Get More Enjoyment From March Madness

By: Jim Brown

Understanding The Rules Of Basketball

Basketball is not a complicated game, yet there are strategies enough in the well-played game to keep the fans interested and the players challenged. It is fast moving with a great deal of stamina required to complete a play period.

Basketball doesn't rely on complex playbooks where each player must be in a pre-appointed place at a specific time in the course of the play in order for it to be successful. At the same time, players must know where their team members are and understand the strengths and weaknesses of the players and the positions they play.

* The basketball team is made up of five players on the floor at any one time. The roles are center, two forwards and two guards. The center is typically the team's tallest player, helpful in controlling the ball at the start of play. The two forward positions are often taller individuals as well. The center's role is to score while the team is playing offense and to serve as basket protection when the team must turn to defensive tactics.

The center position is the one that usually is responsible for capturing rebounds and attempting another follow up shot. The power forward on the team plays offense with the basket behind him. Defensive play for this position is either a zone or man-to-man defense. The small forward is often the scoring position due to great ball control and dribbling. The two guards are the point guard and the shooting guard. The point guard is typically the team's fastest member and leads the team in its offensive drive. The shooting guard gains most of the scoring points for the team.

* The length of the play varies, depending upon the level of expertise. High school games are often made up of 8 minute quarters. Collegiate games typically consist of two twenty minute halves, while National Basketball Association rules provide for four twelve minute quarters. Play is stopped when the ball is not in play, so elapsed time may be two or more hours.

* The regulation court in National Basketball Association play measures 50 by 94 feet with the metal rim of the hoops exactly ten feet above the floor, usually made of wood. The hoop contains a net and is mounted to a backboard to deflect or rebound shots back to the hands of the players. The basket is located four feet inside the outer perimeter of the playing surface. The official basketball for men's use is 29.5 inches in diameter and weights 22 ounces. Women's official size for the basketball is slightly smaller.

* Points are earned by moving the ball down the court toward one's own basket in order to shoot the ball through the hoop without allowing the opponent to block the play of the ball. At the same time the opposing team must be blocked from scoring. The ball is moved by dribbling the ball or passing the ball to a team member in a better position to score. Additionally, scoring points through penalty shots is part of the game.

Mastering the rules and regulations of the game is mainly about practice and learning the techniques through reiteration of the moves.

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