Basketball Fundamentals

History of Basketball

• Invented in 1891 by James Naismith, a physical education instructor from Canada
• Originally designed to be a non-contact team sport, with the objective of throwing a ball into a peach basket
• First game played with nine players on each team, using a soccer ball and two peach baskets

Basic Rules

• The objective is to score more points than the opposing team by shooting the ball into the opponent's basket
• Game is divided into four quarters, each lasting 12 minutes in professional play and 8 minutes in college and high school play
• Points can be scored through field goals (2 points), three-pointers (3 points), and free throws (1 point)

Player Positions

• Point Guard: brings the ball up the court, sets up the team's offense, and defends the opponent's point guard
• Shooting Guard: scores points and creates scoring opportunities for teammates
• Small Forward: versatile player who can score, rebound, and defend
• Power Forward: rebounds, scores, and defends in the paint
• Center: tallest player, responsible for defending the basket, rebounding, and scoring in the paint

Common Penalties

• Foul: physical contact that hinders an opponent's movement or shooting
• Traveling: taking more than two steps without dribbling the ball
• Carrying/ Palming: holding the ball for more than five seconds
• Goaltending: interfering with a shot that is on its way down to the basket

Scoring Terms

• Field Goal: a shot that goes into the basket, worth 2 points
• Three-Pointer: a shot made from behind the three-point line, worth 3 points
• Free Throw: an uncontested shot taken from the free-throw line, worth 1 point
• Dunk: a shot where the player jumps high and powerfully slams the ball into the basket
• Block: a defensive play that rejects an opponent's shot