Basketball rules and gameplay

• Basketball involves two teams, each with five players.
• Aim: To score by throwing the ball into the opponent's basket while preventing the other team from gaining possession or scoring.
• The ball can be passed, thrown, tipped, rolled, or dribbled in any direction.
• Restrictions are defined in the rules.

Game time

• Four 10-minute periods with 2-minute breaks between periods and a 10 or 15 minute halftime.
• A 2-minute break occurs before each overtime period.
• The home team chooses the basket at the start of the game.

Game Start

• A jump ball in the center circle initiates the game.
• Teams must have five players ready to play on the field.

Scoring

• Baskets are worth 1, 2, or 3 points.
• Points are awarded to the opposing captain if the ball accidentally goes into the basket.
• Points are not awarded if the ball is intentionally thrown into one's own basket, and a technical foul is given to the coach.
• A rising ball can be blocked, but points count if the ball is descending; the ball must not be touched until ring contact unless it bounces off the ring or circles it.

Dimensions and Equipment

• The playing field measures 28 m x 15 m.
• Lines are a single color and are 5 cm wide.
• These dimensions apply to official major competitions, otherwise proportional changes are possible.

Center Circle

• Ø: 3.60m

Center line

• Extends 15 cm beyond the sidelines, dividing the front court and back court.

Free Throw Line

• It is 3.60 m long and 5.60 m away from the baseline.
• The distance from the baseline to the backboard is 1.20 m.

3-point area

• Consists of a semicircle 6.25 m from the center of the ring, transitioning into two lines parallel to the sidelines.

Team bench area

• It can accommodate a maximum of 10 or 12 players (tournaments with >3 games) plus a maximum of 5 coaches, assistants, and substitute players.

Backboard

• Measures 1.80 m x 1.05 m and is mounted 2.90 m above the floor.
• Padding is attached to the lower edge and extends 35 cm up the sides.

Basket

• Made of iron with a net.
• Hanging at a height of 3.05 m with a diameter of 45 cm.
• Hinged baskets give way at 105 kg, intended to protect the structure.

Ball

• Weighs approximately 600 g and has a circumference of 75 cm.
• It must be made of leather from the regional league onward.