Basketball was invented by James Naismith in 1891. That was over 100 years ago. Basically, the rules of the game were limited. The three-point shoot did not exist. Basketball rules have evolved over time. It is specific to each championship, although it is standardized for international competitions. American basketball has its own specificities compared to the rest of the world. For example, the dimensions of the field and the three-point line are different in the NBA. As well as the playing time of each quarter… As well as the number of individual fouls authorized for each player!
Here are the 9 essential game rules to know to play basketball… But also to follow a basketball game live without understanding anything about the events. After reading them, the rules of basketball will no longer hold any secrets for you.
1 – Basketball is played five against five
A traditional basketball game is played with five players against five on the court. A maximum of 5 to 7 substitutes can be entered on the score sheet depending on the competition. When a team is no longer able to field more than two players on the field, then it automatically loses the match. This unlikely situation in the world of professional basketball sometimes plays out in amateur basketball. Although this is very rare…
2 – 40 minutes, the length of regulation time in basketball
Each basketball game is divided into four quarters of 10 minutes each. A 15-minute halftime takes place between the second and third quarters. If the two teams have not decided on the scoreboard at the end of the last act, then an extension is disputed. Its duration is 5 minutes. Unlike football, there is no penalty kick if the score is identical between the two opponents. The number of extensions is not limited by regulation. Five new minutes of play will be played until a team scores more points than its opponent when the buzzer sounds.
3 – Player substitutions are unlimited
Unlike football, basketball allows an unlimited number of player substitutions during a match. The rotations are therefore numerous. Each substitution must necessarily be made during a stoppage in play. This can be a time-out, at the end of a quarter, at half-time… Or when a fault is whistled by the referees example. In basketball, it is very rare for an athlete to play the entire game. Everyone needs a breather at some point in the game.
4 – To score, the ball must cross the circle from above
Basketball is a sport of skill. Winning a game without scoring a point is impossible. To score, the ball must cross the nets attached to the circle. And this, only by passing over the circle. It is legally not possible to score by bringing the ball into the circle from below it.
5 – Differentiate between 1, 2 and 3 point baskets
The value of each basket is not the same in basketball. There are shots worth 1 point. But also others worth 2 points or 3 points. A classic shot is worth two points. A successful free throw is worth a point. A three-point field goal is a converted shot behind the arc present on each side of the field. These solid lines are 6.75 meters from the circle in FIBA basketball. And at a distance of 7.23 meters in the NBA. The three-point shot is becoming more and more important in modern basketball. In addition, when a defensive foul is committed on a scored basket, a bonus free throw is awarded to the shooter. This is called an “and-one”.
6 – 24 seconds, the maximum time to score in attack
To reduce the anti-play as much as possible, the basketball teams have a total of 24 seconds to try their luck in the opposing camp. Each possession is timed. In detail, the team with the ball has 8 seconds to cross the midfield line. If the ball touches the circle following a shot and an offensive rebound takes place, then the counter is reset to 14 seconds. This is an interesting bonus for a second chance offered to score.
7 – Dribbling, an essential component of basketball rules
Unlike handball, basketball players are not allowed to run with the ball without performing a dribble. For the ball carrier, a maximum of two steps are allowed without bouncing the ball on the ground. However, this rule is not always respected in the NBA. Mainly when the athletes spin at full power to dunk in counter-attack… Moreover, it is forbidden for a basketball player to dribble again after having stopped on his supports. A pivot foot can nevertheless be used in this situation. A pass to a teammate, a shot or a loss of ball will be necessary to reactivate this skill.
8 – Physical contact is prohibited
In basketball, the rules of the game are simple. If there is contact between two opponents, then there is a fault. It is strictly forbidden to hold back or push back your vis-à-vis. Without making a mistake, it is only possible to be in direct contact with your opponent via the torso, if your back is straight. The striker is particularly protected with the ball in hand. However, if he positions his knee forward when he goes up to the circle or pushes his defender away with his elbow, for example, it is an offensive foul. The passages in force are sanctioned. The ball is then given back to the opposing team. One of the golden rules in basketball is to defend with your feet, not your arms.
9 – Maximum four fouls allowed per player
There is no yellow card system in basketball. The number of faults of each player is limited per game. In the NBA, this is 5 personal fouls before final expulsion on the sixth offense. In the rest of the world, one unit must be subtracted from this standard. Defensive and offensive fouls are not separated in the calculation of the number of fouls. In addition, two cumulative technical faults for the same player or coach lead to a definitive return to the locker room. Team fouls are also taken into account during a basketball game. Four collective fouls are allowed per quarter before an automatic sanction. Beyond this threshold, two free throws will be systematically given to the opponent for each defensive foul. And this, until the fault counter is reset to zero at the start of the next period.
