Basketball
Basketball is a sport that is played between two teams that normally consist of five or more players. Each team has five players on the basketball court at any one time. The goal is to score more points than the other team, and points are scored by throwing a ball through a basketball hoop (or basket), which is ten feet above the ground. The two teams shoot at the opposite goal. To move while in possession of the ball, a player must be dribbling or bouncing the ball.
The number of points awarded to a player for successfully shooting the ball through his team’s goal varies depending on the circumstances. The most common scenario is the two-point game, in which a player scores two points for making a basket anywhere within the “3-point line” while the ball is in play. A semi-circular line (the three-point line) marks the area beyond which, if a player makes a basket, three points are awarded for the shot. A player is awarded a point for successfully taking a free throw or foul throw.
During the game, the referees monitor the game and call fouls, which result from one player illegally interfering with another during the game. For example, if someone pushes a player from the other team while taking a shot, a foul is called. In this situation, the shooter can take two free throws from the foul line while under guard. Some examples of fouls that can be called in basketball are:
- Blocking
- Charging
- Hitch
- Jostling
- On the back
In addition to fouls, players can also be penalized for other infractions of basketball rules, such as traveling, which occurs when a player moves more than one step with the ball without dribbling or shooting. Such violations result in a change of possession, in which the ball is handed over to the other team.
Defensively, there are a few ways a team can take possession of the basketball to score. Offensive fouls (such as a charge) result in the defensive team receiving the ball. Unforced turnovers, such as when the offensive team travels or throws the ball out of bounds, also results in the defensive team receiving the ball. If the offense misses a shot and the defense rebounds the missed shot, the defensive team becomes offensive. In addition, the defense can steal (without committing a foul) the ball from the offense.