Basketball Rules

Basketball is one of the most popular sports played around the world. People play basketball for fun, competition, and exercise, among many other reasons. The rules of basketball are very simple to learn, which is perhaps one reason why so many people enjoy playing basketball. A friend or family member can teach you basketball rules or you can find a book on basketball rules. Basketball rules can also be found on many websites online. Basketball rules may vary depending on the level of basketball being played, for example NBA basketball rules, NCAA basketball rules, youth basketball rules, and wheelchair basketball rules may all differ in some ways. However the basics of basketball rules and regulations are generally the same for all levels of play.

Basketball rules and regulations begin with there only being five players from each team on the court at once. Each team sends out a center, two forwards, and two guards to play. When a new player wants to enter the game he must wait for a stoppage in play and for the referee to wave him into the game. Other important aspects of basketball regulations include that there can only be limited contact, anything else will result in a foul. In addition, the ball must be dribbled whenever a player is moving. If a player ceases his dribble he must pass or shoot the ball. Basketball rules of play say that when a ball goes out of bounds possession is given to the opposing team of the player who last touched the ball. The rules of basketball also give different point values to different shots. When a shot is made it is typically worth two points. However, if a player shoots from outside of the three-point arch the player is awarded three points for his shot. If the shot is a foul shot after a player is fouled the player is only awarded one point. At the end of the game the team with the most points wins, however if both teams have the same amount of points at the end of regulation time overtime will be played according to most rulebooks such as the NCAA basketball rule book. The current rules of basketball and the history of basketball rules are basically the same.

The rules of basketball also specify certain regulations about the measurements of lines and objects on the basketball court. Basketball court dimensions begin with the length of the court. The official length of a basketball court is ninety-four feet long. Another important aspect of basketball court layout dimensions is the width. The width of a basketball court is required to be fifty feet. From there, the baskets have specific basketball backboard dimensions that must be abided by. Backboards that are too big cannot be used. Backboards must be under six feet wide and three and a half feet high. The diameter of the basketball hoop must be eighteen inches and the hoop must be ten feet off the ground. For basketball games that are played by young children, the basketball hoop is often lowered closer to the ground and elementary school basketball court dimensions may be different. However, ten feet is official basketball regulation rim height.