Basketball in Wikipedia has been defined as “a limited contact sport played on a rectangular court. While most often played as a team sport with five players on each side, three-on-three, two-on-two, and one-on-one competitions are also common.”

The Goal Of The Game

The goal of the game is to shoot a ball through a hoop 18 inches (46 cm) in diameter and 10 feet (3.048 m) high which is mounted on a backboard at each end of the court. A team is given points by shooting the ball through the basket being defended by the opposing team. A three-point field goal is awarded if the player shoots from behind the three-point line, and two points if shot from within. If the player was unable to shoot, the ball is rebounded, and the team holding the ball resumes possession.

How The Game Is Played

The team also has the opportunity to score via free throws, a free throw is worth a point, and the player needs to shoot twice, after the other team is assessed with certain fouls. Fouls are committed if a player uses unnecessary force or has exhibited unsportsmanlike behavior against an opponent. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins, but overtime play (which is usually around 5 mins.) is done if the score between teams is tied at the end of regulation.

The ball can be advanced on the court by passing to a teammate, or by dribbling. Lifting the ball, or moving one’s pivot foot without dribbling is considered a traveling violation. It would also be considered a travel if the ball has been held with both hands then, after not being able to shoot, or to pass the ball, resumes dribbling.

History Of The Game

The game has evolved since it was first invented in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith. Individual talents have been displayed and the game has grown to global proportions by the amazing skills of legendary players like Micheal Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and a lot more. The Ball Handling and dribbling feats of John Stockton, shooting skills of Lebron James, and shot blocking and rebounding exploits of Dennis Rodman, have contributed to the what the game of Basketball is today.

To Defy The Odds

I can never forget a game where Jordan and the Bulls were vying for the World Title and their opponents during the finals were the Lakers. The bulls were lagging behind in points and needed a comeback, which would have been easier said than done, since the game was played at the Laker’s home court. Micheal, overcoming adversity, took it upon himself to deliver the impossible, and win the game. He did a lot of dunks that made me wonder exactly how tall is a basketball hoop? Since he did it with so much ease. He also executed a particular layup against Abdul Jabbar, another legendary player, that to this day, can only be defined by one word. AMAZING!

Principles Of Basketball

In view of this, there are some principles that can done to improve the way we play.

Ball Handling 

Ball handling is one of the most basic factors of a game. Whether you are a guard, a forward, or center, ball handling is (and always will be) the most important skill in the game. With good ball handling, the rest, like passing and shooting becomes natural because the ball is always where you want it be. When you consider not having to think about physically holding or dribbling the ball, you will have no problems in defense and offense.

Passing 

Passing is a very useful skill and there are a variety of different types. The key to passing is finding the open player and doing the required type of pass.

Chest Pass.

The Ball is passed from your chest area directly to your teammate with little arc and no bounce. This is the simplest way to pass the ball and the easiest to catch.

Bounce Pass. 

Ball is passed from your chest or waist area and is bounced to another teammate This pass is difficult to defend because the ball is bouncing near the defender’s feet ( usually between the legs) and they don’t have time to get their hands on it. This bounce pass is very effective and popular but requires a lot of practice to perfect.

Shooting 

Shooting is the most critical part of the game and requires excellent coordination with the ball. Unfortunately, without proper balance or skill, you would probably end up having a low percentage or you may have a lot of your shots blocked.

Although these principles are only basics, we could not help but acknowledge the assistance it could provide if we play accordingly.

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