Basketball is a team sport in which players try to score points by shooting a ball through an opposing team’s basket. The game also involves defending the basket and grabbing rebounds. The game has a set of rules that all players must follow. It is important to learn about the rules of basketball before playing, as they will help players avoid mistakes that could lead to penalties or forfeiting the game.
When dribbling, it is important to bounce the ball continuously with each hand. This will keep the ball in front of you and allow you to maneuver it through crowded areas of the court. It is also important to use the correct hand for each movement. For example, if you are dribbling towards the right side of the basket, you should bounce the ball on your right hand and move your left leg forward to stay in front of the ball.
It is also important to practice moving without the ball, which will help you be more versatile on the court. You can do this by doing simple exercises like jogging sideways while pushing off of the wall or by doing drills like dribbling in tight chairs or on one foot. This will make you a better runner and help you pass the ball more effectively.
Another important part of the game is catching rebounds and blocking shots. To block a shot, you must get in between the player and the hoop. If you are guarding a player who is dribbling, it is important to stick your hands out and push them toward the sidelines so they can’t get to the basket. You can also use your body to trap the dribbler by standing in the lane they are attempting to shoot in and pushing them toward the sideline with your lead foot.
Once your players have mastered the basics of passing and dribbling, they can begin to learn more advanced skills. For example, you can teach your players to shoot lay ups using both their left and right hands. It is also important to encourage your players to jump off the proper foot when shooting a lay up. This will help them to create more power in their shot and improve the odds that it will go in.
Once a team gets the ball in its own half or “backcourt”, it has 24 seconds to move the ball into the opponent’s “frontcourt” before possession is lost. If a player is closely guarded when they attempt to advance the ball, a foul may be called. A field goal scored from outside the arc in the opposition’s half is worth three points, while a free throw is worth one point. There are some different formats for awarding free throws, based on the number of fouls committed and/or the type of foul committed.