Basketball is a team sport in which players score points by shooting a ball through a basket mounted on the end of a large, rectangular floor called a court. The game can be played with as few as two people, but in official games and at higher levels of competition, teams consist of nine players. In addition to being a fun and social activity, basketball is also a great workout. There are plenty of ways to practice, including using a backyard hoop or even a park bench, and if you want to be more serious about playing, try joining a local team or finding a league.
There are many different types of shots in basketball, from slam dunks and layups to jumpers and free throws. The first step in improving a player’s shooting is working on the mechanics of the shot. This involves extending the shooting arm, or the “hook” hand, straight up from the hips and resting it on top of the ball. It is important to keep the ball in this position for a moment after the release, known as the follow-through. This helps to put backspin on the ball and increase the odds that it will go in when it hits the rim or the backboard.
Another key aspect of the game is passing, which allows a team to move the ball without the need for dribbling. Players should pass the ball in a way that makes it easy for a teammate to handle, and a good ball handler is able to use both hands equally well.
Defensively, players should learn how to set clean picks or screens. A pick is when a player blocks a defensive player with their body to give their teammate a clear lane to the basket. This technique requires a lot of communication between teammates and is best used when the player who sets the screen is moving. Otherwise, the defender can simply drive into the pick and foul the offensive player.
Other defensive skills include the ability to quickly shuffle steps and close off a dribbler’s access to the basket. It is also important to understand the rules of the game, which includes personal and technical/flagrant fouls.
A person can be rewarded with extra points in basketball when they score a basket after a foul is called against their opponent. This is known as an “and one” and the extra points are awarded in addition to any regular three or four point baskets. In some states and at higher levels of competition, there are also shot clock restrictions requiring a player to shoot the ball within a specific time frame or forfeit possession of the ball to the other team. The rules of basketball can be complicated, so it’s a good idea to brush up on the official NBA rules and ask other players for tips before getting started.