The Rules of Basketball
A primary lesson on the rules of basketball: learn how to score, dribble, pass and the basic fouls, plus why teamwork matters, with a fun quiz to test yourself.
Key takeaways
- Score by shooting the ball through the other team's hoop
- You must dribble (bounce the ball) while you move
- Two teams of five players try to score the most points
- Pushing, holding and tripping are fouls that are not allowed
What is basketball?
Basketball is a fast, exciting team sport. Two teams try to throw a ball through a hoop high up on a board. 🏀
Each team has five players on the court. The team that scores the most points wins.
The aim of the game
Your goal is simple: get the ball through the other team's hoop. The hoop is also called the basket.
At the same time, you try to stop the other team from scoring in your hoop.
Scoring points
You score different points depending on where you shoot from:
| Shot | Points |
|---|---|
| A normal basket | 2 points |
| A shot from behind the three-point line | 3 points |
| A free throw | 1 point |
A free throw is a shot you take alone, with no one guarding you, after some fouls.
Moving the ball
You cannot just run while holding the ball. There are two ways to move it:
- Dribbling — bounce the ball on the floor with one hand as you move.
- Passing — throw the ball to a teammate.
If you run while holding the ball without dribbling, that is called travelling, and the other team gets the ball.
Fouls
Basketball should be played fairly. These actions are fouls:
- Pushing another player.
- Holding or grabbing someone.
- Tripping a player.
When you foul, the other team may get the ball or free throws.
Starting and stopping play
A game begins with a tip-off. The referee throws the ball up high, and one player from each team jumps to tap it to a teammate.
When a basket is scored, the other team gets the ball and play keeps going. The game is split into parts called quarters, with short breaks in between.
Out of bounds
The court has lines all around the edge. If the ball goes past these lines, it is out of bounds. The team that did not touch it last gets to throw it back in from the side.
Teamwork wins games
The best teams pass the ball, share, and help each other. One player cannot win alone. Talk to your teammates and cheer them on! Good teams also play defence, which means working together to stop the other team from scoring.
Now you know the rules
You understand scoring, dribbling, passing, and fouls. Grab a ball and a hoop and practice!
Want more sports rules? Read The Rules of Soccer for Beginners, and before you play, learn Why Warming Up Matters.
Quick quiz
Test yourself and earn XP
How do you score points in basketball?
You score by getting the ball through the other team's hoop, also called the basket.
What must you do to move with the ball?
You must bounce, or dribble, the ball as you move. Running while holding it is called travelling.
How many players from one team are on the court?
Each team has five players on the court at a time.
Which of these is a foul?
Pushing, holding or tripping another player is a foul and is not allowed.
How many points is a normal basket worth from close to the hoop?
Most baskets are worth two points. Shots from far away (behind the three-point line) are worth three.
FAQ
It depends on the league. Youth games are often four short quarters, while professional games have four 10 or 12 minute quarters. The team with the most points at the end wins.
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