History of Basketball

The history of basketball began with its invention in 1891 in Springfield,

Massachusetts by Canadian physical education instructor James Naismith as a less
injury-prone sport than football. The game became established fairly quickly, very
popular as the 20th century progressed, first in America and then throughout the
world. After basketball became established in American colleges, the professional
game followed; the American National Basketball Association (NBA), established
in 1949, grew to a multi-billion dollar enterprise by the end of the century, and
basketball became an integral part of American culture.

Fundamental Skills of Basketball:

Dribbling
Dribbling is an important skill for all basketball players. This skill will allow you
to move up and down the court, maneuver past defenders and execute plays. Proper
dribbling requires ball-handling skills and knowledge of how to spread your
fingers for ball control. It is also best if you know how to dribble equally well with
both hands.
Shooting
In order to score points in basketball, you need to shoot the ball into the hoop. This
requires the ability to properly hold and throw the ball into the air toward the
basket while avoiding defenders. A proper shot requires precise aiming, arm
extension and lift from the legs. There are different types of shots you need to
learn, including jump shots, layups and free throws.

Running

Running is a big part of basketball. In a full-court game, you will find yourself
running back and forth as the game quickly transitions between offense and
defense. When you have the ball, running will help you to avoid defenders and get
to the basket quicker. On defense, you often will find yourself needing to run after
the opponent, especially during fast breaks.

Passing
Passing is another skill that when mastered can help you become a complete
basketball player. Basketball is a team sport that involves finding a teammate who
is open for a shot. The ability to pass the ball to this player can make the difference
between scoring and not scoring. Really great passers are an important part of a
basketball team and usually the ones who set up scoring plays.

Jumping

Jumping is another skill that can define how good a basketball player is. Jumping
is involved in offense during the jump ball in the beginning, while taking shots and
sometimes while trying to catch a pass. On defensive you will need the ability to
jump when trying to block a shot or a pass. Being able to out jump your opponent
for a rebound also is important.

Fundamental Stunts of Basketball:

Jump Shot

The jumper is used most frequently for mid- to long-range shots, including three-
point attempts, although you can use it from short range to gain separation from a
defender. Jump straight up and use the basic shooting form. Release the ball at the
peak of your jump.

Set Shot/Free Throws

The two-handed set shot was once the common way to shoot from the perimeter.
Today its typically only used by young players who lack the strength to shoot with
one hand. A free throw, however, is basically a type of set shot, although its almost
always performed with one hand. Use the standard shooting form, but dont jump.

Layup

Youll typically shoot layups from very close range after dribbling to the basket, or
taking a pass near the hoop. Typical layup form involves grasping the ball with two
hands, raising it in front of your face and banking it off the backboard, which all
occurs while youre in motion. A putback of a missed shot is also technically a
layup. If you can jump well enough you may also raise the ball as high as possible
and flip it straight through the rim.

Post Shots

Centers and power forwards who typically operate near the basket often use short
shots. A turn-around jumper begins with your back to the basket. You then jump
away from the hoop while leaning back and simultaneously pivoting about 180
degrees to face the basket before you shoot. For a hook shot, stride into the lane
with your back to the hoop while keeping your torso between the basket and the
ball. Turn your non-shooting shoulder toward the hoop, jump, raise the ball straight
up and flip your wrist to take the shot.

Dunk

The dunk, basketballs most spectacular shot, relies more on jumping ability than
shooting skill. If you can jump high enough, and hands large enough to control the
ball, leap, lift the ball above the rim and push or throw it through the net.

High Bounce

The high dribble is used when you are trying to move the ball up the court very
quickly. Typically, you will see high dribbles after steals and during fast-break
opportunities. To execute a high dribble, keep you torso erect and push the top of
the ball forward, well ahead of your body. The bounce of the ball should reach
anywhere from between your upper thigh to slightly above your waist.

Change of Pace

A change of pace dribble is used to cause your defender to lose his balance as you
move the ball forward with a high dribble. The change of pace occurs when you
slow your momentum moving the ball forward and relax your torso. The defender,
thinking you are slowing down, goes back on his heels. You rapidly accelerate past
him.

Crossover
If your defender is making a strong attempt to prevent you from going right or left,
using a crossover dribble can be effective. For example, if your defender is trying
to prevent you from going to your right, you would perform a crossover dribble to
your left. To do so, flick the ball across your body from your right hand to your left
hand, while simultaneously moving your right foot across your body to your left. It
is important to keep your body low; your dribble should be no higher than your
knees. Accelerate past your defender by pushing off with your left foot.

Between the Legs

The between the legs dribble is used to go past a defender who is overplaying you.
If you are going left, begin with rapid low dribbles with your right hand. Take a
deep step forward with your left foot and flick the ball through your legs to your
left hand. Keep your body low as you move forward to your left.

Behind the Back

If you want to change directions while keeping a good view of the entire court, a
behind the back dribble can be effective. If you want to move to your left, begin
dribbling with your right hand. To execute this dribble you need to place your hand
on the side of the ball. Step forward with your left foot while simultaneously
wrapping the ball behind your back, across the back of your thighs, and flick the
ball toward your left hand. Be sure to plant your right foot before stepping forward
with your left foot.

Rules of the Game:

In January 15, 1892, James Naismith published his rules for the game of "Basket
Ball" that he invented:[1] The original game played under these rules was quite
different from the one played today as there was no dribbling, dunking, three-
pointers, orshot clock, and goal tending was legal.

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.

Mechanics of the Game:

Regulation Length and Shot Clock

In the National Basketball Association (NBA), regulation lasts for four 12-minute
quarters. In high school basketball, each quarter lasts for eight minutes, and in
college basketball, teams play for two 20-minute halves. If the score is tied at the
end of regulation, continuous overtime periods are played until a winner can be
determined. NBA and college basketball use five-minute overtime periods, while
overtime lasts for four minutes in high school basketball. Lastly, there is no shot
clock in high school. In the NBA, teams are given 24 seconds to shoot, and in
college basketball, they are given 35 seconds.

Court Dimensions

Overall, the court is 94 feet long and 50 feet wide. The NBA three-point line is 23
feet, 9 inches away at the top of the key and 22 feet away at the corners. In men's
college basketball, this line moves in to 20 feet, 9 inches away all the way around.
In women's college basketball and in high school basketball, this line is 19 feet, 9
inches away. And at all levels, the free-throw line is 15 feet away from the basket.

Fouls

Personal fouls occur when defenders make illegal contact with their opponents. If
an opponent is in the act of shooting, free-throws are awarded. In high school and
college, five personal fouls warrant an ejection, while professionals may commit
six fouls before being disqualified. Technical fouls generally occur when a player
behaves with unsportsmanlike conduct. In the NBA and college, the opposing team
is awarded one free throw and possession of the ball. If a player draws two
technical fouls, they will be ejected. Finally, two types of flagrant fouls exist. Type
1 is for either exceptional or excessive contact. Type 2 is when the contact is both
exceptional and excessive. In both cases, the opposition receives two free throws
and possession afterward. Disqualification occurs after two type-1 fouls or one
type-2 foul in the NBA .
Scoring

Each basket made in front of the three-point line is awarded two points. Baskets
from behind this line are awarded three points. You also receive one point for each
made free-throw -- taken without interference from the free-throw line. If you are
fouled in the act of shooting from the two-point range, you will receive two free-
throws. If you were fouled when shooting beyond the three-point line, you will
receive three free-throws. If you make the basket while being fouled
simultaneously, that basket will count and you will receive one free-throw.

Dribbling Mechanics

The proper mechanics for dribbling a basketball require that you keep the ball low
and close to your body in order to make it as difficult as possible for the defender
to steal the ball. Spread your fingers out wide and attempt to dribble with just your
fingertips for greater control. Once you pick up your dribble, you are allowed two
steps and are not allowed to dribble again. Taking more than two steps will result
in a traveling violation, while dribbling again will result in a double dribble. The
consequence of each offense is that the opposing team will be awarded possession.

Shooting Mechanics

To properly shoot a basketball, have your feet shoulder-width apart and pointing
directly toward the basket. Your shoulders should be squared to the basket as well.
Your lead foot should be just in front of the other and in line with the basket. The
elbow of your lead hand should be in line with this foot as you raise the ball to
shoot. This will help assure that the ball will follow the direction of your foot and
elbow, which should both be directly in line with the basket. Place your weak hand
on the side of the ball during your shooting motion for greater stability prior to
your release.

Violations:
The following fouls can result in a change of possession or the shooting of free
throws:
Technical Foul (or "Tech")

A penalty for a violation of conduct, such as abusive language or fighting. Each

technical foul awards a free throw to the opposing team. Two technical fouls in one
game mean an automatic ejection for the offending player or coach.

Offensive Foul

Called when the player with the ball charges into a defender who is in a stationary,
defensive position.

Defensive Foul
Called after any unnecessary or illegal contact either on the ball or away from the
ball.

Violations

The following violations result in a change of possession:

24-Second Violation

NBA teams must attempt a shot within 24 seconds.

Three in the Key

An offensive or defensive player cannot remain in the lane (key) for more than
three seconds at a time.

Double Dribble

A violation in which a player dribbles the ball, stops, then begins to dribble again.

Charging

A violation in which an offensive player runs into a stationary opponent.

Travelling

A violation in which a player takes too many steps without dribbling the
basketball.
Eight-Second Violation

After a basket, the offensive team has eight seconds to get the ball over midcourt.

Palming

A violation in which a player moves his hand under the ball and scoops it while
dribbling.

Goaltending

When a defensive player interferes illegally with a shot on the rim or on a

downward path to the hoop; the shot is assumed in and the offensive team receives
the basket.

Equipment used in Basketball:

Floor

The playing surface is made of either wood or maple and it has to be flat and
rectangular in shape

Ball

Ball is the most visible equipment in the game of basketball. There are different
types of basketball used in different leagues. Usually it is made of leather, rubber
or any synthetic material but it has to be inflated properly.

Basket/Hoop

Basket consists of a round shaped metal rim with the covering of net around it.
Baskets are mounted at a certain height (10 feet above the floor).

Backboard

Backboard is a rectangular board on which the basket is attached.

Scoreboard

Scoreboard displays the time left in the period and running scores of the both team.
A scoreboard can be either digital or manual.

Officials Equipment

Uniform of Officials

Officials wear a uniform prescribed by their respective governing body. Usually,

officials are dressed in white and black stripped shirts, black pants and black shoes.
NBA officials wear gray shirts, black pants and black shoes.

Whistle

Basketball referee carries a whistle which he blows every time he needs to stop a
play.

Score book

Score book is used by the scorekeeper who writes down scores and stats on it.
Score book is something where you find summary of the whole game, names of the
players, their positions and jersey numbers, details of each quarter and half etc.

Shot Clock and Game Clock

Shot clock and game clock are operated by timekeepers. Game clock records the
overall time of the game while shot clock counts down the 24 second shot clock.

Players Uniform

Uniform consists of jersey (preferably sleeveless), short and shoes. All the teams
wears their own specific uniform. In NBA, all players wear a uniform prepared by
leagues sponsored sportswear company. They are not allowed to wear shorts
which are too long. In NBA, players can be fined if their uniform does not comply
with the rules of the league.

Protective Gears and Accessories

Include goggles, face masks, mouth guards, knee pads or brace, headbands, arm
sleeves, wristbands etc. Not all players wear necessarily all these things. They use
them only when they required them.