History of Basketball

The history of basketball began with its invention in 1891 in Springfield,

Massachusetts by Canadian physical education instructor James Naismith as a less
injury-prone sport than football. Naismith was a 31-year old graduate student when he
created the indoor sport to keep athletes indoors during the winters.[1] The game became
established fairly quickly and grew very popular as the 20th century progressed, first in
America and then in other parts of the world. After basketball became established in
American colleges, the professional game followed. The American National Basketball
Association (NBA), established in 1946, grew to a multibillion-dollar enterprise by the end
of the century, and basketball became an integral part of American culture.

Invention of the game

The game of basketball as it is known today was created by Dr. James Naismith
in December 1891 in Springfield, Massachusetts, to condition young athletes during cold
months. Naismith was a physical education instructor at YMCA International Training
School (now known as Springfield College) in Springfield, Massachusetts. Upon the
request of his boss, Naismith was tasked to create an indoor sports game to help athletes
keep in shape in cold weather. It consisted of peach baskets and a soccer style ball. He
published 13 rules for the new game. He divided his class of eighteen into two teams of
nine players each and set about to teach them the basics of his new game. The objective
of the game was to throw the basketball into the fruit baskets nailed to the lower railing of
the gym balcony. Every time a point was scored, the game was halted so the janitor could
bring out a ladder and retrieve the ball. After a while, the bottoms of the fruit baskets were
removed. The first public basketball game was played in Springfield, Massachusetts, on
March 11, 1892.
The First Basketball Game

On December 21, 1891, Naismith

published rules for a new game
using five basic ideas and thirteen
rules. That day, he asked his class
to play a match in the Armory Street
court: 9 versus 9, using a soccer
ball and two peach baskets. Frank
Mahan, one of his students, wasn’t
so happy. He just said: "Harrumph. Another new game". However, Naismith was the
inventor of the new game. Someone proposed to call it "Naismith Game", but he
suggested "We have a ball and a basket: why don’t we call it basketball?" The eighteen
players were John G. Thompson, Eugene S. Libby, Edwin P. Ruggles, William R. Chase,
T. Duncan Patton, Frank Mahan, Finlay G. MacDonald, William H. Davis and Lyman
Archibald, who defeated George Weller, Wilbert Carey, Ernest Hildner, Raymond Kaighn,
Genzabaro Ishikawa, Benjamin S. French, Franklin Barnes, George Day and Henry
Gelan 1–0. The goal was scored by Chase. There were other differences between
Naismith’s first idea and the game played today. The peach baskets were closed, and
balls had to be retrieved manually, until a small hole was put in the bottom of the peach
basket to poke the ball out using a stick. Only in 1906 were metal hoops, nets and
backboards introduced. Moreover, earlier the soccer ball was replaced by a Spalding ball,
similar to the one used today.
 The Birthplace of Basketball

Basketball is built into the fabric of

Springfield College. The game was
invented by Springfield College
instructor and graduate student James
Naismith in 1891, and has grown into the
worldwide athletic phenomenon we
know it to be today.

Where Basketball Originated

It was the winter of 1891-1892. Inside a

gymnasium at Springfield College (then
known as the International YMCA Training
School), located in Springfield, Mass., was
a group of restless college students. The
young men had to be there; they were
required to participate in indoor activities to
burn off the energy that had been building
up since their football season ended. The
gymnasium class offered them activities such as marching, calisthenics, and apparatus
work, but these were pale substitutes for the more exciting games of football and lacrosse
they played in warmer seasons.

James Naismith, The Person Who Invented Basketball

The instructor of this class was James Naismith, a 31-year-old graduate student. After
graduating from Presbyterian College in Montreal with a theology degree, Naismith
embraced his love of athletics and headed to Springfield to study physical education—at
that time, a relatively new and unknown academic discipline—under Luther Halsey
Gulick, superintendent of physical education at the College and today renowned as the
father of physical education and recreation in the United States.

As Naismith, a second-year graduate student who had been named to the teaching
faculty, looked at his class, his mind flashed to the summer session of 1891, when Gulick
introduced a new course in the psychology of play. In class discussions, Gulick had
stressed the need for a new indoor game, one “that would be interesting, easy to learn,
and easy to play in the winter and by artificial light.” No one in the class had followed up
on Gulick’s challenge to invent such a game. But now, faced with the end of the fall sports
season and students dreading the mandatory and dull required gymnasium work,
Naismith had a new motivation.

Two instructors had already tried and failed to devise activities that would interest the
young men. The faculty had met to discuss what was becoming a persistent problem with
the class’s unbridled energy and disinterest in required work.

During the meeting, Naismith later wrote that he had expressed his opinion that “the
trouble is not with the men, but with the system that we are using.” He felt that the kind of
work needed to motivate and inspire the young men he faced “should be of a recreative
nature, something that would appeal to their play instincts.”

Before the end of the faculty meeting, Gulick placed the problem squarely in Naismith’s
lap.

“Naismith,” he said. “I want you to take that class and see what you can do with it.”

So Naismith went to work. His charge was to create a game that was easy to assimilate,
yet complex enough to be interesting. It had to be playable indoors or on any kind of
ground, and by a large number of players all at once. It should provide plenty of exercise,
yet without the roughness of football, soccer, or rugby since those would threaten bruises
and broken bones if played in a confined space.

Much time and thought went into this new creation. It became an adaptation of many
games of its time, including American rugby (passing), English rugby (the jump ball),
lacrosse (use of a goal), soccer (the shape and size of the ball), and something called
duck on a rock, a game Naismith had played with his childhood friends in Bennie’s
Corners, Ontario. Duck on a rock used a ball and a goal that could not be rushed. The
goal could not be slammed through, thus necessitating “a goal with a horizontal opening
high enough so that the ball would have to be tossed into it, rather than being thrown.”

Naismith approached the school janitor, hoping he could find two, 18-inch square boxes
to use as goals. The janitor came back with two peach baskets instead. Naismith then
nailed them to the lower rail of the gymnasium balcony, one at each end. The height of
that lower balcony rail happened to be ten feet. A man was stationed at each end of the
balcony to pick the ball from the basket and put it back into play. It wasn’t until a few years
later that the bottoms of those peach baskets were cut to let the ball fall loose.

Naismith then drew up the 13 original rules, which described, among other facets, the
method of moving the ball and what constituted a foul. A referee was appointed. The
game would be divided into two, 15-minute halves with a five-minute resting period in
between. Naismith’s secretary typed up the rules and tacked them on the bulletin board.
A short time later, the gym class met, and the teams were chosen with three centers,
three forwards, and three guards per side. Two of the centers met at mid-court, Naismith
tossed the ball, and the game of “basketball” was born.

The Year Basketball

was Invented

Word of the new game

spread like wildfire. It was
an instant success. A few
weeks after the game was
invented, students
introduced the game at their
own YMCAs. The rules
were printed in a College
magazine, which was mailed to YMCAs around the country. Because of the College’s
well-represented international student body, the game of basketball was introduced to
many foreign nations in a relatively short period of time. High schools and colleges
began to introduce the new game, and by 1905, basketball was officially recognized as
a permanent winter sport.

The rules have been tinkered with, but by-and-large, the game of “basketball” has not
changed drastically since Naismith’s original list of “Thirteen Rules” was tacked up on a
bulletin board at Springfield College.

Basketball Equipment

Backboard (Basketball) - A backboard is a piece of basketball equipment. It is a raised

vertical board with an attached basket consisting of a net suspended from a hoop. It is
made of a flat, rigid piece of, often Plexiglas or tempered glass which also has the
properties of safety glass when accidentally shattered. It is usually rectangular as used
in NBA, NCAA and international basketball. In recreational environments, a backboard
may be oval or a fan-shape, particularly in non-professional games.

The top of the hoop is 10 feet (305 cm) above the ground. Regulation backboards are 72
inches (183 cm) wide by 42 inches (110 cm) tall. All basketball rims (hoops) are 18 inches
(46 cm) in diameter. The inner rectangle on the backboard is 24 inches (61 cm) wide by
18 inches (46 cm) tall.

Basketball (ball) - A basketball is a spherical ball used in basketball games. Basketballs

usually range in size from very small promotional items only a few inches in diameter to
extra large balls nearly 2 feet in diameter used in training exercises. For example, a youth
basketball could be 27 inches (69 cm) in circumference, while a National Collegiate
Athletic Association (NCAA) men's ball would be a maximum of 30 inches (76 cm) and
an NCAA women's ball would be a maximum of 29 inches (74 cm). The standard for a
basketball in the National Basketball Association (NBA) is 29.5 inches (75 cm)
in circumference and for the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), a
maximum circumference of 29 inches (74 cm). High school and junior leagues normally
use NCAA, NBA or WNBA sized balls.

Basketball (court) - In basketball, the basketball court is the playing surface, consisting of
a rectangular floor, with baskets at each end. In professional or organized basketball,
especially when played indoors, it is usually made out of a wood, often maple, and highly
polished and completed with a 10 foot rim. Outdoor surfaces are generally made from
standard paving materials such as concrete or asphalt.

Basketball (sleeve) - A basketball sleeve, like the wristband, is an accessory that some
basketball players wear. Made out of nylon and spandex, it extends from the biceps to
the wrist. It is sometimes called a shooter sleeve or an arm sleeve.

Breakaway rim - A breakaway rim is a basketball rim that contains a hinge and a spring
at the point where it attaches to the backboard so that it can bend downward when a
player dunks a basketball, and then quickly snaps back into a horizontal position when
the player releases it. It allows players to dunk the ball without shattering the backboard,
and it reduces the possibility of wrist injuries. Breakaway rims were invented in the mid-
1970s and are now an essential element of high-level basketball.

Finger slim - A finger sleeve is worn by certain basketball players to support and protect
their fingers, as well as to enhance grip on the ball during a shot.[1] It is the player's
preference on which finger the sleeve is worn. Many choose to wear more than one finger
sleeve, such as Reggie Miller. The use of the finger sleeve is authorized and approved
by the NBA (National Basketball Association). In many cases the finger sleeve is worn for
protection instead of performing some sort of taping job on the digit.

The Gun (basketball) - The Gun is an automated basketball shooting machine

and rebounding tool used by basketball players to enhance their shooting skills. "These
high-tech machines are placed under a basket where they catch shots and throw
the ball back to players."[1] It allows for players to take more shots in less time, while it
"enhances muscle memory through repetition by keeping players moving and catching,
shooting and moving to the next spot on the court."

Key (basketball) - The key, officially referred to as the free throw lane by the National
Basketball Association (NBA), the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and
the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), the restricted area by the
international governing body FIBA, and colloquially as the lane or the paint, is a marked
area on a basketball court surrounding the basket. It is bounded by the endline, the free-
throw line and two side lines (freebody lines), and usually painted in a distinctive color. It
is a crucial area on the court where much of the game's action takes place.

Shot clock - A shot clock is used in basketball to quicken the pace of the game. The shot
clock times a play and provides that a team on offense that does not promptly try to score
points loses possession of the ball. It is distinct from the game clock, which times the
entire game. The shot clock may be referred to by its initial value. For example, in
the National Basketball Association (NBA), it may be called the "24-second clock".

Basketball uniform - A basketball uniform is a type of uniform worn

by basketball players. Basketball uniforms consist of a jersey that features the number
and last name of the player on the back, as well as shorts and athletic shoes. Within
teams, players wear uniforms representing the team colors; the home team typically
wears a lighter-colored uniform, while the visiting team wears a darker-colored uniform.
Different basketball leagues have different specifications for the type of uniform that is
allowed on the court. Early in the history of the sport, basketball was played in any type
of athletic attire, but by the 1900s, special uniforms were developed and marketed to
basketball players. The style, cut, and fit of basketball uniforms evolved throughout
subsequent decades, often modeled after the general fashion trends of the day.

Basketball Facilities
The size of the court depends on the playing level. The size of the court for NBA and
College games is 94 feet long and 50 feet wide. It is smaller for High School and Junior
High.

Basic Rules

The rules of basketball can vary slightly depending on the level of play (for example
professional rules differ from college rules) or where the game is played (international
rules are different from USA professional rules). These rule differences, however, are
usually just variations on the basic game of basketball and the majority of the rules
discussed below can be applied to most any game of basketball played.

The winner of a basketball game is the team with the most points. You get points by
throwing the basketball through the opponent's hoop or basket. In regular play a basket
made from within the three point line is worth 2 points and a basket shot from outside the
three point line is worth three points. When shooting a free throw, each free throw is worth
1point.
Rules for the offense
1. The player must bounce, or dribble, the ball with one hand while moving both feet.
If, at any time, both hands touch the ball or the player stops dribbling, the player
must only move one foot. The foot that is stationary is called the pivot foot.
2. The basketball player can only take one turn at dribbling. In other words, once a
player has stopped dribbling they cannot start another dribble. A player who starts
dribbling again is called for a double-dribbling violation and looses the basketball
to the other team. A player can only start another dribble after another player from
either team touches or gains control of the basketball. This is usually after a shot
or pass.
3. The ball must stay in bounds. If the offensive team looses the ball out of bounds
the other team gets control of the basket in basketball games.
4. The players hand must be on top of the ball while dribbling. If they touch the bottom
of the basketball while dribbling and continue to dribble this is called carrying the
ball and the player will lose the ball to the other team.
 5. Once the offensive team crosses half court, they may not go back into the
backcourt. This is called a backcourt violation. If the defensive team knocks the
ball into the backcourt, then the offensive team can recover the ball legally.

Defensive Rules
The team on defense is the team without the basketball.
1. The main rule for the defensive player is not to foul. A foul is described as gaining
an unfair advantage through physical contact. There is some interpretation that
has to be made by the referee, but, in general, the defensive player may not touch
the offensive player in a way that causes the offensive player to lose the ball or
miss a shot.
Rules for everyone
1. Although the foul rule is described above as a defensive rule, it applies exactly the
same to all players on the court including offensive players.
2. Basketball players cannot kick the ball or hit it with their fist.
3. ) No player can touch the basketball while it is traveling downward towards the
basket or if it is on the rim. This is called goaltending. (touching the ball on the rim
is legal in some games).

Every player on the court is subject to the same rules regardless of the position they play.
The positions in basketball are just for team basketball strategy and there are no positions
in the rules.

Naismith's original rules

There were only thirteen rules of "basketball":
1. The ball may be thrown in any direction with one or both hands.
2. The ball may be batted in any direction with one or both hands.
3. A player cannot run with the ball, the player must throw it from the spot on which
he catches it, allowance to be made for a man who catches the ball when running
at good speed.
4. The ball must be held in or between the hands, the arms or body must not be
used for holding it.
 5. No shouldering, holding, pushing, tripping or striking in any way the person of an
opponent shall be allowed. The first infringement of this rule by any person shall
count as a foul, the second shall disqualify him until the next goal is made, or if
there was evident intent to injure the person, for the whole of the game, no
substitute.
6. A foul is striking the ball with the fist, violation of rules 3 and 4, and such as
described in rule 5.
7. If either side makes three consecutive fouls it shall count a goal for opponents.
8. A goal shall be made when the ball is thrown or batted from grounds into the
basket and stays there. If the ball rests on the edge and the opponent moves the
basket it shall count as a goal.
9. When the ball goes out of bounds it shall be thrown into the field and played by
the person first touching it. In case of a dispute, the umpire shall throw it straight
into the field. The "thrower-in" is allowed five seconds. If he holds it longer it shall
go to the opponent. If any side persists in delaying the game, the umpire shall
call a foul on them.
10. The umpire shall be the judge of the men and shall note the fouls, and notify the
referee when three consecutive fouls have been made.
11. The referee shall be the judge of the ball and shall decide when the ball is in play,
in-bounds, and to which side it belongs, and shall keep the time. He shall decide
when a goal has been made and keep account of the goals with any other duties
that are usually performed by a referee.
12. The time shall be fifteen-minute halves, with five-minute rests between.
13. The side making the most goals in that time shall be declared the winner. In the
case of a draw, the game may, by agreement of the captains, be continued until
another goal is made.

Officials and Officiating

Official’s Positions and Duties the 3-Person Officiating System consists of three different
positions officials must occupy: the lead, the center, and the trail. The lead and trail
position themselves on the ball side of the court which is known as the strong side. The
center is positioned on the opposite side or weak side. Each position has an area they
must watch and can only make certain calls from those positions. Refer to Appendix A for
term clarifications.

1. The Lead Official In a typical half court possession, the official that is located under
the basket along the baseline is the lead official. This official mainly watches the
lane and all play under the basket on the ball side of the court (this is the area
highlighted in red in the above image).
 2. The Center Official The center official is the referee that stands on the sideline
furthest away from the lead official.
3. The Trail Official The trail official is on the same side of the court as the lead official,
but they try to always be closer than the players to the opposing basket.

Fundamental Skill
Footwork

Off-the-dribble or catch-and-shoot, always step into the basketball with inside foot 1-2
step footwork. ... The left foot should touch the floor, heel first. The right foot should come
forward and point towards the basket. The two-foot jump stop has become popular with
many coaches and players.

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 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 defense if
you hustle and understand both individual and team defense. When you are defending a
player, keep you 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
players on the court, so you can play help defense when a teammate loses his man.