So then, you've finally realized that basketball is the coolest game in the world, and you'd like to see what its all about eh? Well then, you've come to the right place! While you're here, we'll show you what its all about. We'll go over basic rules too, so you don't do the illegal stuff. =o)
Pick a Topic! Basics:
So then, to get started you only need a couple things. First, a ball, round, and approximately the size of your head. We'll call this a basketball. Next, you need a basket. Now, this basket can be as simple as a wire loop. The net on the bottom is optional. Your basket should be large enough to fit the basketball, and a couple inches on the side. You will also need a backboard. This can just be a sturdy piece of plywood you stick behind the basket. You'll need somewhere to hang the basket. Usually, its a long pole. Hopefully, the ground around it will be flat. Lastly, you'll probably want other people to play with. Usually, its a total of 10. So here's what you need:
A basketball, a hoop, a backboard, somewhere to put the hoop, and nine(or less I suppose) other people.
TopObjectives
The main point of the game is to score as often as possible. You score by getting the ball through the basket. There are three different ways to score, and we'll go into that later. As you're trying to get the ball in the basket, the other team (consisting of five people) will be trying to stop you. Additionally, when they have control of the ball, they will also be trying to score. You'll probably want to stop them from doing that.
TopThe Court
We will now pretend that we have an ideal place to play basketball. We'll call this place a basketball court. It is a large rectangle. It should look like the following diagram: TopThe Team
Typically, each team will consist of five people. Any more, and the court starts to get to crowded. Ideally, each of the five people will play a specific role. For each of the roles, we have a name.
Guards generally are shorter than the rest of the team. They are also quicker as a result. Most guards can hit shots from a good range. They usually play in the backcourt.
First, there is the point guard. Generally, the point guard is the leader of the team. They are not responsible for much scoring. Instead, they must distribute the ball effectively. By this I mean they must pass the ball in a manner that will the team to win. They are the playmakers. Point guards are usually the best ball handlers on the team and they are usually the quickest and most sure-footed.
The other guard is known as the shooting guard. His job is just what you'd think it is. He tries to get open so that he can get a clear shot at the basket. Shooting guard generally have a higher percentage of shots made. Moreover, they are generally adept at shooting from three-point range.
For the midsized members of the team, we have what are known as forwards. Forwards are larger and more physical than the guards. They like to play in the frontcourt. More specifically, they'll probably hang around the key. Forwards get in the middle and scrap for their points. Forwards are probably the most versatile of the three positions. They are generally a good mix of power and finesse.
The power forward is so named because he's the bigger of the two. He is probably a post player. He'll probably spend his time banging around in the middle to get close to the basket for high percentage shots.
The small forward usually isn't. I'd have to say that small is a relative term. The small forwards generally are more finesse type players. They manuever around their opponents, instead of the just backing them down. They use a combination of footspeed and footwork to get their shots off.
The biggest guy on the team is the center. One of the most important things for a center to have is size. You can think of the center as the team's bully. They generally lack the finesse of a forward, but make up for it in size. On defense, they try to discourage shots from going by getting the way. On offense, they try to shoot over the opposition.
So what kind of player are you?
TopOffense
When a team is gains possesion of the ball, then they are said to be going on offense. This is simply the mindset that says, "Okay, now its our turn to score some points." There are three ways to score points. First, you can make a basket from anywhere within the three-point line. These baskets count for two points. Anything beyond the three-point line is worth three. If you are stepping on the line when you shoot, then it only counts as two. The other way to score points is if you are fouled in the act of shooting. If you are fouled, then you get a free-throw, depending on the nature of the foul. A free-throw is when you get one shot from the free-throw line. This is shot is uncontested. That means that no one is allowed to try and stop you. This worth one point.
Good teams generally have plans for their offense. These are known as plays. A play is just a set of movements that are designed to get someone an open or high percentage shot. The point guard is usually the one that signals which play to run. There are many different types of plays, but we'll go over a basic one here.
One of the most basic plays is known as the pick and roll. Basically, one offensive player that doesn't have the ball sets a "pick," or better known as a screen. Then, the player with the ball runs by the screen. If it works, the defensive player guarding the ball handler will get caught behind the screen. As soon as this happens, the person setting the screen moves away, or "rolls," towards the basket. If it works right, there will now be no one guarding the screensetter, and two people guarding the ball handler. Now all the ball handler has to do is pass the ball to the ex-screener, and that's an easy two points. If you want to see a good example of this, watch the Jazz. They're masters.
Top
