Basketball is a team sport played on a rectangular court, where two teams of five players each aim to score points by shooting a ball into the opposing hoop, while defending their own.
Court Layout
A standard court is 94 feet by 50 feet, divided into frontcourt and backcourt. Each hoop is 10 feet high, and shots from beyond the 22-foot line earn three points.
Game Rules
Basketball consists of four quarters, usually 12 minutes each. The team with the most points wins, and overtime is played if there's a tie.
Basic Gameplay
Players dribble, pass, shoot, rebound, and defend. Dribbling moves the ball; passing advances it to teammates; shooting aims to score; rebounding retrieves missed shots; and defense prevents the opposing team from scoring.
Positions
- Point Guard: Leads plays and distributes the ball
- Shooting Guard: Primary scorer and shooter
- Small Forward: Versatile in scoring, defense, and rebounding
- Power Forward: Strong inside scorer and rebounder
- Center: Tallest player, key for blocking shots and scoring near the hoop
Fouls and Free Throws
Fouls result in penalties; the fouled player may get free throws, allowing unopposed scoring attempts.