We explain what basketball is, the positions of the players and the duration of a game. In addition, its general characteristics and more.
What is the basketball?
Basketball, also known as básquetbol or basketball, is a sport that is played as a team, mostly on an indoor court, although there are also modalities that are played on an open court. It was created in late 1891 by physical education teacher James Naismith.with the need to be able to carry out an athletic activity in winter.
in basketball two teams compete with five players eachduring 4 time periods or quarters. When the second quarter ends, a break is taken that will last approximately 15 to 20 minutes, according to the regulations of the championship.
This sport has achieved great development and popularity throughout the planet, currently being one of the most influential and relevant sports practices globally. Leagues such as the North American one or those that take place in several European countries concentrate significant economic investments and many of the matches become massive events.
Also An inclusive form of basketball has been created for people with mobility problemswhich is played in a wheelchair with rules practically identical to those of the conventional version.
See also: Athletics.
Basketball positions
Players are positioned as follows:
- Point guard or playmaker. They counterattack with the ball to the opposing side, supervising their own team’s attacking play. They have great ball control, game vision, etc. They do not need to be very tall.
- Escort or base support. Player regularly shorter, dizzier and faster than the rest. Collaborate with the base in coordinating the attack.
- Wing or forward. It is generally of medium height. His game is equal between momentum and shooting. He occupies a significant place thanks to his ability to integrate height quickly and because he manages to break down the opposing defense.
- Power Forward. They are of great help to the center. They try to suppress the inside game of the opposing team by closing down the rebound. They must be of considerable height.
- Pivot. They are the tallest and most physically fit players on the team. They use these skills around the basket, both offensively and defensively. Positioned on defense, they will aim to collect a short rebound, prevent the opponent from playing and intercept drives. On offense, they usually define plays under the basket.
Duration of a basketball game
In the statute of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), it is stipulated that each game It is made up of four periods of 10 minutes each.
According to the National Basketball Association (NBA), the time of each period will be 12 minutes and For the NCAA, two periods of 20 minutes each will be established.
If the match ends in a draw between both teams, an additional 5-minute overtime period must be carried out, which will be repeated until one of the teams ends up gaining an advantage on the scoreboard.
Basketball rosters
Each team will consist of a maximum of 12 players.5 of them will make up the starting team and the other 7 players will be the substitutes.
The coach of each team will make all the changes he wants regarding the players, taking advantage of the interruptions in the game.
Particularly, in the collegiate and children’s categories, all players who belong to a team They will have to play at least one time during the first three quartersallowing substitutions only in the last quarter.
So many in basketball
When the ball crosses the opposing ring, a score is scored.. If the shot occurred during a free throw after a foul, a point is awarded to the attacking team. If it is thrown inside the so-called triple zone and to the rim in game action, two points will be scored. When the shot occurs outside the three-point zone, the team will score three points.
Start of the game in basketball
At the start of the match, A player from each team will be placed inside the central orbit with one of their feet close to the line that separates the court into two halves, the rest of the players will be outside the circle.
The referee, from the center of the circle, throws the ball upwards and these two players will jump perpendicularly in order to try to deflect it into the hands of a teammate.
Referees in basketball
In most tournaments There are often two referees, who are authorized to direct the game. In other professional matches or leagues, three referees may coexist, while in those with a lower budget there is only one.
Scorers table
At the scorers’ tables There are the scorer, the assistant scorer, a timekeeper and operator of the 24-second rule. On some occasions, a commissioner is also present, who inspects all incidents during the match (scoring, time-outs and play, fouls, player substitutions) and draws up a match report.
Ring
Approximately It is located about 3.05 meters above the ground. In the hoop there is a net, thus taking on the appearance of a basket or basket.
Basketball court
The international fields They have a standard size of 28 by 15 metersthis is approximately 92 by 49 feet.
Meanwhile, the fields of the North American League (NBA) have the following measurements: 29 by 15 meters (approximately 94 by 50 feet).
Infractions or fouls in basketball
Touching the ball on purpose or hitting it with the fist, carrying the ball more than one step, being inside the delimited area for more than three seconds while holding the ball, knocking down or carrying a player and other game actions constitute contraventions, fouls or violations that result in a throw in favor of the opposing teamsometimes recovering control of the ball from their own area or taking a direct shot at the hoop or a free throw, from a line located 4.60 meters from the backboard containing the hoop.