Basketball Rules and Gameplay

Basketball Court Dimensions

• The height of the basketball rim is 10 ft.
• The free throw line is 15 ft.
• The three-point line is 19'9.

Scoring and Game Structure

• Every basket is worth 2 points inside the 3-point arc.
• Regulation basketball is played 5v5, but modified versions can be played with 3v3 or 4v4.

Rules and Penalties

• Traveling: moving without dribbling the basketball to gain an advantage.
• Double Dribble: dribbling with two hands on the ball or stopping dribbling then starting to dribble again.
• Foul: illegal contact with an opponent.
• Pivot: keeping one foot in place while moving the other foot to avoid traveling.

Half-Court Basketball Rules

• Take Back: the defense must take the ball back behind the 3-point arc after every change of possession before they can try to score a basket.
• Winners Outs: if a team scores a basket, they get the ball again.

Gameplay and Strategies

• Check Up: after a made basket or a dead ball situation, check the ball at the top of the 3-point line area by passing it to the defensive player.
• When a player is in the act of shooting and is fouled, the basket will count if they make it.
• The two most common passes used in basketball are the chest and bounce pass.
• It is generally quicker to pass the ball around than to dribble the ball around.
• When catching a basketball, always have your hands ready.
• When shooting a basketball, keep your elbow in, bend your knees, keep your eye on the target, and follow through.