Basketball is a team sport played on a rectangular court, where two teams of five players each aim to score points by shooting a ball into the opponent’s hoop, while defending their own.
Court Layout
NBA court: 94 ft × 50 ft, divided into frontcourt and backcourt.
FIBA (Europe) court: 28 m × 15 m.
Hoop height: 10 ft (3.05 m).
Three-point line: Shots beyond 22 ft (NBA) earn three points.
Game Rules
Matches are divided into four quarters, usually 10 minutes each (NBA: 12 minutes).
The team with the most points wins.
Overtime is played if scores are tied at the end of regulation.
Basic Gameplay
Dribbling: Moves the ball while advancing.
Passing: Transfers the ball to teammates.
Shooting: Attempts to score points.
Rebounding: Retrieves missed shots.
Defense: Prevents opponents from scoring.
Positions
Point Guard: Leads plays and distributes the ball.
Shooting Guard: Primary scorer and shooter.
Small Forward: Versatile scorer, defender, and rebounder.
Power Forward: Strong inside scorer and rebounder.
Center: Tallest player, blocks shots and scores near the hoop.
Fouls and Free Throws
Fouls occur for illegal contact or rule violations.
Fouled players may receive free throws, allowing unopposed scoring attempts.
Basketball combines athleticism, strategy, and teamwork, making it one of the world’s most popular sports.