Basketball is a team sport in which players score points by shooting the ball into a basket. The game’s basic rules involve advancing the ball by bouncing it while running or walking (dribbling), and passing the ball to a teammate; defensive actions such as stealing the ball from a dribbler, contesting a shot, deflecting passes, and garnering rebounds are also common in the game. A player can also earn free throws by being fouled during a shot.
Basketball skills vary between teams and individuals, but every player needs to master the basics of dribbling, passing, and shooting. Some of the most important basketball skills are hand-eye coordination, balance, and agility. A good basketball player can maneuver through crowded spaces on the court, and should be able to shoot the ball from a variety of angles and distances.
To improve their ability to shoot the ball, basketball players should practice with stationary exercises and drills that allow them to focus on the mechanics of the shot. When practicing, a player should start close to the basket and gradually work their way back as they become more comfortable with the shot. The goal is to develop a smooth, consistent shot that allows the ball to travel through the hoop with sufficient force to break the backboard. The proper follow through on a shot is also crucial; this helps to add backspin and increases the likelihood that the shot will go in.
When a player is ready to shoot, they should face their assigned player and push off with their trailing foot. Then, they should take a big step in the direction of the basket, crossing their lead foot just behind their trailing one and pushing off again. This movement is called a crossover, and it helps to generate momentum and power in the shot. It’s important that players also practice shooting off their non-dominant hand.
The most common types of shots are layups and jumpers. A layup is a shot that is made when a player is attacking the basket and tries to gently drop the ball into the hoop. A jumper is a shot taken from outside the paint area. A shot that hits both the rim and the backboard but misses the basket is called an air ball.
When a player is fouled while shooting, they will earn a free throw. The free throw is worth one point. There are a few different formats for awarding free throws, depending on the number of fouls committed and the type of foul committed. A player may also earn an extra free throw if they’re awarded two in a row or if they make their first free throw. There is no limit to the number of free throws a player can earn in a game.