Dr. James A. Naismith created the game of basketball in 1891 in Springfield Massachusetts.
He developed the game so that athletes had a way to stay in shape during the winter months.
The first games of basketball were played with soccer balls and peach baskets and there were no limit to the amount of balls or players in the game. It would not be uncommon to watch a game with up to 50 players and 5 balls.
Naismith developed 13 rules to help regulate the game in 1892. A few of these rules are still govern the game today.
Basketball grew so fast that the first intercollegiate game was played in 1896 and in 1936 became an Olympic Sport.
General Information
The free-throw line is 15 feet away from the basket
The height of the basketball rim is 10 feet
A field goal is worth 2 points
A three point field goal is worth 3 points
A free-throw is worth 1 point.
A maximum of 5 players from each team are allowed on the floor at one time
Terms
Assist- A pass made to a teammate who then scores.
Defense- The team that does not have the ball protects their own basket from being scored on.
Jump ball/ Tip off- A method of putting the ball into play to start the game or the overtime session. The ball is tossed up between two opposing players in the center circle.
Box-out- A term used to designate a player’s position under the backboard that prevents an opposing player from achieving good rebounding position.
Fast Break- Moving the ball quickly down court in order to score before the defense can set up.
Rebound- A term used when the ball bounces off the backboard or basket, and is then secured into possession by a player on the court.
Personal Foul- A player foul that involves contact with an opponent while the ball is alive or after the ball is in the possession of a player for a throw in.
Positions
Point Guard
Shooting Guard
Small Forward
Power Forward
Center
Basic Rules
- A team is permitted 10 seconds to cross the half court line with the ball after gaining possession of the ball on their opponent’s side of half court.
- A team is permitted 5 seconds to inbound a ball to a teammate.
- An offensive player is only permitted a 3 seconds inside the key.
- Double Dribble
Dribbling the ball with both hands at the same time consecutively.
Dribbling the ball then picking the ball up and dribbling it again.
- Over and Back Violation: Once the ball has crossed over the half court line it cannot cross back over unless the opposing team touches the ball first.
- Traveling
A player moving with the basketball without dribbling it.
A player with the basketball jumps and lands with the ball before releasing it.
A player with the basketball moves or switches his/her pivot foot without dribbling.
Court Dimensions
One of the first basketball courts and Dr. James A. Naismith
Correct Shooting Form
Stance: Feet shoulder width apart and toes at target
Swing your arm like a Purse: Get ready to catch
Hold the ball like a Tray: Hold the ball as if it's a tray of food, with your elbow underneath your wrist and your wrist cocked back
Extend out of the Chimney: Put your bicep by your ear
Dip the Hand in the Cookie Jar: Hold your follow through "Cookies"
Hand Dribbling Tips
Wide Spider Finger: Keep your fingers spread and use your finger pads at the tips of your finger to guide the ball
Push the Ball to the Floor: Control the ball by pushing the ball to the floor rather than slapping at the ball
Keep your Head Up: When practicing keep your eyes off the ball and scope the area around you. When playing basketball you will need to see when your teammates are open so that you can pass the ball to them