Basketball Game Rules and Formats

Background of Basketball

• Basketball is a widely popular game played globally at every level, with courts in many locations, including schools, villages, and stadiums.
• The game can be played with 2-5 players, with the objective of scoring more points than the opponent by shooting the ball into a basket.

History of Basketball

• The game was created by Dr. James Naismith in 1891 as a new indoor recreational game to keep students active during the winter.
• Dr. Naismith introduced the game to a class at YMCA College (now Springfield College) in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Current Rules of Basketball

• A typical game is divided into four quarters, each lasting 12 minutes, with a 15-minute halftime break.
• The team with the most points at the end of four quarters is declared the winner.
• In the event of a tie, five-minute overtime periods are played until a winner is determined.

The Court

• A standard basketball court is a rectangular shape, measuring 94ft x 50ft (28m x 15m).
• The court has various markings, including a centre circle, free throw lanes, and a three-point line, to regulate play.

Facility and Equipment

• The official ball is spherical, with a circumference of 29 ½ to 30 inches for men and 28 ½ to 29 inches for women, and weighs 600-650 grams.
• The ball is made of leather or composition.
• The basket consists of a metal ring, 18 inches in diameter, suspended from a backboard at each end of the court, with the metal rim 10 feet above the floor.

Original Rules of Basketball

• The original rules stated that the umpire would throw the ball into play if it went out of bounds.
• The umpire was responsible for judging fouls, notifying the referee, and keeping track of time.
• The game was originally played in two 15-minute halves, with a five-minute rest period in between.