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BASKETBALL

Est. 1946

There are 5 basic categories while playing basektball: dribbling, fouling, scoring, boundaries, and basic game

Dribbling

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Dribbling is a very important skill to learn while playing basketball. The only way move around the court is to dribble the ball. The concenpt of dribbling is to bounce the ball up and down. There are many rules that go along with dribbling while playing in a game. Players can get a traveling violation if they move around the court without dribbling the ball. This includes standing up; you cannot stand up without dribbling. If you are called for traveling, the ball is automatically given to the other team. You can also be called for double dribble. Once you stop your dribbling, you can no longer continue to dribble. However, once you pick up your dribble and then continue to dribble, this is called double dribble and the ball is given to the other team. Dribbling is a vital skill to that should be constatly practiced. As players get better, they can include more advanced skills such as different handles like in between the legs, crossover, behind the back, and so much more.

Fouling

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While playing basketball, the game should be played fair and nonviolent. There are a few rules to make sure this occurs in a game. If a player starts playing dirty or unfair, they will be fouled and the give privilege. Some examples of fouls are reaching hitting, pulling and any unnecessary violence to the opposite team. These types of fouls will give the other team two free throws. The ball is given to the person that has gotten hurt and they have two chances to make a basket, each worth one point. There are other fouls such as charges, when you run into someone, and reaching, when you are getting in someones space. These types of fouls automatically gives the other team the ball. If a player has committed five fouls in a game, they are fouled out of the game and they are no longer to play for the rest of the game. If the team, in total, has committed ten fouls in one game, privileges are given to the opposing team. No matter what type of foul is occured, the other team automatically gets two free throws. It is important learn the different types of fouls to know what to avoid during a game.

Scoring

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Scoring is one of the most important skill to learn. It's what helps your team wih the game. Each basket that is made is worth two points. If it is on the outside of the three point line, it is worth three points. If you are shooting free throws, it is worth only one point. There are many ways to make different types of shots. There is jumpshots, free throws, normal shots, and lay ups. Within each basic shot, there are different techniques that can be used to in a game to get past you opponent. It is crutial to be practicing on your shot and make sure your form is good. You want to be shooting with one hand, while the other hand is on the side of the ball, helping the ball stay in your hand. Your shooting arm should be about 90 degrees when shooting and you should always use your legs when shooting. The further you get, the more force and strentgh you are going to use. This is why it is especially important to use you legs. Your legs are your main powersource for your shoot. You should stay on your tippy toes since this will allow you to use less force on brining yourself to a jump. You should also aim your ball to hit the square on the backboard. The square and backboard are very helpful since they can help you make shots. When shooting a layup or shooting from an angle, you should always aim at the corners of the basket. Doing this will help you guide your shot and improve the chances of making it in. Also, you should also focus on your surroundings. Make sure that you are comfortable with the distance between you and the basket. You should also make sure that no one is blocking you or too close to you. You want to have some space around you when you are shooting.

Boundaries

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There are a few boundaries in basketball that a player should be aware of when playing basketball.
1. This boundary is called the sidelines. During a game, if you are with the ball and you step out of the line, the ball is given to the opposite team. If the ball gets out of line, whoever touched the ball last will not be receiving the ball. If the ball gets out on the sideline, the ref will have somemone throw the ball in from where it went out of bounds.
2. This boundary is called the baselines. It is very similar as the sidelines and contains the same rules as the sidelines. The only difference is that the baselines are located in a different spot. Also, when there is a foul on the defense and the game is currently being played on the offense side, the ball is thrown in on the baseline.
3. This line is the half court line. It is located in the middle of the court. Once the offense passes this line, they are no longer allowed to get behind this line. If this does happend, the ref will call a back and forth, meaning you went behind the half court line. The ball is then automatically giving to the opposing side.
4. This is the three point line. If any shots are shot and made behind this line, they are worth three points. Also, if a player attempts to shoots past this line and gets fouled on, they are able to shoot three free throws.
5. This is the free throw line. When a player gets fouled, they get a change to shoot either 2 or 3 (based on where they shot) shots from behind this line. If the player gets past this line before the ball hits the rim, the are called and whether or not the ball made it in, the shot doesn't count.
6. This is the top of the key. In the key, offense is not allowed to be in the key for more than 3 seconds or the ball is automatically given to the other team.
7. This is called the block. This is where most post players stand while playing the game. Since they tend to be taller, they guard the basket while playing defense and while playing offense, they can make some easy lay ups in this area.
8. This is the jump circle. In the beginning of every game, the ball is thrown up into the air and two selected players jump up and try to pass the ball to their teammate.

Basic Game Rules

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There are a few basic rules when playing basketball. There should only be five players on a team. There are also 4 quarters in a game. Depending on your age and at what level you are playing, there is a certain amount of time per quarter. For example, in a high school game, each quarter is 8 minutes longe. Also, you are not allowed to wear any jewelery and should be wearing appropriate clothing. You should always have water to keep you hydrated from the tiring game. When you want to switch with players in the middle of the quarter, you need to be properly subbed in, and not join whenever. You should always stay in the boundaries. Also, you should always listen to what the referee is saying. If there is to much arguing or fighting with the ref or the opposing team, you can get a technical foul. You should always have good sportsmanship to the opposing team, teammates, and coaches. If you keep these rules and all of the other listed rules, basketball can be a fun sport.