Basketball is a team sport that requires excellent hand-eye coordination and the ability to quickly change direction while dribbling. It is also a great way to build physical strength, as well as social skills and confidence. For these reasons, it’s a wonderful choice for adults and children of all ages. In this article, you’ll find tips and advice for getting started in the game, from choosing a league or team to finding equipment and practicing effectively. You’ll also learn about the rules of the game, conditioning and fitness training, and shooting techniques.
The game of basketball was invented in 1891 by James Naismith, a college instructor looking for a way to keep his students active indoors during the winter. He began by using a soccer ball and peach baskets, before switching to the string baskets we use today in 1900. The rules of the game are simple and designed to promote fair play and skill development, as opposed to individual glory or a violent physical style.
To score a point, the ball must be thrown into the basket through the net. This can be done by dribbling, passing, or jumping to make a layup or slam dunk. A shot that makes the basket and the net is worth two points, while a shot that misses both the rim and backboard is called an air ball or brick. The hanging time of a shot is often referred to as hang time, and players aim to maximise this duration in order to achieve a high percentage of successful shots.
Passing is a method of moving the ball between teammates, and is usually accompanied by a step forward to increase power and to allow a player to keep their hands on the ball. A pass must be made in one continuous motion to ensure accuracy, and the ball must not touch the ground or another player while in flight. A pass must be thrown with both arms extended, and players often try to put a backspin on the ball to reduce its bounce off the hoop and add extra distance to their shots.
A team can steal the ball from an opposing player by trapping them with their feet, or blocking them with a pick or screen. Defending players must be strong and ready to absorb a blow, but should not physically contact the opponent or block their path to the hoop, as this is considered a personal foul.
Once a team gains possession of the ball, they are placed on a 24-second shot clock and must make a shot before the time runs out or else lose the ball. The shooter must be completely in the opposition key (the area surrounded by the big squares on the floor) to be eligible to take a shot, and staying in the key for three seconds without shooting is considered a lane violation.
Fouls are a major part of the game and include violations such as illegal contact, an illegal pick or screen, reaching, and technical or flagrant fouls. A flagrant foul is a serious breach of the rules and generally associated with unsportsmanlike behavior, such as pushing an opponent or insulting the referee.