Basketball is a team sport where players score points by throwing the ball into an opposing team’s basket. The game is played for a set amount of time and the team that scores the most wins. Each team has a maximum of 12 players and five of them can be on the court at any one time. The ball is moved around the court by passing and dribbling.
The game was invented in 1891 by James Naismith, a physical education professor who wanted to find an indoor activity to keep his students active during the winter. The game consists of four quarters and a two-minute break at half-time. The game can also be extended into an overtime period to decide a winner, and this is often used in playoff games.
A basketball is a large, circular rubber ball with a net attached to the top. It has a round rim that is attached to the backboard, which is known as the glass or the basket. When a player makes a basket, they are awarded two points for scoring inside the round arc on the floor, and three points if they shoot and make it beyond the arc. A player must dribble the ball to move it, but they cannot put their hands on the ground or kick it.
Passing the ball is an essential skill in basketball, and there are several different types of passes. The chest pass is a basic type of pass, where the passer touches the ball against their chest and then throws it toward their teammate. A bounce pass is a more difficult type of pass, where the ball strikes the court and bounces toward the receiver. Finally, an overhead pass is a pass where the passer releases the ball over the head of the defender.
There are also various rules in basketball that must be followed, including the rules of offensive and defensive play. For example, a player may not pass the ball behind the midcourt line, and it is considered a violation if they do so. Players also must be careful not to touch an opponent while they are dribbling the ball, as this is a technical foul.
Players are allowed to block shots, but they must avoid making contact that is illegal or dangerous. If a player tries to block a shot by jumping over another player, this is considered a jump foul and can result in a technical or flagrant foul. A player can also be penalized for reaching, which is when they touch an opposing player over the back while dribbling.
When dribbling, it is important to push the ball with your fingertips rather than slap it. This will help maintain control of the ball and prevent it from rolling out of your hand. Beginners should practice bouncing the ball continuously with each hand to get a feel for handling it correctly. Additionally, beginners should practice shooting lay ups with both left and right hands.