the player with the ball is usually the point guard. This player controls the play and implements the coach’s game plan. His duties include passing, rebounding, and stealing the ball. He may also intercept passes from teammates. Using a backboard to redirect the ball to the basket is a common technique, though it is not a requirement.
A three-point play is made when a player is fouled and scores a basket. In addition, a player who is fouled during a shot will receive a free throw. To qualify as a four-point play, a player must be fouled and make a basket, as well as score a free throw.
A layup is a type of basket where a player attempts to score by throwing the ball through the basket. A layup can be accomplished by a player standing in front of the basket and bouncing the ball, or by dribbling the ball to the basket. Layups are usually done on the backboard, though there are also some layups performed without a backboard.
A three-point arc is the outermost part of the ring on the basketball court. The player who throws the ball through the basket is considered the shooter, and the team who has the ball has 24 seconds to shoot it into the basket. During a shot, the offensive team is allowed a maximum of five players on the court at a time.
The shot is called an air ball if the ball does not hit the backboard and the rim. Attempts to shoot the ball through the rim are called slam dunks. Slam dunks require a player to jump high in the air and then shoot the ball through the basket. Alternatively, a shot that only hits the backboard is called a brick. Generally, a shooter is required to be at least ten feet from the basket.
In order to prevent a team from scoring, the defence must stop the offence from reaching the basket. A player who is in the foul line with his back to the basket for more than three seconds is a violation.
