Improve Your Knowledge of the Game by Learning and Understanding the Basketball Rules

Understanding the Basketball Rules is an important part of every player’s game. Players that have a good understanding of the rules are usually more comfortable and confident on the court.

Why do you think that is? It’s because they know what they can and cannot do. There’s no question in their mind about what they are doing on the court at any time during the game!

By learning the rules, players will understand what the various violations and fouls are. As well as rulings on other aspects of youth basketball.

Actually, the basic basketball rules are very simple to learn and understand. This is great for players! If the rules were too difficult to understand or too hard to play by – the game would not be as fun!

I will cover the basic rules used in today’s game. These rules have changed and evolved over the years to adapt to the changes in how the game is played. A good example of this would be the introduction of the three-point line.

It is important to understand that the rules I have listed below are the basic rules of the game. To thoroughly understand the rules I would recommend that you check out our page on youth basketball rules or read an official rules book on the game of basketball.

Basic Rules Of Basketball

• Two teams each have five players on the court at one time.
• Each team tries to score by shooting the basketball through the hoop.
• The basketball is 29 inches around. This size is modified for younger players and girls competition.
• The basketball hoop is an 18 inch cylinder attached to the backboard and positioned 10 feet off the ground. The height of the hoop is modified for younger players.
• Each team tries to prevent their opponent from scoring by stealing the basketball or blocking a shot.
• The ball is moved down the court by either passing it to a teammate or dribbling it.
• The game continues until a basket is scored or the basketball goes out of bounds. In either case, the opposite team would then gain possession of the ball.

Basketball Rules: Basketball Violations

• Play stops on all rules violations.
• The opponent gains possession of the basketball after a violation.
• Some of the more common ballhandling violations are: Charging, Double Dribble, Over-and-Back, and Traveling.
• Some of the more common time violations are: 3 seconds in the lane, 5 seconds in possession of the basketball, 5 seconds on an inbound play, and 10 seconds in the backcourt with the basketball.

Basketball Rules: Basketball Fouls

• Play stops on all basketball fouls.
• A foul is committed when a player initiates illegal contact with an opposing player.
• Fouls are committed by both offensive and defensive players, but more commonly by a defender.
• After a foul is committed and depending on which type of foul it is, one of two things will happen: a. The opposing team gains possession of the ball, or b. The fouled player shoots free throws.
• Some of the more common fouls are: Blocking, Charging, Holding, Illegal Screen, Over-the-Back, Reaching In, Shooting Fouls, and Tripping.
• Some other fouls that are sometimes committed are: Flagrant Fouls, Intentional Fouls, and Technical Fouls.

I hope you found these tips on The Rules of Basketball to be helpful and informative. Learning and understanding the rules of the game is an important aspect of becoming a complete basketball player. The better you understand the game – the better you will be able to play it!

If you need more great information on these basketball rules checkout the National Federation of State High School Associations.

If you need information on any other basketball topics, I would suggest you purchase some good basketball books and videos. These will provide you with a wealth of knowledge about the game of basketball.