Basketball for Gym Class Flashcards

Basketball Overview

• Basketball is a team sport, played with two teams competing against each other.
• A basketball team consists of 5 players on the court at one time.

Court Dimensions and Equipment

• The basketball hoop is elevated 10 feet off the ground.
• A standard basketball court is rectangular in shape.
• The midcourt line is located at the center of the court.
• The three-point line curves around the basket, positioned outside the top of the foul line.
• Regulation backboards measure 6 feet wide (72 inches) by 42 inches tall.
• The inner square on a backboard is 24 inches wide by 18 inches tall.
• All basketball rims have a diameter of 18 inches.

Scoring

• A basket scored inside the three-point line is awarded 2 points.
• A basket scored outside the three-point line earns 3 points.
• Free throws are worth 1 point each.

Game Rules and Violations

• The game begins with a jump ball thrown by the referee for both teams to tip off.
• Technical fouls can be given for foul language or arguing with the referee.
• Traveling occurs when a player takes steps without dribbling or improperly moves the pivot foot.
• A double dribble is when a player dribbles the ball with both hands or resumes dribbling after stopping.
• A backcourt violation happens if a player who has crossed the half court line returns the ball to the backcourt.
• Players passing the ball inbounds must do so within five seconds, or the opposing team gains possession.
• A player cannot hold the ball for more than five seconds if closely guarded by a defender.

Court Boundaries

• The sideline marks the boundary along the sides of the court, separating the court from out of bounds.
• The baseline is located at the two ends of the court, also defining the out-of-bounds area.
• Teams switch sides of the court at the end of each half.

Distances and Measurements

• The foul line is located 18 feet 10 inches away from the baseline.

Game Origin and History

• Basketball originated in a YMCA gym in Springfield, MA, with 18 men participating in the first game.
• Dr. James Naismith invented basketball under the direction of Dr. Luther Gulick, head of Physical Education at the school for Christian workers.
• Basic equipment needed for a basketball game includes a whistle, basketball, uniform, basketball net, and hoop.