Rules of Basketball

Ever since the invention of the game Basketball in 1891, it has developed to become a truly international sport. It is among the few professional sports in which the women's has grown in tandem with the men's. Originally a sport of the American origin it has grown to tremendous heights internationally. Teams from all around the globe have emerged with some quality outstanding players, all trying to prove their worth and make their nation noticed and proud.

Basketball is played between two teams each consisting of five players, each team trying to outscore the other by throwing the ball through the opponents' basket from above. The basic rule is to score more points than the opponents while preventing the opponent to do so.

The ball-handler cannot move both feet without dribbling, known as traveling and a player's hand must remain on top of the ball while dribbling; failure to do so is known as carrying the ball. A violation of these rules results in loss of possession or, if committed by the defense, a reset of the shot clock. Players who are fouled either receive the ball to pass inbounds again, or receive one or more free throws. The National basketball Association(NBA ) was formed in 1946 organizing the top professional teams and leading to greater popularity of the this game.

A successful throw through the opponents basket is worth two points; or three points if it is taken from beyond the three-point arc which is 6.25 meters (20 ft 6 in) from the basket in international games and 23 ft 9 in (7.24 m) in NBA games. Each team can have up to seven substitutions but can only be made when the play is stopped.

The game is played in four quarters of 10 minutes(International) or 12 minutes(NBA) and fifteen minutes are allowed for a half-time break and two minutes for the other breaks. The game sometimes progresses into overtime periods that are generally for five minutes. In the second half, the two teams exchange baskets/courts . The time allowed is the actual playing time so the clock is stopped when the play is not active which is why the games take longer than the alloted period(generally 2 hours).

It is enjoyed extremely by the spectators since they get to watch more of their favorite teams playing. The players uniform includes a pair of jersey(with an unique number printed in the front and back) and shorts. The game is controlled by officials consisting of the referee, one or two umpires and the table officials and has a limited number of time-outs.

Generally the players try to maintain discipline and etiquette during play but sometimes players do get involved in heated arguments with the rivals. Though against the rules of the games, it makes the spectators go crazy with excitement and brings new spirit into the game. The ball must stay within the court; the last team to touch the ball before it travels out of bounds forfeits possession.

Basketball as a global sport has come a long way and has kept on achieving greater levels for its players as well as for its spectators. The quality players have made a strong impact on its fans and have inspired quite a few millions. It is one of the coolest game and is enjoyed by all age groups.You can check our some free basketball day cards from 123greetings.com

Basketball Offense: 10 Bad Habits To Avoid!

In order for basketball players to be successful on the offensive end of the court they must develop good habits. At the same time, they should avoid or eliminate bad habits. As simple as this sounds, players have a tendency to continually repeat their bad habits on the basketball court.

Bad habits are developed the same way good habits are - through repetition. The key then, for coaches, players, and even parents, is to practice the good habits and eliminate the bad habits. This occurs during in-season and out-of-season practices and work-outs.

By avoiding the ten bad habits listed below, players and teams will be much more successful on the offensive end of the court.

1. Focusing too much on the one-on-one aspect of offense, rather than the team aspect. Players that are more concerned with their individual game hurt the overall success of their team.

2. Standing around and watching the action, rather than being a part of the action. Players should not be spectators of the game. They must always be involved and moving, even when they don't have the basketball.

3. Looking to shoot before looking to pass. Players must always be aware of their teammates and the defensive players on the court. If a teammate is open and has a better scoring opportunity, then the pass must be made to them.

4. Looking for only one option on a set play. This makes the defenders' job much easier. Players must always look for various scoring options on their set plays. If the first option that opens up leads to a good scoring opportunity, then the pass should be made. Otherwise, the players should look for other options.

5. Telegraphing their pass to a teammate. These passes are easier for the defensive players to read and possibly steal. Players should use eye, head and ball fakes before passing the basketball.

6. Committing a cheap and foolish foul after making a mistake. Everyone makes mistakes in basketball. When it happens on the offensive end of the court, players should hustle back and play good, strong defense to make up for it. They should avoid committing fouls out of frustration.

7. Using fakes and moves that their teammates are not ready for or familiar with. Players must play within themselves on the court. New moves and fakes can be worked on during practice - not the game.

8. Being unaware of how much time is left on the game clock or shot clock. Players must always know how much time is left on the shot clock during each possession. They must also be aware of how much time remains at the end of each quarter, the half, and the game. This is every player’s responsibility, not just the point guard's and coach's.

9. Losing their concentration during an offensive possession. Players MUST ALWAYS stay focused and concentrate when their team has the basketball. They should know what their responsibility is at all times and also follow the action of their teammates.

10. Not playing at game speed. Players should always cut and move at game speed - which is also how they should practice their offensive plays. Failing to do this disrupts the timing of their teammates and the overall flow of the offense.

Looking for more basketball offensive tips and advice? Visit us!

Joe runs http://www.ultimate-youth-basketball-guide.com, a site dedicated to offering players, parents and coaches the best information, reviews and advice about the game of basketball.

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