Basketball is a sport where players play for points. It is played with two teams on an indoor court. Each team is assigned a goal to score. The team with the most points wins the game. There are a number of rules to follow. These rules apply to both the offense and defense. If a player commits a foul, he will get a free throw. This is also based on how many fouls were committed during a half.
Before starting a game, a player must warm up. Stretch and drink plenty of water. After playing, players should cool down. Also, players should not overdo it on the court. When a player is injured, he can take a time-out.
During the game, the referee tosses the ball between two players. A player from each team is then positioned to catch the ball. Once the ball is caught, it is handed off to a teammate. Another player, who is on the opposing team, plays the defense. He will try to deflect the pass or steal the ball.
The offense team tries to get the ball into the hoop by using dribbling and passing skills. Players can then shoot the ball through the hoop, or pass it to a teammate. To do this, a player must be close to the basket, and must not be in the three-point line.
The offensive team has ten seconds to get the ball over the mid-court line. If the offense fails to do so, the ball is passed back to the defense.
In a basketball game, the referee can stop the game for a variety of reasons. One of the most common is a technical foul. Technical fouls can be based on foul language, illegal physical contact, or other violations.
Another common violation is double dribbling. Double dribbling occurs when a player dribbles the ball twice, without stopping to move forward. This can be a dangerous violation as it could strain the ankles.
An offensive player cannot stay in the key for more than three seconds without trying to shoot. He can only go back to his own half if he crosses the mid-court line.
In the NBA, NCAA and WNBA, the game is divided into four quarters. Each quarter is 12 minutes long. In the 1980s, cable television carried regular season college games. Some states also used cable television to carry high school championships.
Basketball is an exciting sport. However, it can be frustrating when a player commits a foul. If a player is not careful, he may end up with a technical foul or lose the game.
Some of the most popular basketball players include Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kobe Bryant. If you want to get into basketball competitively, you can join a team or start your own. As a beginner, you should be familiar with the game’s rules. Understanding the rules will help you develop your skills and become a better player.
To play basketball, a player must be strong and flexible. He should also drink a lot of water before and during the game. And he should be able to handle pressure situations.