1.

Introduction

Basketball is a dynamic team game that requires a combination of

speed, skill, endurance, agility, strength, strategy, and teamwork. It is
played on a rectangular court by two teams of 5 players each, with the
objective of scoring points by shooting the ball into the opponent’s
basket (10 feet high). Each basket scored contributes to the total points
of the team.

It is considered one of the most popular indoor and outdoor games

across the world and is played at school, college, national, and
international levels. The NBA (National Basketball Association) in the
USA has made the sport globally famous.

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2. History of Basketball

Inventor: Dr. James Naismith, a Canadian physical education instructor.

Year: December 1891.

Place: Springfield College, Massachusetts, USA.

Purpose: He wanted to create a game that could be played indoors

during harsh winters to keep students physically active.

First Game: Played with a soccer ball and two peach baskets nailed to
balconies as goals. Players threw the ball into the basket and climbed up
to retrieve it.

Development:

1893 – First women’s game played.

1896 – First professional basketball game.

1932 – FIBA (Fédération Internationale de Basketball Association) was
formed to govern basketball worldwide.

1936 – Basketball was included in the Olympics (Berlin Games).

1949 – Formation of the NBA (USA), the most popular league.

Today, basketball is played in over 200 countries, including India, under

FIBA rules.

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3. Objectives of the Game

1. To score more points than the opponent within the given time.

2. To shoot the ball into the opponent’s basket and prevent the opponent
from doing so.

3. To demonstrate fair play, discipline, sportsmanship, and teamwork.

4. To develop physical fitness, coordination, and quick decision-making.

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4. Duration of Game
According to FIBA rules:

4 quarters of 10 minutes each.

Interval: 2 minutes after 1st and 3rd quarters.

Half-time break: 15 minutes after 2nd quarter.

Overtime (if tied): 5 minutes until a winner is decided.

According to NBA rules:

4 quarters of 12 minutes each.

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5. Team Composition

Each team has:

12 players total (5 on court + 7 substitutes).

1 coach + 1 assistant coach + support staff.

On the court:

Point Guard (PG) – Controls play, fastest player, main dribbler.

Shooting Guard (SG) – Best outside shooter, scores 3-pointers.

Small Forward (SF) – Versatile, plays inside & outside.

Power Forward (PF) – Strong rebounder, plays near basket.

Center (C) – Tallest player, dominates rebounds and defense near

basket.

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6. Basic Rules of Basketball

(A) Scoring

Field Goal inside 3-point arc = 2 points.

Field Goal outside 3-point arc = 3 points.

Free Throw = 1 point.

(B) Time Rules

24-second Rule: Team must attempt a shot within 24 seconds of

possession.

8-second Rule: Team must advance the ball into opponent’s half within 8
seconds.

5-second Rule:

A closely guarded player must pass, shoot, or dribble within 5 seconds.

A player must inbound the ball within 5 seconds.

3-second Rule: Attacking player cannot stay inside the restricted area for
more than 3 seconds.

(C) Violations

Traveling: Taking more than two steps without dribbling.

Double Dribble: Dribbling with both hands or restarting dribble after

stopping.

Carrying (Palming): Holding the ball underhand while dribbling.

Backcourt Violation: Returning the ball to defensive half after crossing

midline.

Kicking: Intentionally touching the ball with foot/leg.

Goaltending: Blocking the ball when it is on downward flight towards

basket.

Shot Clock Violation: Failing to shoot within 24 seconds.

(D) Fouls

Personal Foul: Illegal physical contact (pushing, holding, tripping).

Offensive Foul: Contact by attacking player (charging).

Technical Foul: Misbehavior, arguing with referee, delay of game.

Flagrant Foul: Rough or violent contact.

Player Foul Limit: 5 fouls (NBA = 6 fouls) → disqualification.

Team Foul Limit: After 4 fouls in one quarter → opponents awarded free
throws.

(E) Substitution Rules

Unlimited substitutions allowed.

Can only be made when the ball is dead (out of play).

(F) Start & Restart of Play

Game begins with a Jump Ball at center circle.

After each score → opponent inbounds ball from baseline.

Alternate possession rule applies in tie-up situations.

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7. Dimensions of Court & Equipment

Court: 28 m (length) × 15 m (width).

Basket Height: 3.05 m.

Backboard: 1.8 m wide × 1.05 m tall.

Free Throw Line: 4.6 m from backboard.

Three-point Line: 6.75 m (FIBA), 7.24 m (NBA).

Ball:
Circumference: 75–78 cm.

Weight: 600–650 g.

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8. Fundamental Skills

Passing

Chest Pass, Bounce Pass, Overhead Pass, Baseball Pass.

Dribbling

Low Dribble (for control), High Dribble (for speed), Crossover,

Behind-the-back, Between-the-legs.

Shooting

Layup, Jump Shot, Set Shot, Free Throw, Hook Shot, Dunk.

Defense

Man-to-Man Defense, Zone Defense (2-3, 3-2, 1-3-1), Rebounding.

Other Techniques

Pivoting, Screening, Cutting, Fast Break, Pick and Roll.

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9. Important Terminologies

Assist: Pass that directly leads to a basket.

Rebound: Gaining possession after a missed shot.

Alley-oop: Pass caught mid-air and dunked.

Turnover: Losing possession without a shot.

Double-team: Two defenders marking one attacker.

Crossover: Quick dribble move to change direction.

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10. Major Tournaments

Olympic Games Basketball (since 1936).

FIBA World Cup.

NBA (National Basketball Association, USA).

EuroLeague (Europe).

Asian Games Basketball.

National Basketball Championship (India).

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11. Awards & Famous Players

International Legends

Michael Jordan (USA) – 6-time NBA Champion.

Kobe Bryant (USA) – Olympic Gold Medalist, NBA legend.

LeBron James (USA) – Multiple NBA MVP and champion.

Stephen Curry (USA) – Best 3-point shooter in history.

Shaquille O’Neal (USA) – Dominant center.

Indian Players

Satnam Singh Bhamara – First Indian drafted in NBA.

Prashanti Singh – Arjuna Awardee.

Geethu Anna Jose – Played professionally in Australia.

Amjyot Singh – International Indian player.

Awards

Arjuna Award (India).

NBA MVP, Finals MVP, FIBA Best Player Award (International).

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12. Health & Fitness Benefits

Improves stamina and cardiovascular endurance.

Builds muscular strength (legs, arms, core).

Enhances reflexes, agility, and hand-eye coordination.

Develops team spirit, cooperation, and leadership qualities.

Increases self-confidence and mental toughness.

Helps in weight management and stress relief.