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BASKETBALL

Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules. Basketball is one of the world's most popular and widely viewed sports. A regulation basketball hoop consists of a rim 18 inches in diameter and 10 feet high mounted to a backboard. A team can score a field goal by shooting the ball through the hoop during regular play. A field goal scores two points for the shooting team if a player is touching or closer to the hoop than the three-point line, and three points (a "3 pointer") if the player is "outside" the three-point line. The team with more points at the end of the game wins, but additional time (overtime) may be issued when the game ends with a tie. The ball can be advanced on the court by bouncing it while walking or running (dribbling) or passing it to a teammate. It is a violation (traveling) to walk with the ball, carry it, or to double dribble (to hold the ball and then resume dribbling). Various violations are generally called "fouls". Disruptive physical contact (a personal foul) is penalized, and a free throw is usually awarded to an offensive player if he is fouled while shooting the ball. A technical foul may also be issued when certain infractions occur, most commonly for unsportsmanlike conduct on the part of a player or coach. A technical foul gives the opposing team a free throw. Basketball has evolved many commonly used techniques of shooting, passing, and dribbling, as well as specialized player positions and offensive and defensive structures (player positioning) and techniques. Typically, the tallest members of a team will play "center", "small forward", or "power forward" positions, while shorter players or those who possess the best ball handling skills and speed play "point guard" or "shooting guard". While competitive basketball is carefully regulated, numerous variations of basketball have developed for casual play. Competitive basketball is primarily an indoor sport played on carefully marked and maintained basketball courts, but less regulated variations are often played outdoors in both inner city and rural areas.

RULES
Original Rules
James Naismith published in 1891, his rules for the game of "Basket Ball" that he invented The original game played under these rules was quite different than the one played today as there was no dribbling, dunking, or three pointers. 1. The ball may be thrown in any direction with one or both hands. 2. The ball may be batted in any direction with one or both hands. 3. A player cannot run with the ball. The player must throw it from the spot on which he catches it, allowance to be made for a man who catches the ball when running at a good speed if he tries to stop.

4. The ball must be held in or between the hands; the arms or body must not be used for holding it. 5. No shouldering, holding, striking, pushing, or tripping in any way of an opponent. The first infringement of this rule by any person shall count as a foul; the second shall disqualify him until the next basket is made or, if there was evident intent to injure the person, for the whole of the game. No substitution shall be allowed. 6. A foul is striking at the ball with the fist, violation of rules three and four and such described in rule five. 7. If either side makes three consecutive fouls, it shall count a goal for the opponents (consecutive means without the opponents in the mean time making a foul). 8. A goal shall be made when the ball is thrown or batted from the grounds into the basket and stays there (without falling), providing those defending the goal do not touch or disturb the goal. If the ball rests on the edges, and the opponent moves the basket, it shall count as a goal. 9. When the ball goes out of bounds, it shall be thrown into the field of play and played by the first person touching it. In case of dispute the umpire shall throw it straight into the field. The thrower-in is allowed five seconds. If he holds it longer, it shall go to the opponent. If any side persists in delaying the game, the umpire shall call a foul on that side. 10. The umpire shall be the judge of the men and shall note the fouls and notify the referee when three consecutive fouls have been made. He shall have power to disqualify people according to Rule 5. 11. The referee shall be judge of the ball and shall decide when the ball is in play, in bounds, to which side it belongs, and shall keep the time. He shall decide when a goal has been made and keep account of the baskets, with any other duties that are usually performed by a scorekeeper. 12. The time shall be two fifteen-minute halves, with five minutes rest between. 13. The side making the most points in that time is declared the winner.

Players, substitutes, teams and teammates


Naismith's original rules did not specify how many players were to be on the court. In 1900, five players became standard, and players that were substituted were not allowed to re-enter the game. Players were allowed to re-enter a game once from 1921, and twice from 1934; such restrictions on substitutions were abolished in 1945 when substitutions became unlimited. Coaching was originally prohibited during the game, but from 1949, coaches were allowed to address players during a time-out. Originally a player was disqualified on his second foul. This limit became four fouls in 1911 and five fouls in 1945, still the case in most forms of basketball where the normal length of the game (before any overtime periods) is 40 minutes. When the normal length is 48 minutes (this is the case with the National Basketball Association in the United States and the National Basketball League in Australia, among others) a player is accordingly disqualified on his sixth foul.

Shoot clock and time limits


The first time restriction on possession of the ball was introduced in 1933, where teams were required to advance the ball over the center line within ten seconds of gaining possession. This rule remained until 2000, when FIBA reduced the requirement to eight seconds, the NBA following suit in 2001. The NCAA retains the 10-second rule for men's play, but has never adopted a time limit for women's play. U.S. high schools, whose rules are drafted by NFHS, also use the 10-second rule for both sexes. In 1936 the three-second rule was introduced. This rule prohibits offensive players from remaining near their opponents' basket for longer than three seconds (the precise restricted area is also known as the lane or the key). A game central to this rule's introduction was that between the University of Kentucky and New York University. Kentucky coach Adolph Rupp did not take one of his referees with him, despite being warned of discrepancies in officiating between the midwest and east by Notre Dame coach George Keogan, and the game became especially rough. Because of this game and others, 6'5" (1.96 m) Kentucky All American center Leroy Edwards is generally recognized as the player responsible for the 3 second rule. While the rule was originally adopted to reduce roughness in the area between big men, it is now considered to prevent tall offensive players from gaining an advantage by waiting close to the basket. When the NBA started to allow zone defense in 2001, a three-second rule for defensive players was also introduced. The shot clock was first introduced by the NBA in 1954, to increase the speed of play. Teams were then required to attempt a shot within 24 seconds of gaining possession, and the shot clock would be reset when the ball touched the basket's rim or the backboard, or the opponents gained possession. FIBA adopted a 30-second shot clock two years later, resetting the clock when a shot was attempted. Women's basketball adopted a 30-second clock in 1971. The NCAA adopted a 45-second shot clock for men while continuing with the 30-second clock for women in 1985. The men's shot clock was then reduced to 35 seconds in 1993. FIBA reduced the shot clock to 24 seconds in 2000, and changed the clock's resetting to when the ball touched the rim of the basket. Originally, a missed shot where the shot clock expired while the ball is in the air constituted a violation. In 2003 the rule was changed so that the ball remains live in this situation, as long as it touched the rim. If the ball touches the rim and slightly bounces over the basketball hoop it will be called as a loose ball.

Fouls, free throws and violations


Dribbling was not part of the original game, but was introduced in 1901. At the time, a player could only bounce the ball once, and could not shoot after he had dribbled. The definition of dribbling became the "continuous passage of the ball" in 1909, allowing more than one bounce, and a player who had dribbled was then allowed to shoot. Running with the ball ceased to be considered a foul in 1922, and became a violation, meaning that the only penalty was loss of possession. Striking the ball with the fist has also become a violation. From 1931, if a closely guarded player withheld the ball from play for five seconds, play was stopped and resumed with a jump ball; such a situation has since

become a violation by the ball-carrier. Goaltending became a violation in 1944, and offensive goaltending in 1958. Free throws were introduced shortly after basketball was invented. In 1895, the free throw line was officially placed fifteen feet (4.6 m) from the backboard, prior to which most gymnasiums placed one twenty feet (6.1 m) from the backboard. From 1924, players that received a foul were required to shoot their own free throws. One free throw shot is awarded to a player who was fouled while making a successful field goal attempt. If the field goal attempt is unsuccessful, two free throw shots are awarded (three if the player was attempting a three-point field goal). If an offensive player is fouled while not in the act of shooting, or if a player is fouled in a loose-ball situation, the penalty varies by level of play and the number of fouls accumulated by the opposing team in a given period.

In NCAA and NFHS play: o If the player's team has 6 or fewer team fouls in the half, the team fouled gets possession of the ball. o If the team has 7 to 9 team fouls, the player fouled goes to the line for what is called "one-and-one" or the "bonus"that is, if the player makes the first free throw, he gets the opportunity to attempt a second, but if he misses, the ball is live. o If the team has 10 or more fouls in the half, the player fouled gets two free throws, often called the "double bonus". o All overtime periods are considered an extension of the second half for purposes of accumulated fouls. Also, NFHS rules accumulate fouls per half, even though games are played in quarters. In the NBA: o If the player's team has 4 or fewer team fouls in the quarter, the team fouled gets possession of the ball. o Starting with the team's fifth foul in the quarter, the player fouled gets two free throws. o Overtime is not considered an extension of any quarter. Instead, the "penalty" of two free throws is triggered on the team's fourth foul in that overtime period (instead of the fifth). o Foul limits are reset in the last two minutes of a quarter or overtime period. If a team has not reached its limit of accumulated fouls, the first team foul in the last two minutes results in possession by the team fouled, and all subsequent fouls result in two free throws. In FIBA play: o If the player's team has 4 or fewer team fouls in the quarter, the team fouled gets possession of the ball. o Starting with the team's fifth foul in the quarter, the player fouled gets two free throws. o During an interval of play, all team members entitled to play are considered as players. o The ball become dead when an official blows his whistle while the ball is live o All overtime periods are considered an extension of the fourth quarter for purposes of accumulated fouls.

A player has 10 seconds to attempt a free throw. If the player does not attempt a free throw within 10 seconds of receiving the ball, the free throw attempt is lost, and a free throw

violation is called. A free throw violation also occurs if a free throw misses the backboard, rim, and basket, and rim. If a free throw violation is assessed in the last free throw awarded to a player in a given situation, possession automatically reverts to the opposing team. A charge is physical contact between an offensive player and a defensive player. In order to draw an offensive charge the defensive player must establish legal guarding positioning in the path of the offensive player. If contact is made, the officials would issue an offensive charge. No points will be allowed and the ball is turned over. The defensive player may not draw an offensive charge in the "restricted zone" (see below for more details).[2] Blocking is physical contact between the offensive player and the defensive player. Blocking fouls are issued when a defensive player interferes with the path of the offensive player in the shooting motion. Blocking fouls are easily called when the defensive player is standing in the "restricted zone".[2] Restricted zone: In 1997, the NBA introduced an arc of a 4-foot (1.22 m) radius around the basket, in which an offensive foul for charging could not be assessed. This was to prevent defensive players from attempting to draw an offensive foul on their opponents by standing underneath the basket. FIBA adopted this arc with a 1.25 m (4 ft 1.2 in) radius in 2010.

Officiating and procedures


Originally, there was one umpire to judge fouls and one referee to judge the ball; the tradition of calling one official the "referee" and the other one or two the "umpires" has remained (the NBA, however, uses different terminology, referring to the lead official as "crew chief" and the others as "referees"). Today, both classes of officials have equal rights to control all aspects of the game. The NBA added a third official in 1988, and FIBA did so afterward, using it for the first time in international competition in 2006. The use of video evidence to inform referee's decisions has always been banned, except in the case of determining whether or not the last shot of a period was attempted before time expired. This exception was introduced by the NBA in 2002 and adopted by FIBA in 2006. The NCAA, however, has permitted instant replay for timing, the value of a field goal (two or three points), shot clock violations, and for purposes of disqualifying players because of unsportsmanlike conduct. The NBA changed its rules starting in 2007 to allow officials the ability to view instant replay with plays involving flagrant fouls, similar to the NCAA. In Italy's Lega A, an American football-style coach's challenge is permitted to challenge (at the next dead ball) an official's call on any situation similar to the NCAA. The center jump ball that was used to restart a game after every successful field goal was eliminated in 1938, in favor of the ball being given to the non-scoring team from behind the end line where the goal was scored, in order to make play more continuous. The jump ball was still used to start the game and every period, and to restart the game after a held ball. However, the NBA stopped using the jump ball to start the second through fourth quarters in 1975, instead using a quarter-possession system where the loser of the jump ball takes the ball from the other end to start the second and third periods, while the winner of that jump ball takes the ball to start the fourth period from the other end of the court. In 1981, the NCAA adopted the alternating possession system for all jump ball situations except the beginning of the game, and in 2003, FIBA adopted a similar rule, except for the

start of the third period and overtime. In 2004, the rule was changed in FIBA that the arrow applies for all situations after the opening tap. In 1976, the NBA introduced a rule to allow teams to advance the ball to the center line following any legal time-out in the final two minutes of the game. FIBA followed suit in 2006.

STEPS Dribbling
Dribbling is bouncing the ball continuously with one hand without ever holding the ball. Dribbling is required in order for a player to take steps while possessing the ball.

Crossover dribble
In a crossover dribble, the ballhandler changes the ball from one hand to the other via a dribble. The crossover is a fundamental dribbling technique in basketball used to keep the ball in the hand furthest from the defender (preventing a steal) while maintaining a desired speed and heading on the court.

Between the legs


This is a commonly-used variation of the crossover in which the ballhandler bounces the ball off of the floor between his legs and catches it with the other hand on the opposite side of his body. It is used as a safer way to cross over while directly facing a defender or to temporarily obscure the ball from the defender's vision while a change in direction or pass is made.

Behind the back


This advanced dribbling technique involves dribbling the ball behind the back either once (as a form of crossover) or continuously. Dribbling once or a few times in this way can be effective in a given situation, but doing so for prolonged periods of time brings dangers of losing the ball or having it stolen and is usually only done for show.

Wraparound
The wraparound is like a behind-the-back except instead of the ball being thrown in a sideways direction and bouncing behind the ballhandler's back, it is swung further around the back and thrown in a forward direction, bouncing on the side or in front of the ballhandler's body. This move is mostly used when a defender lunges toward one side of the ballhandler's body for a steal. The ballhandler would then simply throw the ball around his body and quickly pass his defender.

Rapid dribbling
This distinct type of dribbling can only be performed while the ball is low to the ground and with little bounce. It involves slapping the ball rapidly, either with one hand or alternating between both hands, creating the necessary rhythm of slaps and bounces needed to keep the ball bouncing. Gradually increasing the strength of slaps and broadening the rhythm results in "lifting" the ball up, where a normal dribble may be resumed.

After the dribble


Euro step
The Euro step (sometimes "Eurostep") is a move developed in European basketball in which a player, after picking up his dribble, takes a step in one direction, and then quickly takes a second step in the other direction before attempting a layup. It is an attempt to evade at least one defender before attacking the basket.

Passes
Bounce pass
The bounce pass is a fundamental and very effective passing technique. This pass consists of one player passing the ball to a teammate by bouncing the ball off the floor with great energy. Because the ball will be at ground level as it passes a defender, a successful bounce pass can easily result in a scoring assist because a bounce pass is harder for defenders to intercept. Still, a bounce pass may be intercepted due to its slower speed. Thus, a player must use his best judgment when he decides whether to make such a pass. The move has to be executed perfectly because a bounce pass may be kicked by rapidly-shifting players and might be a difficult catch for the intended receiver.

Chest pass
This pass is performed best by stepping towards your target with one foot, then throwing the ball out towards their chest with two hands while turning the hands over, ending with the thumbs pointing down. It is best used in the open court and on the perimeter.

Overhead pass
An overhead pass is another fundamental passing technique. It is used by snapping the ball over the head, like a soccer throw-in. This pass is especially effective in helping to initiate a fast break. After a defensive rebound, a well-thrown overhead, or outlet, pass can allow a breaking offensive player to quickly score without even dribbling by catching the ball near the basket.

Touch pass
A touch pass is an advanced passing technique in which a prior pass or a loose ball is immediately redirected to another player by tipping or slapping the ball. This is the quickest pass in basketball and is therefore very effective when executed correctly.

Baseball pass
The baseball pass or lance pass is a long pass in which the passer throws the ball with one hand, as if it were a baseball or a football. It is infrequently used, mainly to set up last-second plays off a baseline inbounding situation.

Jump pass
A jump pass is a pass performed while the passing player's feet are off the floor. When done intentionally, usually when a teammate gets open during the shot, it can sometimes confuse the defender, causing him to believe that the passer is shooting instead of passing. At times, however, it is done as a result of the player having their shooting lane blocked and often leads to the player turning the ball over to the opposing team. This kind of pass is risky to execute, and the chances of perfectly passing the ball to an open teammate is considerably low, as it leaves the offensive player very vulnerable to turnovers.

Blind pass
Also known as a no-look pass, the blind pass is performed when a player looks in one direction but passes the ball to his target in another direction. Blind passes are risky and infrequently attempted, but when done correctly, can confuse the defense. The no-look pass has been popularized by players such as Pete Maravich, Isiah Thomas, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Jason Kidd and Steve Nash.

Behind-the-back
Behind-the-back passes are passes dealt to a target behind the passer's back. Usually done to confuse the defender, behind the back passes can either be bounced off the floor or passed directly to a teammate's chest. However, most behind-the-back passes are direct. Earl Monroe was famous for this move. Steve Nash uses this move often, and Chris Webber is famed for using this move down in the paint.

Elbow pass
Introduced with much hype by Jason Williams, the elbow pass is one of the most difficult trick passes to execute. The elbow pass serves as a devastating complement to the behind-theback pass and can be used with various no-look elements. Most effective on a fast-break, the elbow pass entails what appears to the defender to be a simple behind-the-back pass, but as the ball crosses the passer's back, the passer hits it with his elbow, redirecting the ball back toward the side it started on and hopefully leaving the defender(s) amazed and out of position. Williams was able to pull off this pass at a full sprint during a Rookie All-Star game, but most players have trouble hitting the ball with their elbow while standing still.

Two person game


Give and go
"Give and Go" is an offensive play that involves passing the ball (give) and then running (go) to an open spot to receive the ball back, usually near the basket, for an easy score. This play can be effective when the defender pays too much attention to the ball instead of the player who moves after passing the ball. This is also known as a "One-Two" in street ball.

Pick and roll


"Pick and Roll" is an offensive play in which a player stops to screen (block) a defender for the teammate handling the ball and then slips behind the defender to accept a pass as the handler makes a move towards the basket. In the NBA, John Stockton and Karl Malone of the Utah Jazz are the quintessential pick and roll tandem and used this play to great effect in the 1990s. Tony Parker and Tim Duncan of The San Antonio Spurs and Dwight Howard and Hedo Turkoglu of the Orlando Magic are currently among the best pick and roll tandems. From the initial position of the pick and roll maneuver, the player who receives the ball has many different options as to whether he/she passes it, or fakes and then goes for a jump shot.

Backdoor
A backdoor play is when a player without the ball gets behind the defense and receives a pass for an easy score. This can be executed if the defenders are unaware of the open space behind them. Also, when a defender strongly commits on defense (e.g. tries to steal or deny a pass), they are vulnerable to a backdoor play. This play is most notably used by good shooters like Ray Allen of the Boston Celtics or Rip Hamilton of the Detroit Pistons.

Alley-oop
An alley-oop is an offensive play which involves one teammate lofting the ball up near the rim in anticipation of another teammate jumping to catch it and slam it. Because this move requires both teammates to know what the other is thinking, the alley-oop is a rare but exciting play.

Shots
Layups
A layup is a two point attempt made by leaping from below, laying the ball up near the basket, and using one hand to tip the ball over the rim and into the basket (layin) or to bank it off the backboard and into the basket (layup). The motion and one-handed reach distinguish it from a jump shot. The layup is considered the most basic shot in basketball. An undefended layup is usually a high percentage shot. The main obstacle is getting near the rim and avoiding blocks by taller defenders who usually stand near the basket. Common layup strategies are to create space, releasing the ball from different spots or using an

alternate hand. A player tall enough to reach over the rim might choose to perform a more spectacular and higher percentage slam dunk (dropping or throwing the ball from above the rim) instead. To play a safer layup, you can hold it with two hands; that way it is harder to block and you take two steps, that distinguishes it from the jump shot. As the game has evolved through the years, so has the layup. Several different versions of the layup are used today. Layups can be broadly categorized into two types: the underarm and the overarm. The underarm layup involves using most of the wrist and the fingers to 'lay' the ball into the basket or off the board. The underarm layup is more commonly known as the finger roll. A Notable current NBA player who relies heavily on the underarm finger roll is Mike Bibby of Miami. Finger-rolls today have many forms, including the Around the World which involves a complete circle around the player before the layup and a variety of faking in the approach to the rim. A classic example is a play by former Kings point guard Jason Williams during his time with Sacramento, in which Williams brings the ball behind his back with his right hand, in a fake of a back pass, and then brings it front again with the same hand for the finish (reminiscent of Bob Cousy who pioneered the move). The other layup is the overhand shot, similar to a jump shot but from considerably closer range. Overhand layups almost always involved the use of the backboard. Players like Scottie Pippen (formerly of Chicago) and Karl Malone (formerly Utah) have used this move to great effect. Finger roll A finger roll is performed when a player shoots the ball with one hand during a layup and then lifts his fingers, rolling the ball into the basket. The rotation produced provides the ball with a soft touch, and the ball will roll around the rim and then drop into the basket. Former San Antonio Spurs guard "The Iceman" George Gervin was known for having one of the best finger rolls in the game along with Lakers center Wilt Chamberlain. Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen are other notable practitioners, while current NBA star Jason Kidd is renowned for his smooth finger rolls as well.

Tear drop The tear drop, also called a runner or a floater, is usually performed by undersized players (mainly point guards). A player usually starts the layup procedure a good distance away from the basket. The ball is generally released earlier and in a higher arc than the normal layup. The ball should be away before the taller defender has the chance to block it. The purpose of this shooting move is to make the defender miss blocking the ball as the ball is released from the hand one moment sooner than expected. It is so-named because the ball drops down from the high point of the arc like a falling tear drop. Gary Payton of the Seattle SuperSonics and John Stockton of the Utah Jazz during their primes, the former in the mid-to-late 90s and the latter in the early-to-mid 90s were considered to have the best tear drops in the game. Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs frequently uses the tear drop with great success. Antawn

Jamison of the Cleveland Cavaliers has one of the most highly effective tear drop shots in the league despite being a power forward. Ben Gordon of the Detroit Pistons, Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets, Rajon Rondo of the Boston Celtics, J.J. Barea from the Dallas Mavericks, and Derrick Rose from the Chicago Bulls are currently known for the tear drop move. Power stop/drive Power drive is a continuous shooting move in which a player stops dribbling and makes a huge leap forward, while securing the ball in both hands from the dribbling hand, then making a layup. The move is generally used as a layup because the huge movement coming from the leap provides the momentum for the player to jump forward for a layup. The move is a great way to squeeze the player under the basket for a fast layup. Double clutch A double clutch is a move associate with a layup or a dunk, it is a change of ball position in mid-air (similar to the "up and under" move, but perform while the player is in the air). It is effectively used by many players especially those who are more athletic.

Bank shot
A bank shot in basketball is a shot that relies on the ball bouncing off the backboard and into the basket. It is frequently used for mid-range jump shots from around a 45 angle and layups. It is not commonly used for long-range shots or shots from the middle or near the baseline. The purpose of using the backboard is to try to hit the backboard at an angle, thus slowing the speed of the ball and increasing its chances of falling into the hoop. The NC State University researchers found that bank shots may be 20 percent more effective up to a distance of about 12 feet than direct shots.[1] Another term for a bank shot is "off the glass." NBA players known for using the bank shot often are Sam Jones, George Gervin, Tim Duncan, Dwyane Wade, Scottie Pippen, and Kobe Bryant.

Putback and tip-in


A putback describes a situation where a player secures an offensive rebound then immediately scores a basket. If the player secures the rebound while in the air, to be considered a putback the player can land on the ground before shooting, but cannot dribble before taking the shot. If the player does not secure the rebound but instead taps the ball into the basket, it is considered a tip-in. There is a point where a putback and a tip-in are a matter of subjective difference (e.g., a one-handed rebound in the air followed by a score before touching the ground). A putback jam is a spectacular alternative to the tip-in where the ball is slam-dunked off the rebound in the same motion. Josh Smith and Kenyon Martin are the perfectors of the putback jam. It is also a primary source of scoring for All-Star Center Dwight Howard, who led the NBA in dunks in the 2008-2009, 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 season.

Triple threat position and related moves


Triple threat is the position when a player facing a defender receives a pass but has not dribbled yet. The offensive player's feet are slightly wider than shoulder width and slightly on the balls of his feet, his knees flexed, with both hands on the basketball in front of him or almost resting on his thigh, presenting the defender with an opponent able to move in any direction. One foot is held as the pivot and the other slightly ahead. From this, the player can choose from three options: to jump-shoot, to dribble (drive) past the defender or to pass it to a teammate. There are also options to get the defender out of his defensive stance by using jab steps and pump fakes.

Jab step
Jab step also known as side step is performed when a player holds onto the ball before dribbling while his non-pivot leg performs a routine jabbing. This move is used to test defender's defensive weaknesses and stance. A combination of the pump fake, the drive, the shot and the crossover drive can be performed along with the jab step to lure the opponent out of his defense. New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony is well-known for taking the jab step, as was 13-year pro Kiki Vandeweghe. When he does this, the defender falls off from his defensive stance, creating a space between him and the defender, allowing him to take a quick mid-range jumper, a three-pointer, or a drive "to the lane."

Pump fake
A pump fake is a feigned attempt at a jump shot, restrained before the feet leave the ground. The pump fake is a fundamental move in basketball, used to cause defenders to jump (known in basketball slang as "lifting" the defender), or be shifted off-balance. Its main applications are in the low post area, where a player is much more likely to have his or her shot blocked. On the perimeter, it is useful in creating open lanes to the basket by "showing" the ball enough to entice a defender to attempt to block or steal it, allowing the dribbler to penetrate easily.

Drawing contact
An offensive move intended to produce a foul call on the defensive player. A typical strategy is to drive into a defensive player whose feet are not stationary. When the two players make bodily contact, a blocking foul can be called on the defensive player. If the defensive player has a set position (i.e., both feet are stationary and arms are not in a downward motion) the contact can result in a charging foul against the offensive player (this is known as taking the charge for the fouled defensive player). Another way of drawing contact is to pump fake and then jump towards the defender making contact and then shoot. This gets you to the foul line or if you make the basket (often made in paint) you get the basket and 1 foul shot.

Post up, related moves and shots


To "post up" is to establish a position in the low post, the area near the basket below the foul line, usually in order to take advantage of a smaller defender. The offensive player usually faces away from the basket, so that his body can protect the ball from the defender. From this position, options such as spinning or backing down the defender to close in to the basket for better scoring opportunities become available to him.

Up and under
The up and under is a move consisting of two parts, a shot fake (the up) and a step-through (the under). First the player with the ball fakes a shot by thrusting the ball above his head as if to take a shot, then when the defender jumps in an attempt to block the shot, the offensive player steps by him and attempts a clear, unguarded shot. Generally used by post players, Kevin McHale was considered a master of this move.

Mason Rocca making a hook shot for Eldo Napoli, 2006

Hook shot
The hook shot is one of the most effective inside moves, but it is also quite difficult to execute. A hook shot begins when the player puts his body between the ball and the opponent. He then releases the ball towards the basket with his outside hand in a "hook" motion. The hook shot and variations such as the jump-hook and skyhook are effective because they are very difficult for the defender to block, although it is harder to hit the shot with precision. The advantage hook shot offers is the space between the offensive player and his defender. This extra space can reduce or eliminate the advantages enjoyed by a taller defender. The hook shot is most often used by post players because it is difficult to make the shot from a distance. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar became the NBA's all time leading scorer by using his almost indefensible skyhook.

Turnaround jump shot


When a player posts up, in order to shoot he has to turn around to face the basket. This can be done by turning in the air, timing the jump shot when the defender is not likely to jump and challenge the shot. Though a fade-away version of this move was perfected by Larry Bird,

players such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Hakeem Olajuwon, Kevin Garnett and Dirk Nowitzki are also well known for it.

Fadeaway
A fadeaway shot is a variation on a set jump shot in which the shooter attempts his shot leaning backward, creating the effect of "fading away" from his defender. This makes it more difficult for the defender to contest the shot. The fadeaway usually has less range than a regular jump shot, because the ball has backwards momentum due to its inertia, making it somewhat tougher to project the ball over long distances. Michael Jordan, Reggie Miller, Dirk Nowitzki, Karl Malone, Steve Nash, Amar Stoudemire and Kobe Bryant are famous for their use of the fadeaway. Wilt Chamberlain was criticized for his frequent use of the fadeaway jumper, since the follow-through usually carries the shooter away from the basket and out of rebounding position.

Drop step
Also called a "reverse pivot," the drop step is a move in which the player posting up takes a back step on the side of a defender behind him and spins to that side to gain leverage. Shaquille O'Neal used his large frame and powerful body to use the drop step to great effect.

EQUIPMENT
Basketball is a game played with two teams. Five players of each team are on the court at any given time of the play. It is played in 4 Quarters of 10 or 12 minutes. The idea is to take the ball and throw it into the basket of the opposing team. Briefly, basketball does not require much in the way of equipment, especially for a player. The court is indoors, and all a player need purchase is his dress (which comprises of a loose, sleeveless vest and loose shorts) and the ball. Here is a little bit of trivia about Basketball Equipment: When the game was invented, the game was played with a soccer ball. It was in the late 1950s when Tony Hinkle introduced the orange colored ball which is used in the game today. The ball was chosen to be orange so that it would be easily visible to the players. Also, when the game of basketball was invented, the baskets were made of peach baskets. These baskets had their bottoms. So when the ball was put into the basket, it took some amount of effort to remove the ball from the basket so as to play the game further. So a hole was drilled into the bottom of the basket and a stick began to be used to push the ball out of the peach basket. Soon enough, the bottom of the basket began to be removed altogether and later on it developed into the kind of the basket we see today in basketball games. The equipment needed for playing basketball, thus, has gone through a lot of change through its history. Here is a list of Basketball Equipment that you will need in order to play a game of Basketball today:

Basketball Courts: This is the place where the game of basketball is actually played. A standard basketball court is a rectangular surface of the size 28 Meters by 15 Meters (or 92 Feet by 49 Feet) which has baskets at opposite ends. Most of the basketball courts are made of wood. The top of the rim of the basket is exactly 3.05 Meters (or 10 Feet) above the surface of the court and 1.2 Meters (4 Feet) inside the baseline. Basketball Ball: The ball is made out of 8 panels of leather, or rubber or any other synthetic material. The circumference is between 75 to 78 Centimeters (29.5 to 30.25 Inches) and its weight should be between 600 Grams to 650 Grams (20 Oz. to 22 Oz.). The ball should be so inflated that when it is dropped from a height of 1.8 Meters (6 Feet) it should rebound and rise to a height of 1.2 to 1.4 Meters (4 Feet to 4 Feet 7 Inches) which is measured to the top of the ball. Dress - Basketball Jerseys, Shoes, Shirts and Shorts: The dress consists of shorts, shirts, shoes and socks. Each team will have their own uniforms and basketball jerseys. The clothing should be loose and comfortable. The vests should ideally be sleeveless and the shorts should be loose fitting. Other Equipment: Competitive Basketball games will also include equipment such as clocks, score sheets, scoreboards, and whistle-operated stop watches.

So go ahead and begin your training for basketball armed with all this equipment.

TERMINOLOGY
SCORING:

2 point field goal- a shot made from anywhere during play inside the 3 pt arc. 3 point field goal- a shot made from anywhere outside the 3 pt arc. Free throw- 1 point is awarded to an unguarded shot taken from behind the free throw line while the clock is stopped.

SKILLS:

Boxing out- a players position between an opposing player and the basket to obtain a better rebounding position. Dribbling- bouncing the ball with 1 hand using your fingertips instead of your palm so that it rebounds back to yourself (the only legal way to move with the ball) Passing- moving the ball by throwing, bouncing, handing, or rolling it to another player (Chest, Bounce, Lob) Shooting- throwing the ball to make a basket Pivoting- stepping once or more in any direction with the same foot while holding the other foot at its initial point. Rebounding- The recovering of a shot that bounces off the backboard or the rim.

FOULS: results in one or more free throws awarded to the opposing team

Blocking- impeding the progress of an opponent by extending one or both arms horizontally or getting in the path of a moving player.

Charging- running into a stationary player while you are moving with the ball. Hacking- the player hits the arm or hand of the person holding the ball. Holding- the player holds the person with or without the ball.

VIOLATIONS: results in a change of possession with the team in bounding the ball at the side line opposite where the infringement took place

Traveling- moving illegally with the ball Three seconds- an offensive player remains in the key (free throw lane- the area under the basket) for more than 3 seconds Double dribble- a player dribbles the ball with both hands at the same time or they stop and then start dribbling again

TERMS:

Air ball- a shot that completely misses the rim and the backboard Assist- a pass to a teammate who then scores a field goal. Defense- team trying to stop the other team from scoring Dunk- to throw the ball down into the basket with the hand above the level of the rim Fast break- dribbling or passing the ball towards your basket before the defense can set up Man-to-man- a defensive strategy where everyone guards an assigned player Offense- team trying to score Turn over- any loss of the ball without a shot being taken Zone defense- a defensive strategy where everyone guards an area instead of a player (2-1-2, 2-3)

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