The object of basketball is to shoot the big orange ball through the slightly larger circular hoop.

Shooting
is one of basketball’s basic skills, and one new players are typically eager to learn. While some players
specialize in certain types of shots, all-around players learn as many as possible to maximize their scoring
options.

Shooting Fundamentals

Most shots involve similar physical mechanics. Square your shoulders to the basket, place the fingers of
your shooting hand under the ball, tuck your elbow close to your body and balance the ball lightly with
your non-shooting hand. Extend your shooting arm toward the hoop and flick your wrist to release the
shot. Shoot with your fingers and generate most of the power with your wrist, not your arm. Follow
through directly toward the target with your shooting hand. You’ll typically aim for a spot above the
middle of the rim. From close range, aim for a spot on the backboard.

Jump Shot

The jumper is used most frequently for mid- to long-range shots, including three-point attempts,
although you can use it from short range to gain separation from a defender. Jump straight up and use
the basic shooting form. Release the ball at the peak of your jump.

Set Shot/Free Throws

The two-handed set shot was once the common way to shoot from the perimeter. Today it’s typically
only used by young players who lack the strength to shoot with one hand. A free throw, however, is
basically a type of set shot, although it’s almost always performed with one hand. Use the standard
shooting form, but don’t jump.

Layup

You’ll typically shoot layups from very close range after dribbling to the basket, or taking a pass near the
hoop. Typical layup form involves grasping the ball with two hands, raising it in front of your face and
banking it off the backboard, which all occurs while you’re in motion. A putback of a missed shot is also
technically a layup. If you can jump well enough you may also raise the ball as high as possible and flip it
straight through the rim.
Post Shots

Centers and power forwards who typically operate near the basket often use short shots. A turn-around
jumper begins with your back to the basket. You then jump away from the hoop while leaning back and
simultaneously pivoting about 180 degrees to face the basket before you shoot. For a hook shot, stride
into the lane with your back to the hoop while keeping your torso between the basket and the ball. Turn
your non-shooting shoulder toward the hoop, jump, raise the ball straight up and flip your wrist to take
the shot.

Dunk

The dunk, basketball’s most spectacular shot, relies more on jumping ability than shooting skill. If you
can jump high enough, and hands large enough to control the ball, leap, lift the ball above the rim and
push or throw it through the net.
The game of basketball is not officiated only by referees, there is a whole group of officials to manage a
game and to keep things on track. The group includes referee, umpires, scorer, timekeeper and shot
clock operator.

Though each official has his own responsibilities but their collective motive is to run a game smoothly, to
ensure the enforcement of rules and to maintain the order of the game. Below is an overview of the
responsibilities of each official.

Referees

Referees are the main officials of the game. They are the ones who are actually responsible for enforcing
rules and regulations and calling fouls and violations. The number of referees officiating a game depends
on the level of play. In NBA, a crew chief and two referees are assigned to conduct a game and there
official uniform is gray shirt and black pant. In international basketball or NCAA game, it can be either
one referee and one umpire or one referee and two umpires officiate a game. They wear typical black
and white stripped shirts and black pants.

Lead Referee

Lead referee (also known as crew chief in NBA) is the in charge of the game. Normally, all two or three
referees are independent in terms of making their decisions but in case of a dispute, it’s the lead referee
whose verdict is considered final.

Scorers

Scorer play supportive role in the game of the basketball. There can be one or two scorers in a game
depending on the rules of the league and their job is to write down the stats relevant to the game. They
keep a running summary of points scored, notify field goals and free throws made and missed. They also
record the fouls called on each player and informs a referee if sixth fouls is called against a player (to
eject him from game). Also notes the timeouts and let the referee knows if all timeouts have been used
up by a team.
Timers

Timer assists referee in recording time. Generally, two timers are appointed by the league. One is official
timer who operates the game clock and the other is shot clock operator who operates 24 second clock.
Official timer alerts referee when each half is going to start and stops the clock when any kind of
interruption occurs during a game (fouls, out of bounds, timeouts etc) while shot clock timer informs
referee when a player takes 24 or more seconds to shoot a ball (keeping the ball in possession for 24
seconds or more is a violation).