The History, Rules & Regulations of Basketball

The game of basketball has a rich history, and is enjoyable to participate in. Basketball is a sport

created in the United States that also maintains a great following worldwide. Professional players

of the game are household names, and games are seen by millions of fans. Known for its fast-

paced action and great athletic sequences, basketball is a game that is as fun to watch as it is to

play. Understanding the history and general rules provides increased satisfaction when playing or

watching basketball.

Invention o Basketball was invented in December of 1891 by James Naismith. A physical education teacher,

Naismith taught at the School for Christian Workers (now Springfield College) in Springfield,

Massachusetts. Tasked to create a new indoor game during the harsh winter, Naismith

envisioned a game reliant on skill rather than brute strength. For equipment, he installed two

half-bushel peach baskets on opposing balcony railings at the ends of the gymnasium and used a

soccer ball.

Original Rules o Naismith devised 13 original rules for basketball, many of which are still in use today, with a

few variations. One rule states that a goal is made when the ball is thrown or batted into the

basket, and it stays there. Originally there were 15-minute halves in a game, with the team

scoring the most goals declared the winner. Dribbling was prohibited and the only means of

advancing the ball were passes made with one or both hands. Actions such as pushing or tripping

an opponent, or striking the ball with a fist, were deemed fouls. A team that committed three

consecutive fouls granted a goal for the opposing team. There were also court dimensions that

allowed for a basketball to be placed out of bounds via an errant pass. Possession of the ball was

relinquished to the other team in the event of an out-of-bounds play.

Innovations o The earliest baskets used for basketball play were closed at the bottom, meaning a player would

have to retrieve the ball using a ladder after he scored. A few years after basketball was invented,

the baskets were replaced with a circular metal rim, with a net hanging underneath. In 1906, the

hanging net was opened, so the ball would travel through the net instead of hanging inside.

The first basketballs were created using panels of leather stitched over a rubber bladder. As a

result, every basketball possessed a unique size and structure. It wasn't until 1942 that the very

first molded, factory-made basketball was created. Now, all basketballs have uniformity and

consistency in play. There were also minor adjustments to the game to increase playability. In

1910, players were finally allowed to dribble the ball as a means of advancing up the basketball

court. Yet, they still had to pass before attempting a shot. It wasn't until six years later that

players were allowed to shoot after dribbling the basketball.

Current Rules o A game of basketball involves two five-player teams that play both offense and defense. Similar

to the original rules, the team that scores the most points is declared the winner. Following a

jump ball at the center of the court, the team that gains possession of the ball becomes the

offensive team. The offensive team's priority is to score points by shooting the basketball into the

opposing team's hoop. The team on defense attempts to prohibit the other team from scoring.

Ball possession alternates following a successful shot, turnover (out of bounds, stolen ball, or

offensive foul), or a missed shot that is recovered by the opposing team.

In high school and recreational games, the game time is 32 minutes, split up in eight-minute

quarters. College games last 40 minutes, with two 20-minute halves of play. Professional games

last 48 minutes, split into 4 twelve-minute quarters. If the two teams are tied after regulation has

ended, then the two teams play overtime periods until one team finally has more points scored

than the other.

Basketball Positions

There are 5 standard basketball positions. The positions are point guard, shooting guard, small

forward, power forward, and center. The responsibilities of each player can differ from team to team,

but some responsibilities are typical for each basketball team. This article will provide a brief

description.

The point guard is one of the most important basketball positions. This person calls the plays and

directs the offense. The point guard is the main ball handler and is normally the best dribbler and passer

on the team. This person is considered a “coach on the floor”.

The shooting guard or “off guard” is known for having similar characteristics to the point guard, but

does not bring the ball up the floor. In most cases, the shooting guard is the team’s best scorer and will

take the most shots of all five basketball positions. The best shooting guards can make outside and

inside shots in addition to playing the point guard position if necessary.

The small forward is not very “small” at all. This player is taller than the shooting guard, but not as tall

as the power forward. This is a well balanced player with solid skills at shooting, passing, defending,

and rebounding. Because of this player’s versatility, a small forward can defend more than one position

well.

The power forward is sometimes called the “big forward”. This is typically the team’s most tenacious

defender and rebounder. This is one of two basketball positions responsible for guarding the

basket. This player does not take many long shots. Instead, they stay close to the basket and take a lot

of layups.

The center is normally the tallest player on the court. This is the only one of the basketball positions

responsible for blocking shots. Because of this person’s height, they also have a big rebounding

responsibility as well. This player scores a lot around the basket and shoots a lot of layups.

As you can see, a basketball team consists of 5 basketball positions: two guards, two forwards and one

center. Each player has their own unique set of responsibilities. Now that you understand all 5 positions

it will be much easier to understand the action on the basketball floor.