Basketball is a team sport in which players compete against each other by shooting a ball through a basket or hoop. The game was invented in the United States and is played by two teams of five members, with each player playing at least some of the time. The objective of the game is to make a goal, while also protecting the goal and preventing the opponent from making one. The game is regulated by rules regarding the length of play, the time between plays, and the number of points scored in a period of time.
The game is usually divided into quarters of eight (or six) minutes, with a gap of several minutes between each quarter. A game is won by the first team to reach a specified number of points, usually by scoring at least three goals in a row or winning four consecutive fouls. In the event of a tie, overtime periods of varying lengths may be played until a winner emerges.
While there are many different strategies and tactics to the game, the key ingredients of basketball success are competitiveness and work ethic. To be a good basketball player, you need to practice your skills consistently and improve with each session. The game requires considerable physical exertion, so it is important to warm up before each session and stretch your muscles and joints. You should also hydrate regularly.
In order to develop a strong shot, a player must learn to shoot with proper technique. The most effective way to shoot is to stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, bend at the knees, and extend the shooting arm. Most players also place a bit of backspin on the ball and snap their wrist at the peak of their jump, which helps increase accuracy.
Another important skill is dribbling, which is the act of moving the ball by bouncing it on your foot or between your hands. The best players can move with the ball without looking at it, allowing them to evade defenders and find open space for shots. A player can also use fake moves to deceive defenders and get open for a shot.
A good defender must understand when to take a shot and when to pass the ball to a teammate. It is often illegal to block a shot while it is in the downward path of its arc, and this can result in a foul. A foul committed while the defending player is touching the ball in this position may be called a charge, depending on the rules of the league and the type of foul being committed.
A good defender must also be aware of the rules regarding the free-throw lane, which is the restricted area directly in front of the basket. It is common for defenders to camp in this space in anticipation of a lob or a rebound, but they must leave the paint after three seconds or be penalized.