 "Photo: Laura Rosser")
Have you ever wondered what’s going on in the game or why that foul was called? Worry no more.
We have the insider’s guide to Basketball in order for you to learn the rules and lingo of the game. Now you will sound like a pro when you cheer and yell at the B-ball games.
Get out there, join in the fun, and cheer on your Rams!
The play
* The game consists of two 20 minute halves.
* Halftime is 15 minutes.
* Overtime is 5 minutes.
* The length of the court is 94’ x 50’.
* The time on the shot clock is 35 seconds (men’s) or 30 seconds (women’s).
* The maximum circumference of the ball for women is 29" and 30” for men.
* The game begins with a jump ball (tip off).
* Timeouts are called by the head coach or a player in game.
* Each team gets four 75 second timeouts and two 30 second timeouts.
* The ball is moved down the court toward the basket by passing or dribbling.
* Each team is assigned a basket to defend. The other basket is their scoring basket.
* The teams switch baskets at halftime.
* A player passing the ball inbounds has 5 seconds to pass the ball.
* The team with the ball is called the offense. The team without the ball is called the defense.
Players
* 5 players from each team; 10 total.
* Positions: Center (5), power forward (4), small forward (3), shooting guard (2), point guard(1).
* 6 (four defensive, two offensive) players permitted on free throw lane.
The score
* When a team makes a basket, they score two points and the ball goes to the other team.
* If a basket, or field goal, is made outside of the three-point arc, then that basket is worth three points.
* A free throw is worth one point.
Fouls
* If a player is fouled while shooting, she gets two free throws if the shot doesn’t go in or one free throw is the shot does go in.
* Personal fouls: If a player is shooting a three-pointer and misses his shot but is fouled, three free throws are awarded. If the player is fouled but still makes the shot, he is awarded one free throw.
* A foul on a shooter always results in two or three free throws, depending on where he was when he shot.
* If a foul is committed when the player is not shooting, the ball is given to that team. They then have 5 seconds to pass the ball onto the court from the nearest sideline, baseline or out of bounds.
* When a team commits seven or more fouls in a half, then the player who was fouled is awarded one free throw. If the first shot is made, then another free throw is awarded; this is called a 1 and 1.
* If a team commits ten or more fouls in a half, then the player who was fouled is awarded two free throws.
Basketball Lingo Explained
“Alley-Oop” An offensive play when one player throws the ball near the basket to a teammate who jumps and scores a basket in mid-air.
“Bank Shot” A basketball shot that bounces off of the backboard.
“Shot clock” A timer designed to increase the pace and score of the game.
“Shot clock violation” When the ball doesn’t touch the rim or enter the basket before the shot clock expires. Results in loss of ball for the team that was on offense.
“Air ball” A shot that completely misses the basket and doesn’t hit the rim or backboard; embarrassing.
“Dunk” When a player slams the ball through the rim with their hand, rather than shooting the ball. “Layup” A close-range shot made on the move by using one hand to bounce the ball off the backboard and into the basket.
“Jump Shot” An attempt to score by jumping and while in mid-jump, throwing the ball in an arc into the basket.
“Charging” An offensive foul; when a player pushes or runs over a defensive player.
“Blocking” Illegal personal contact when a defender attempts to prevent an opponent’s drive to the basket.
“Flagrant foul” Violent contact with an opponent, including hitting and kicking.
“Intentional foul” When a player makes physical contact with another player with no reasonable effort to steal the ball.
“Double Dribble” Dribbling the ball with both hands on the ball at the same time or holding the ball and then proceeding to dribble without first attempting a pass or shoot.
“Backcourt violation” When the offense has ten seconds to bring the ball across the mid-court line, but then goes back across the line during possession.
“Traveling” A violation when a player takes too many steps without dribbling the ball or illegally moves the pivot foot once they stopped dribbling.
“Center” Players generally positioned near the basket, often the tallest players.
“Forward” Players who play under the hoop and may also operate in the wings and corner areas of the court.
“Guard” Players who bring the ball down the court and set up offensive plays. Often, the shortest players.
“Tip off” Game begins with one player from either team at center court. Referee will toss the ball up between the two players who jump and the one that gets his hands on the ball will tip it to a teammate.
“Three-pointer” A shot that is worth three points from behind the three point line.
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