Basketball Fundamentals and Strategies
Basketball: A Comprehensive Overview
How to Play
Basketball is a sport played between two teams of five players each, with seven substitutes. The game uses a round ball and is played with the hands. The court measures 15×28 meters. Each team has a basket, and the objective is to score by shooting the ball into the opposing team’s basket.
- Restricted areas (zones) exist under the basket. Offensive players are limited to three seconds within these zones.
- A semicircle within each restricted area marks the charge circle, where offensive fouls are not called.
- Baskets are worth one point (free throws), two points (within the three-point line), or three points (outside the three-point line).
- Games consist of four 10-minute quarters. There’s a 15-minute break between the second and third quarters, and 2-minute breaks between the other quarters. Coaches have time-out options.
- Games are officiated by two to three referees and table officials.
- Players can pass, dribble, shoot, or layup the ball.
Basic Rules
- Players can only take one step after catching the ball without dribbling. After dribbling, they can take two steps before shooting or passing.
- Players have five seconds to inbound the ball, shoot a free throw, or attempt to regain possession.
- Teams have eight seconds to advance the ball past the half-court line.
- After catching the ball, players cannot dribble again. They can only shoot or pass. Dribbling with two hands or jumping with the ball and landing while still holding it is a double dribble violation.
- Teams have 24 seconds to shoot. If the ball goes back to their defensive zone, it’s a backcourt violation.
- Offensive players cannot stay within the opposing team’s restricted area for more than three seconds.
- Physical contact while moving results in a foul on the defender. If the offensive player initiates contact with a stationary defender, it’s an offensive foul.
- Fouls during a shot result in free throws. Other fouls result in possession for the opposing team.
- Players with five personal fouls are ejected from the game.
- Touching the ball below the knees is a violation.
- The ball is out of bounds when it touches the spectators, the ground, or a player steps out of bounds.
Key Concepts
Technique:
The biomechanically correct way to perform a sporting gesture (passing, shooting, etc.) for optimal effectiveness.
Tactic:
Decisions made during the game based on the tactical situation. Individual tactics involve how and when to use technical skills. Collective tactics involve coordinating players’ actions and plays.
Strategy:
The overall plan developed to achieve the objective of winning the game.
Player Positions
Base (Point Guard):
Usually designated as number 1, the base is often the shortest player and excels at ball-handling and long-range shooting. They lead the team on the court, possessing excellent vision and game intelligence. They are quick and adept at passing and driving to the basket.
Escort (Shooting Guard):
Designated as number 2, the escort is typically taller than the base and has good ball-handling skills. They often share ball-handling responsibilities and are strong shooters from mid-range and long distance. They are quick and often lead fast breaks, and are usually strong defenders.
Alero (Small Forward):
Designated as number 3, the alero is often the team’s best shooter, particularly from long range. They contribute to rebounds and play both offense and defense, possessing skills between a guard and a power forward.
Ala-Pivot (Power Forward):
Designated as number 4, the ala-pivot is typically between 2.05 and 2.10 meters tall. They have a good mid-range shot and are skilled at post moves and offensive rebounds. Their height, agility, and jumping ability make them effective rebounders and defenders.
Pivot (Center):
Designated as number 5, the pivot is usually the tallest player, often over 2.10 meters and weighing over 100 kg. They play near the basket, focusing on rebounds, blocks, and close-range shots. They often receive passes with their back to the basket and use hook shots.
Offensive Tactics
Pass and Cut:
The player with the ball passes and then cuts towards the basket, attempting to receive a return pass for a shot.
Backdoor Cut:
An offensive player runs behind their defender towards the basket, receives a pass, and attempts a shot.
Screen (Pick):
One or more players block a defender to free up a teammate.
- Direct Screen: A screen set on the defender guarding the player with the ball.
- Indirect Screen: A screen set on a defender guarding a player without the ball.