Basketball is a sport that involves shooting and passing the ball between two teams of five players on a court. The objective is to score points by getting the ball into the opponent’s basket (called the hoop) as many times as possible within a given time limit, abiding by a fixed set of rules.
In the game, the teams are called “offense” and “defense.” The defense tries to deflect passes, steal the ball, and collect rebounds. A rebound is a missed shot that bounces back into the basket.
Each team consists of five players, one in center court, one at either end of the court, and three on each side. The tallest player is usually the center; the second-tallest, strongest and most athletic is the power forward; a slightly shorter but more agile player is the small forward; and the best ball handlers are the point guard and shooting guard.
The game is divided into halves, with each quarter lasting eight minutes. If the score is tied at the end of a quarter, the game continues until a winner is determined.
There are many variations of the game, and some involve less activity and are played in informal settings. Some of these include the half-court game, where only one basket is used and the ball must be “taken back” or “cleared” by dribbling or passing outside of the three-point line each time possession changes from one team to another.
A basketball is a large, round ball with a rubber bladder and a soft-rubber surface. In early years, the ball was made of leather stitched together with a cloth lining. Later, synthetic composite materials were developed to replace the leather.
It is a contact sport that requires a high level of skill and technique. A good player can dribble without looking at the ball, use peripheral vision to track its location, and avoid being distracted by other players.
Most players have a goal of becoming better players, but too often they focus on playing the game instead of improving their skills. This is a mistake, as dribbling and shooting are just two of the many skills required to play basketball well.
Developing these skills can make you a more effective and versatile player, as you can use them to your advantage on both offense and defense. Some skills that you can practice to become a better player are:
How to dribble the basketball properly
In basketball, you should always dribble the ball with both feet. You should also dribble low to the ground and use both hands when you are dribbling. You should never lift your pivot foot or carry the ball while dribbling.
How to shoot the basketball correctly
To shoot the basketball, you should rest the ball on the fingertips of your dominant hand, slightly above the head. You should also extend your shooting arm as far as you can. Then, you should release the ball with your elbow extended and the wrist bent. The ball should then travel down the court and hit the rim.