Index

1) What is Basket Ball

2) History of Basketball

3) Rules of Basket Ball

4) Terminologies in Basket Ball

5) Different Skills in Basket Ball

6) Equipment used in Basket Ball

7) Some Legendary Basketball Teams

8) Bibliography

1|Page
 What is Basketball

Basketball is a team sport in which two teams, most

commonly of five players each, opposing one another on
a rectangular court, compete with the primary objective of
shooting a basketball (approximately 9.4 inches (24 cm)
in diameter) through the defender's hoop (a basket 18
inches (46 cm) in diameter mounted 10 feet (3.048 m)
high to a backboard at each end of the court) while
preventing the opposing team from shooting through their
own hoop. A field goal is worth two points, unless made
from behind the three-point line, when it is worth three.
After a foul, timed play stops and the player fouled or
designated to shoot a technical foul is given one or more
one-point free throws. The team with the most points at
the end of the game wins, but if regulation play expires
with the score tied, an additional period of play (overtime)
is mandated.

2|Page
 History of Basketball
Invented in 1891 by Canadian-American gym teacher
James Naismith in Springfield, Massachusetts, United
States, basketball has evolved to become one of the
world's most popular and widely viewed sports.[1] The
National Basketball Association (NBA) is the most
significant professional basketball league in the world in
terms of popularity, salaries, talent, and level of
competition. Outside North America, the top clubs from
national leagues qualify to continental championships
such as the Euro league and FIBA Americas League. The
FIBA Basketball World Cup and Men's Olympic
Basketball Tournament are the major international events
of the sport and attract top national teams from around the
world. Each continent hosts regional competitions for
national teams, like EuroBasket and FIBA AmeriCup.

3|Page
 Rules of Basketball

 Each team can have a maximum of 5 players on the

court at any one time. Substitutions can be made as
many times as they wish within the game.
 The ball can only be moved by either dribbling
(bouncing the ball) or passing the ball. Once a player
puts two hands on the ball (not including catching the
ball) they cannot then dribble or move with the ball
and the ball must be passed or shot.
 After the ball goes into a team’s half and they win
possession back the ball must then make it back over
the half way line within 10 seconds. If the ball fails to
do so then a foul will be called and the ball will be
turned over.
 Each team has 24 seconds to at least shot at the
basket. A shot constitutes either going in the basket
or hitting the rim of the basket. If after the shot is
taken and the ball fails to go in the basket then the
shot clock is restarted for another 24 seconds.
 The team trying to score a basket is called the offence
whilst the team trying to prevent them from scoring is
called the defense. The defense must do all they can
to stop the offence from scoring by either blocking a
shot or preventing a shot from being fired.
 After each successful basket the ball is then turned
over to the opposition.

4|Page
  Fouls committed throughout the game will be
accumulated and then when reached a certain number
will be eventually be awarded as a free throw. A free
throw involves one player from the offensive team
(the player fouled) to take a shot unopposed from the
free throw line. Depending on where the foul was
committed will depend on the number free throws a
player gets.
 Violations in basketball include travelling (taking
more than one step without bouncing the ball),
double dribble (picking the ball up dribbling,
stopping then dribbling again with two hands),
goaltending (a defensive player interferes with the
ball travelling downwards towards the basket) and
back court violation (once the ball passes the half
way line the offensive team cannot take the ball back
over the half way line).

5|Page
 Terminologies in Basketball
A
 Air ball: A shot that misses the rim or backboard.
 Alive: Offensive player who has the ball and has not
dribbled.
 Alternating Possession Rule: The possession arrow
changes direction after each subsequent jump ball or held
ball situation, alternating which team gets possession for
the throw-in. The first possession after a held ball goes to
the team who lost the opening jump ball to begin the
game.
 Assist: A pass to a teammate that results in a made basket.
B
 Backboard: The flat surface directly behind the basket.
The basket is connected to the backboard.
 Backdoor: An offensive move where a player cuts behind
the defenders and receives a pass for a field-goal attempt.
 Ball Handler: The player with the ball. Usually the guard
at the start of the play.
 Bank Shot: A shot where the ball is first bounced or
banked off the backboard at such an angle that it then
drops into the basket.
 Basket: Consists of the rim and the net, also known a ‘the
hoop’.
 Basketball: A round ball made of rubber, leather or
synthetic leather. Comes in 3 different sizes (size 5, 6 or
7).
6|Page
 Blind Pass: A pass from a ball handler who does not see
their receiver but is estimating where they should be.
 Blocked Shot: The successful deflection of a shot by
touching part of the ball on its way to the basket, and
preventing a field goal.
 Blocking: The use of a defender’s body position to legally
prevent an opponent’s advance. It is the opposite of
charging.
 Boards: The backboard which the ring or basket is
attached or slang for a ‘rebound’ – the act of a player
grabbing the ball after a missed shot attempt.
 Boxing out: The defensive player turns and faces the
basket following a shot and with his or her back to the
opponent, and ensures that the player being guarded can’t
‘rebound’ the ball.

C
 Charging: An offensive foul, which occurs when an
offensive player runs into a defender who has established
position.
 Court vision: A player’s ability to see everything on the
court during play.
 Crossover dribble: When a ball handler dribbles the ball
across their body from one hand to the other.
 Cut: A quick movement by an offensive player without
the ball to gain an advantage over the defense usually
directed towards the basket.
D
7|Page
 Dead: Offensive player has the ball and has already used
their dribble. They must now either pass or shot the ball.
 Dead Ball: Any player with the ball that is not ‘live’. This
occurs after each successful field goal, free-throw
attempt, after any official’s whistle or if the ball leaves
the court, then play is stopped.
 Defense: The act of preventing the offense from scoring.
Defense is the team without the ball.
 Down court: The direction a team on offense moves, from
its backcourt to its frontcourt and towards its own basket.
 Double Dribble: The act of dribbling the ball, stopping the
dribble or motion of the ball and beginning to dribble
again. Results in a violation and turnover.
 Downtown: Referred to as a shot that was considered to
distant for the normal shooter to take or in the ‘3-point’
area.
 Dribble: The act of bouncing the ball up and down. The
offensive player with the ball uses the dribble to move the
ball around the court.
 Drive: The movement of an offensive player while
aggressively dribbling towards the basket in an attempt to
score.
 Dunk: A shot in which a jumping player slams the ball
down into the opponent’s basket from above.
E
 Established Position: When a defensive player has both
feet firmly planted on the floor before an offensive

8|Page
 player’s head and shoulder gets past them. The offensive
player who runs into such a defender is charging.
 Exhibition Game: The act of playing another team and the
outcome not being counted in any league standings.
F
 Fake: A movement made with the aim of deceiving an
opponent. This can be done with either a pass or a shot
fake.
 Fastbreak: The act of moving the ball quickly down court
by an offensive team in hopes of getting ahead of the
defense to score.
 Feed: To pass the ball to a teammate who is in a scoring
position.
 Field Goal: When the ball enters the basket from above
the rim during play. It is worth two points.
 Flagrant Foul: This is unnecessary or excessive contact
against an opponent.
 Floor: The area of the court within the end lines and the
sidelines.
 Floor Violation: A player’s action that violates rules but
does not prevent an opponent’s movement (traveling,
double dribble, etc.). They are penalized by a loss in
possession.
 Foul: Actions by players, which break the rules but are
not floor violations. They are penalized by a change in
possession or free throw opportunities.
 Fouled Out: A player having to leave the game because
they have committed five fouls.
9|Page
 Foul Shot or Free Throw: An unguarded shot taken from
the foul line by a player whose opponent committed a
personal or technical foul, which is worth one point.
 Free Ball: A ball, which is in play but is not in the
possession of either team, also called a ‘loose ball’.
 Free Throw: The act of shooting the ball from the marked
free throw line (ranging 10-15 feet from the basket) while
the remaining players line up down the ‘key’. Shot is
taken at the result of a foul or technical foul being called.
G
 Give and Go: An offensive play in which a player passes
the ball to a teammate and cuts towards the basket for a
return pass to score.
 Goaltending: Interference with a shot by touching the ball
or basket while the ball is on, over, or within the
rim. Also touching the ball on its downward flight to the
basket before it hits the rim.
 Guarding: The act of following an opponent around the
court to prevent them from getting close to the basket,
taking an open short or making easy passes.
H
 Half time: The rest period between two halves of the
game. Usually 5 minutes in length.
 Hand checking: Illegal use of hands, usually on the back
or hips of the offensive player.
 High percentage shot: A shot that is likely to go in the
basket, typically taken near the hoop.

10 | P a g e
 High post: A player who is stationed in or near the free
throw semicircle on offense.
 Hoop: The basketball rim and backboard players shoot the
ball towards in attempt to score points. Also referred to
as the ‘basket’.
I
 In the Paint: Being in the large rectangle area under each
basket or the foul lane area, which is painted a different
color. AKA ‘the key’.
 Inbounds: The area within the end lines and sidelines of
the court.
 Incidental Contact: Minor contact usually overlooked by
officials which does not give the opposing team an unfair
advantage or affect the outcome of the game.
 Inside Shooting: Shots taken by a player near or under the
basket.
J
 Jump shot: Field-goal attempt by a player with both feet
off the floor, enabling the player to shoot over the
defender.
L
 Lay-up or Lay in: A shot taken after driving to the basket
by leaping up under the basket and using one hand to
shoot the ball off the backboard.
 Loose Ball: A ball that is alive but not in the possession of
either team.
 Lower Percentage shot: A shot that is less likely to go in
the basket, usually taken further away from the hoop.
11 | P a g e
 M
 Match-ups: Any pairing of players on opposing teams
who guard each other.
O
 Outlet Pass: The first pass made after a defensive rebound
to a teammate to start a fastbreak.
 Outside Shooting: Shots taken from the perimeter, further
away from the hoop.
P
 Pass: When a player throws the ball to a teammate to
advance the ball during a possession.
 Personal Foul: Contact between players, which may result
in excessive physical contact or provide one team with an
unfair advantage. Players may not push, hold, trip, hack,
elbow, restrain or charge into an opponent. These are also
counted as team fouls.
 Pivot: A center, also the foot that must remain touching
the floor until a ball handler who has stopped dribbling is
ready to pass or shoot.
 Possession: To be holding or in control of the ball.
 Post Position: The position of a player standing in the low
post or high post in the ‘key’ area near the hoop.
R
 Rebound: A term used to describe the actual retrieving of
the ball as it rebounds from the backboard or the ring after
a missed shot.
 Receiver: The player who receives a pass from the ball
handler.
12 | P a g e
 Referee: The person(s) assigned to the game to maintain
the flow and integrity of the game.
S
 Sag: When a defender moves away from their opponent
toward the basket they are defending.
 Scrimmage: Practice play between squads of one team.
 Shooter: A player who takes a shot at the basket in
attempts to score.
 Shooter’s roll: This is the ability to get even an inaccurate
shot to bounce lightly off the rim and into the basket.
 Shooting Range: The distance from which a player is
likely to make their shots.
 Squaring up: When a player’s shoulders are facing the
basket as they release the ball for a shot. This is
considered good shooting position.
 Steal: To take the ball away from an opponent.
 Strong Side/Weak Side: Whichever side of the key that
the ball is on when on offense is called the strong side.
The other side is the weak side. If the ball changes sides,
the weak side is now the strong side.
 Substitute: A player who comes into the game to replace a
player on the court.
 Switch: Two defensive players change checks during live
play.
T
 Technical Foul: A special violation called at the discretion
of the referee towards players, coaches or the
team. Infractions include an intentional or flagrant
13 | P a g e
 contact foul, unsportsmanlike conduct or other actions
detrimental to the spirit of the game.
 Throw-in: The method by which a team with possession
inbounds the ball.
 Time-out: A period of sixty seconds during which the
play is stopped and teams discuss strategy and a moment
to allow players to rest.
 Tip-off: The initial jump ball that starts the game.
 Trailer: An offensive player that follows behind the ball-
handler.
V
 Violation: An infringement of the rules, which does not
involve contact. The opposing team is awarded the ball
for a throw-in from out of bounds.

14 | P a g e
 Different Skills in Basketball
Dribbling
Top point guards dribble and control the ball as if it were
on a string. Good technique is critical for a ball handler.
You should dribble with your fingertips rather than your
palm. Dribble with your head up so you can see the
opposition and your teammates. Keep your body low and
use your off-ball hand to help keep your defender at bay.
Work on dribbling with both hands, so you'll be as
comfortable going to your left or your right.
Passing
Great passers can see the whole court and anticipate
where a teammate will go and what a defender will do.
Mastering the basics is the place to start. Develop a two-
hand chest pass, bounce pass and overhead pass so you
can deliver the ball to your teammates in the best position
for them to shoot or beat their defender. Steve Nash or
Derrick Rose can dazzle you with a behind-the-back or a
no-look pass. But those moves are not just for show; they
provide a teammate the best chance to score.
Shooting
It's difficult to score if you can't shoot the ball effectively.
As Better Basketball Coaching explains, shooting is
something of an art form, and some players, such as
Kevin Durant and Ray Allen, have a knack for it. But

15 | P a g e
everyone can improve their shooting through proper
technique and lots of practice. Proper technique includes
squaring your body up to the target, shooting the ball with
your fingertips, keeping your elbows from flying, putting
backspin and arc on the shot and following through
completely after letting the ball fly.
Rebounding
Although it helps to be tall and have jumping ability,
rebounding is a matter of desire as well as ability. Charles
Barkley was relatively small for a forward, but he was an
outstanding rebounder. He had the ability to determine
where an errant shot was likely to fall, the willingness to
crash the boards relentlessly and the strength to block out
taller opponents. Blocking out your opponent -- also
called boxing out -- is one of the keys to good
rebounding. To do it effectively, maintain your
concentration and focus.
Defense
Even the best scorers go into shooting slumps. But you
can always play good defence if you hustle and
understand both individual and team defines. When you
are defending a player, keep your head lower than his.
Stay close enough to the offensive player to bother him --
but not so close he can blow by you with one step. Know
your opponent's tendencies so you can dictate the
direction you want him to move. Be aware of the other

16 | P a g e
players on the court, so you can play help defence when a
teammate loses his man.

17 | P a g e
 Equipment used in Basketball
B
 Backboard (basketball)
 Basketball (ball)
 Basketball court
 Basketball sleeve
 Breakaway rim
F
 Finger sleeve
G
 The Gun (basketball)
K
 Key (basketball)
S
 Shot clock
U
 Basketball uniform

18 | P a g e
 Some Legendary Basketball teams

19 | P a g e
 Bibliography

 www.google.co.in

 www.basketballrokie.co

 www.wikipedia.in

 www.sportsaspire.com

 www.rulesofsports.com

20 | P a g e