Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world and is growing in Indian schools and colleges. International rules are set by FIBA, the International Basketball Federation. The NBA in the United States uses slightly different rules. Here is a guide to the FIBA basics.
Teams and court
- Each team has five players on court and can make unlimited substitutions during stoppages.
- The court is 28 metres long and 15 metres wide.
- The basket is 3.05 metres above the floor.
Game time
- A FIBA game has four quarters of 10 minutes each.
- The NBA uses 12 minute quarters.
- If scores are level, five minute overtime periods are played until there is a winner.
Scoring
- Field goal inside the three point line: 2 points.
- Shot from beyond the three point line, which is 6.75 metres from the basket: 3 points.
- Free throw: 1 point.
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Time rules
- Shot clock: a team must attempt a shot that touches the rim within 24 seconds of gaining possession.
- Eight seconds: a team must move the ball from its back court to the front court within 8 seconds.
- Three seconds: an attacking player cannot stay in the restricted area near the opponents’ basket for more than 3 seconds.
- Five seconds: a closely guarded player must pass, shoot or dribble within 5 seconds.
Violations
- Travelling: moving with the ball without dribbling.
- Double dribble: dribbling with both hands or starting to dribble again after stopping.
- Backcourt violation: taking the ball back into your own half after crossing into the front court.
A violation gives possession to the other team.
Fouls
- Personal foul: illegal contact like pushing, holding or charging.
- A player who commits five fouls in FIBA play must leave the game. The NBA limit is six.
- Once a team commits four team fouls in a quarter, every further defensive foul gives the opponents free throws.
- Technical and unsportsmanlike fouls punish bad conduct.
3×3 basketball
3×3 basketball, played on a half court with one basket, became an Olympic sport at the Tokyo Games.
Basketball in India
The Basketball Federation of India runs national championships, and the sport is played widely in schools and universities. Khelo India events have also given young players a stage.
Bottom line
Basketball rules revolve around the shot clock, scoring zones, footwork and fouls. Learn these basics and every game becomes easier to follow.
Source / स्रोत: FIBA, International Basketball Federation, Basketball Federation of India, Sports Authority of India
