FUN WORLD

To start playing the game, we need to first gather the equipments. This should be very easy as the game only requires a ball and two hoops perched at a height of ten feet at the opposite ends of the court. Next, we need to set the teams. Two teams with members per team. The object of the game, very obviously is to score baskets. As for the length of the game, the famous National Basketball Association (NBA) teams play a 60 minutes game with four 15 minutes sessions. The length can vary based on tournaments and organizations.

Each goal or ‘basket’ is worth 2 points. However, if a basket is scored from outside the 3 point line, that is the arc shaped line outside the free throw line, then the basket is worth 3 points.

The game starts with a jump ball. A jump is when one person from each team goes in the center of the court and jump to tip the ball their team mates after the referee throws the ball straight up. The goal here is to direct the ball towards your team.

The game of basketball comprises of offense and defense. When the ball is present with a member of your team, then all the team members of your team are on the offense. The goal here is to score points by shooting the ball into the defending team’s basket. Similarly, when the ball is present with the opponent team, them all the team members of your team are on the defense. The goal here is to stop the other team from shooting the ball into your team’s basket and also to steal the ball from them.

While on the offense you can pass on the ball either via dribble or passing. Bouncing the ball continuously and moving forward simultaneously is known as dribbling. It is important to remember here that once you have dribbled the ball past the mid court. The pass is used to advance your offense. Most passes are accompanied by a step forward to increase power and are followed through with the hands to ensure accuracy.

Some very important rules to remember while playing basketball can be enumerated as follows:

• The dribble ends when you stop and hold the ball.
• If you hold a ball for more than five seconds, then you incur a penalty as well as lose the possession of the ball.
• An attempt to unfairly disadvantage an opponent through physical contact is illegal and is called a foul.
• You are allowed five fouls per game. After that, you are removed from the game.
• On offense, you cannot remain in the "key" (area designated underneath and directly in front of basket) for more than 3-seconds. If there is a 3-second violation, there will be a subsequent change of possession.

Well, now that we know the scoring details, the game and the fouls, here are some basketball tips. Always shoot with both the hands. Using a single may look very fancy, but it is best to use both the hands. It is very important to learn to dribble the ball without actually looking at the ball. Repetition is the key to improve your shooting. Lastly, Quality training equipment will make the difference in your game.