Basketball is a team sport, played on a rectangular court with a hoop (or basket) attached to a backboard by a thin net. The game was invented in 1891, and has since become one of the most popular sports in the world. The goal is to score points by throwing or bouncing the ball into the hoop. The basketball game has several rules that must be followed to avoid penalties.
There are a number of different ways to get the ball, but the most common way is to steal it from an opposing player. This is done by a player physically touching an opposing player and causing them to lose control of the ball. Another way to get the ball is to tip it over the opposing team’s defense. This can be accomplished by a player reaching under an opposing players arm or pushing them to the side with their lead foot while dribbling.
The most important skill in basketball is ball handling, but it also requires good shooting and passing skills. There are a number of drills that help players develop these skills. These include dribbling drills, stationary exercises and tight chair drills.
In the game of basketball, players must dribble the ball to move it down the court. However, they cannot dribble continuously without moving their feet, or else they will be penalized for traveling. Additionally, they must pass the ball to teammates before taking a shot. If they don’t, they will be punished for illegally holding the ball. There are also certain other types of fouls that can be committed, such as illegal contact, reaching and over the back. These are called technical or flagrant fouls, and they usually result in the opposing team receiving free throws and the ball.
Games of basketball are usually divided into four quarters, with a gap of a few minutes between each quarter. The team with the most points at the end of regulation wins. However, if the teams are tied at the end of regulation, overtime periods of varying lengths may be played to decide the winner.
A player must be a member of a registered, sanctioned basketball club to play in a competition. In some cases, this includes playing in a high school or college league. In other cases, the player must be a member of a professional league such as the NBA or USBL.
A game of basketball is typically divided into four quarters of a varying length, depending on the level of play. The teams are also assigned a goal, or basket, to defend. Each time a team scores, they receive two points. Very long shots, made from behind a line known as the three-point line, are worth an additional three points. In addition, if a player is fouled while making a basket, they are awarded one free throw (worth one point).