Just in Time for Tournament Week: Basketball 101
In the spirit of the basketball tournament games this week, allow us to school you on the game of basketball…
Basketball is truly American. Founded in 1891 at the Springfield, MA. YMCA, Dr. James Naismith developed this game with just a ball and two peach baskets. And now, more than 300 million people play the game worldwide.
Playing dimensions
A standard court is 94 ft long and 50 ft wide. The basket is 10 ft high and 18 inches in diameter. The free throw line is 15 ft from the backboard.
Playing time
High school: 4, 8 minute quarters.
College: 2, 20 minute halves
NBA: 4, 12 minute quarters
The team with the most points at the end of the regulation wins. In the event of a tie, an overtime period is played until there is a winner at the end of that period.
Players
Each team is allowed five players on the floor at one time.
Point guard (or the 1): the quickest player who is also the best ball handler. This player also calls the offense and defense on the floor from the coach.
Shooting guard (or the 2): usually the best shooter.
Shooting forward (or the 3): has the best all around skills.
Power forward (or the 4): good rebounder and plays well in the lane, but can also play facing the basket.
Center (or the 5): best rebounder. Usually the tallest and strongest player.
What is a…?
Foul: any action that disrupts or prohibits the normal flow of the game.
Traveling: taking more than one step with the ball without dribbling.
Man defense: each player on the defensive team has a specific player to cover on the offensive team.
Zone defense: the defensive player is responsible for a specific area to defend.
****Get moving on (or off!) the court at one of these fun, local facilities:****
-Pete deLois Rec Outlet
-Swings n Things
-Run Jump n Play
-Town & Country
-Title Boxing – Liberty Twp. location
-Anytime Fitness
-Silverlake & Better Bodies Fitness
