Basketball Rules Guide: Offense, Defense and Kids' Drills

Basketball rules for traveling and offensive fouls can be complex for beginners and kids. Improve your game with middle school tryout drills and understand the physics behind player hang time.

Basketball player

5 Easy Steps to Play Basketball

Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world. Invented by Dr. James A. Naismith in Springfield, Massachusetts, to give his students something to do in winter, the game is played by some of the greatest athletes and provides thrilling moments to competitors and fans.

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Man passing a basketball

Five Different Types of Basketball Passes

Passing the ball in basketball requires touch, vision, dexterity and strength. Good teams have players who look to pass the ball to the open player to take the ball to the basket or get a good look for a jump shot. You can pass the ball effectively in several ways.

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Cute couple playing basketball

Basketball Rules for a Blocked Shot

The blocked shot in basketball is one of the most effective defensive tools in the game. A player who can effectively block two or three shots in each outing becomes a credible defensive weapon and will command respect from the opponent.

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Close-up of three basketball players sitting on basketballs

Difference Between Men's & Women's Basketball

There are quite a few differences between men's and women's basketball, many of which have to do with the rules. They also include the style of play as well as its overall popularity. While both the men's and women's games depend on the players having high skill levels, the men tend to score a few more points.

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close-up of a teenage boy's hands holding a basketball

Basketball Warm Up Drills for Kids

As a youth basketball coach, before each game or practice, it’s important to review the plays and to make sure everyone knows their role. Just as important; however, is a team warm-up. Conducting a few basketball-specific drills helps your young players prepare mentally and physically.

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Men playing basketball

Do Ankle Weights Help With Basketball?

The principle is a simple one. By wearing ankle weights, you will force your feet, ankles, lower legs and knees to work harder and build more muscle. By getting stronger in those areas, you will jump higher and run faster. Those two factors will make you a more competitive basketball player.

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basketball game

Why Is the Game of Basketball So Popular?

Basketball draws a huge following in the U.S. and around the world. More than 200 basketball-playing nations compete against each other, and the team title in Olympic basketball is one of the greatest sports-related honors a country can hope to achieve.

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Short Stories About Basketball

The game of basketball was invented by Dr. James A. Naismith in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1891 to give his physical education students something to do in the winter months while indoors. Since that time, basketball has grown dramatically and is arguably the second-most popular sport in the world behind soccer.

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Equinox Presents "Celebrity Basketball Spectacular" To Benefit Sports Spectacular

Do Fouls Count as Missed Field Goals in Basketball?

Covering basketball represents a statistical challenge for media members and the official scorekeeper, who must keep track of points scored, shots taken, shots made and fouls. In some cases, a field goal attempt is also a field goal made when the shot goes through the hoop.

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Men playing basketball

What Is a 1 and 1 in Basketball?

Fouls in basketball often send the fouled player to the free throw line to shoot free throws. When a player is fouled while shooting and the shot is unsuccessful, he gets two free throws. However, a player does not have to be shooting to go to the free throw line.

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Opposing basketball players on court

Backcourt Violation Rules

Backcourt violations are among the most misunderstood in basketball. Many players know that they must advance the ball from the backcourt to the frontcourt in a specific period of time, but few know what specifically constitutes a backcourt violation.

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Basketball Players

Safety Rules for Basketball

Many people think of basketball as a noncontact sport. However, anyone who has ever fought for a rebound under the backboard knows that is not the case. When it comes to player safety, there are several precautions that players and teams must take to ensure the health of the individuals participating in the game.

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Playing basketball

How to Increase Stamina for Basketball

Basketball requires speed, strength, quickness and overall athleticism. Conditioning drills for basketball can help you get in shape to play the game competitively. However, your coaches may push you very hard to get in the best shape possible because they want you to have stamina in the late stages of the game.

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