In basketball, you have to learn how to make cuts. You need to try to shake defenders and always be fluid. You also have to look for open shots. There are various games to learn this skill. One of them is “horse” or “pig,” and Michael Jordan took that game seriously. Practicing lay-ups with the opposite hand is also a great way to improve.
The FIBA (International Basketball Federation) was formed in 1932 by eight founding nations. In the beginning, the competition was played mainly by amateur players. However, the game was included in the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, when it was played outdoors for the first time. The United States has been the dominant nation in the men’s division since then, winning all but three of the competitions.
The game of basketball is played on a court with a basketball goal in the center of the court. Players score points by shooting, passing, dribbling and rolling the ball to the basket. However, the ball must stay in the court to be counted as a basket. The last team to touch the ball loses possession. Moreover, the ball is deemed out of bounds when it touches an object or boundary line.
The game of basketball began in the United States, but it has a long history in other countries. The game was originally played with soccer balls. The first basketball was marketed in 1894 and was laced. The ball was close to 32 inches (81 cm) in circumference and weighed less than twenty ounces (567 grams). It was later introduced to China, India, and France, and it was even played in Japan.
A basketball team is composed of five players. The tallest is called the center, followed by the small forward and power forward. The center’s job is to block shots and get rebounds. The smallest player is called the shooting guard. The point guard is responsible for the implementation of the coach’s game plan. The players may also play three-on-three or two-on-two.
A player is charged with foul if he/she intentionally makes physical contact with a defense player. A foul also results in free throws and the team will keep possession of the ball after making free throws. Forcible contact will result in a flagrant foul. Further, the offense will not be able to cross the mid-court line during possession.
The playing surface of the game is made of hardwood, most commonly hard maple. This type of hardwood is resistant to splintering and has a tightly packed grain structure, which yields a smooth surface. Hard maple basketball courts also don’t require much maintenance. The players wear uniforms that include their team jersey, shorts, and appropriate shoes. They also wear equipment such as mouth guards, arm sleeves, and compression tights.
Aside from being physically fit, basketball players need to be alert and concentrate. If you get tired, stop playing and rest until you feel better. The game can be very intense, and players may sustain injuries like sprained ankles, broken arms, or concussions. It is also important to practice good defensive strategy.