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An official basketball game is played with five players per team. The object of the game is to score more points (via putting the basketball through your opposing teams hoop) than your oppenent by the end of the basketball game.
The length of time of a basketball game depends on league:
High-school games are played in four 8- or 10-minute quarters
College games are played in two 20-minute halves
Professional NBA games are played in four 12 minute quarters
Point Guard (aka "1")
The point guard is almost like an extension of the coach. The point guard is expected to bring the ball up the floor after the opposition has scored, and to run the offense plays designed by the coach. Good point guards have the following skills and qualities:
Shooting Guard (aka "2" or "off-guard")
The shooting guards are usually taller, better shooters, and better scorers than the point guard (hence the name "shooting guard"). Due to their versatility, good shooting guards can even play the point, and small forward on occassion. This position holds some of the most prolific scorers in the NBA history (e.g., Micheal Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, Dwayne Wade and Tracy McGrady).
Small Forward (aka "3")
When you think small forwards, think Scottie Pippen, Julius Erving and Carmelo Anthony. Compared to centers and power forwards, small forwards tend to be slightly shorter, more leaner and more atheletic. Small forwards are looked to for scoring, defense and to help out on the boards.
Power Forward (aka "4")
Depending on the player, and the needs of the team, the power forward could just depended on for defense and rebounding (Ben Wallace and Dennis Rodman), or on top of providing defense and rebounding, they could be one of the the teams primary scorers (Kevin Garnett and Karl Malone).
Center (aka "5")
The center is usually the tallest player on the team. The center is counted on to rebound, block shots, set screens and score in the paint.
Examples of great centers include Shaquille O'Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Wilt Camberlain.
Basketball Terms and Rules
To learn all the basketball rules and terms check out the websites below. After reviewing them you know everything there is to know about how to play basketball.
Return from How to Play Basketball to Basketball Drills & Workouts
How to Play Basketball
An official basketball game is played with five players per team. The object of the game is to score more points (via putting the basketball through your opposing teams hoop) than your oppenent by the end of the basketball game.
The length of time of a basketball game depends on league:
High-school games are played in four 8- or 10-minute quarters
College games are played in two 20-minute halves
Professional NBA games are played in four 12 minute quarters
Point Guard (aka "1")
The point guard is almost like an extension of the coach. The point guard is expected to bring the ball up the floor after the opposition has scored, and to run the offense plays designed by the coach. Good point guards have the following skills and qualities:
- great ballhandler (usually the best in the team)
- great passer
- quick
- good shooter
- a leader
Shooting Guard (aka "2" or "off-guard")
The shooting guards are usually taller, better shooters, and better scorers than the point guard (hence the name "shooting guard"). Due to their versatility, good shooting guards can even play the point, and small forward on occassion. This position holds some of the most prolific scorers in the NBA history (e.g., Micheal Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, Dwayne Wade and Tracy McGrady).
Small Forward (aka "3")
When you think small forwards, think Scottie Pippen, Julius Erving and Carmelo Anthony. Compared to centers and power forwards, small forwards tend to be slightly shorter, more leaner and more atheletic. Small forwards are looked to for scoring, defense and to help out on the boards.
Power Forward (aka "4")
Depending on the player, and the needs of the team, the power forward could just depended on for defense and rebounding (Ben Wallace and Dennis Rodman), or on top of providing defense and rebounding, they could be one of the the teams primary scorers (Kevin Garnett and Karl Malone).
Center (aka "5")
The center is usually the tallest player on the team. The center is counted on to rebound, block shots, set screens and score in the paint.
Examples of great centers include Shaquille O'Neal, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Wilt Camberlain.
Basketball Terms and Rules
To learn all the basketball rules and terms check out the websites below. After reviewing them you know everything there is to know about how to play basketball.
FIBA
http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fc/FIBA/ruleRegu/p/openNodeIDs/897/selNodeID/897/baskOffiRule.html
NBA
http://www.nba.com/analysis/rules_index.html
NCAA
http://www.ncaapublications.com/Uploads/PDF/Basketball_Rules_2008-09fb2fc956-7592-4877-993e-dae20a6f90ed.pdf
WNBA
http://www.wnba.com/analysis/wnba_rules_regulations.html
http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fc/FIBA/ruleRegu/p/openNodeIDs/897/selNodeID/897/baskOffiRule.html
NBA
http://www.nba.com/analysis/rules_index.html
NCAA
http://www.ncaapublications.com/Uploads/PDF/Basketball_Rules_2008-09fb2fc956-7592-4877-993e-dae20a6f90ed.pdf
WNBA
http://www.wnba.com/analysis/wnba_rules_regulations.html
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