The basic rules of basketball are as follows:
- The game is played on a rectangular court, 94 feet long and 50 feet wide, with two baskets located at opposite ends of the court. The baskets are 10 feet high and mounted to a backboard.
- Two teams of five players each compete on the court, with the objective of the game being to shoot the ball through the opponent’s basket to score points. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.
- The game begins with a jump ball at center court, where two players from each team jump up and try to tap the ball to a teammate. After the jump ball, the team that gains possession of the ball is said to be on offense and is responsible for trying to score points.
- The team on defense is responsible for trying to stop the opposing team from scoring and for trying to gain possession of the ball. They can do this by playing tight defense, by blocking shots, and by trying to steal the ball.
- Points are scored when a player successfully shoots the ball through the opponent’s basket. Shots made inside the three-point line are worth two points, while shots made beyond the three-point line are worth three points.
- A game of basketball is divided into four quarters, each lasting 12 minutes. If the game is tied at the end of the fourth quarter, it goes into overtime.
- A team is also awarded free throws when a player from the opposing team commits a personal foul. One free throw is awarded for a common foul and two free throws for a technical foul.
- The ball must be passed, not kicked or carried, and players can only hold the ball for a maximum of three seconds without dribbling.
- Out of bounds are defined by the sidelines and endlines. If the ball goes out of bounds, the opposing team is awarded possession of the ball.
- A player is not allowed to push, hit, or hold another player. They will be called for a personal foul and the opposing team will be awarded free throws or possession of the ball.
- Penalties such as fouls, violations, and turnovers can be given to the opposing team for breaking the rules.
Note that these are the basic rules and there are other specific rules that are used in a basketball game. It is always best to consult the official rulebook for more detailed information.