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Basketball
Basketball
HISTORY
Basketball was invented by James Naismith in Springfield, Masschusetts, in 1891.
This game played by two teams of usually five players each on a rectangular court having
a raised basket or goal at each end, points being scored by tossing the ball through the
opponent's basket. The round, inflated ball, approximately 30 in.
( 76 cm) in circumference, used in this game.
Basketball Positions and Roles
Here are the five basic positions and their role in basketball,
1. CENTER - The center is usually the team’s tallest and strongest player and is
positioned under the basket. He is also required to be physically domineering with more
physical strength and athleticism. On the offensive play, most centers do not consistently
score midrange or beyond the arch. Instead, most of their points should be from offensive
rebounds and are also required to block defenders to open other players up for driving to
the basket. On the defense, the center is responsible for keeping the opponent from
shooting by blocking shots and passes in the vital area. They are also expected to fight for
rebounds as they are usually taller physically.
2. POWER FORWARD - Power Forwards are usually the second tallest in the
team and are the closest to the center in terms of physical attributes and playing style but
with more speed. They are often the most versatile player, being able to score in the paint
as well as being able to shoot from midrange. It will be more effective if they are able to
land a three-point consistently. Defensively, they are required to have the strength to
guard bigger players close to the basket.
3. SMALL FORWARD - The Small Forward is usually the shorter of the two
forwards on the team but plays the most versatile role out of the main five positions. He
must have enough height and the ability to play on the inside as well as agility to play on
the outside, like a shooting guard. Small Forwards are usually the second or third best
shooters on the team and should be able to do a little bit of everything on the court.
However, once you achieve the reaction from the opponent, you must be keen to
explode with speed then drive through the opponent.
4. Crossover Dribble
The usual dribble used to deflect the guarding player is the crossover dribble. It is
characterized by one-hand dribbling while pushing the ball in front. After which, the
offensive player would have to explode right through the opponent. While this is good for
achieving distance, it is also prone for steals.
II. SHOOTING
In order to score points in basketball, you need to shoot the ball into the hoop. This
requires the ability to properly hold and throw the ball into the air toward the basket
while avoiding defenders. Here are a few commonly used types of shooting in
basketball.
1. Jump Shot - A jump shot is most frequently used for a mid to long-range shots,
including shooting beyond the arc. To achieve balance when facing the basket for a jump
shot, you have to take a wide stance, usually, shoulder width apart, bend your knees and
square your shoulders. Make a fluid, explosive upward leap and at the apex of the jump,
follow through by shooting the ball.
2. Hook Shot -- hook shot is when the shot is made while your body is not
directly facing the basket. To execute a hook shot, you need to face the basket sideways
so that your shooting hand dribbling the ball is facing away from the basket.
3. Bank Shot - A bank shot is when any shot made where the ball hits the
backboard before heading into the net
4. Free Throw - A free throw is a shot attempt given to a player that was fouled
and it is taken on the free throw line. The player must stay behind the free throw line
when taking the shot.
5. Layup
A layup is a shot made from short range by a player moving towards the basket. Usually,
utilizing the backboard if he approaches the hoop from an angle. This is also one of the
most basic and common way of scoring a basket in the game.