10 Absolute Rules of Basketball
Basketball, overall, is a relatively simple game. While there are a number of minuscule rules, whether official or unofficial, overall basketball is a relatively simple game to learn and to play. However, there are a number of rules which are paramount to the game and understanding those rules will help you to be a better overall basketball player.
Below, we are going to discuss the 10 absolute rules of basketball. While there are definitely more than just ten rules to the game of basketball, we believe that these 10 rules are the basics and fundamental rules to the game and understanding them will enhance your overall basketball skills and play.
In addition, understanding the 10 absolute rules of basketball will not only make the game more fun, but will also ensure that you receive all the benefits associated with the game.
The Basic Rules of the Game
The basic rules of a basketball game can vary dependent on the level of play. For example, the rules of the NBA differ slightly than those of the college game which may differ slightly from those of the high school game. However, there are some basic rules of basketball that are present throughout any stage of the game.
The first is, most notably, dribbling. The player with the ball, the offensive player, must dribble or bounce the ball with one hand while moving both feet. If, at any time, the player stops dribbling or both hands touch the ball, the player cannot resume dribbling unless they first pass or shoot the ball.
Similarly, while an offensive player is dribbling the ball, their hand must remain on-top of the basketball. If the players hand touches or cups the underbody of the ball, they must hold the ball in their possession and stop dribbling. If they continue to dribble, they will be charged with a double dribble.
In addition to dribbling, one of the most basic rules of basketball is that the ball must remain inbounds. If the ball goes out of bounds, whether intentionally or not, the team who last touched the ball loses possession of the basketball to the other team.
When it comes to basic rules of the game, another one has to do with winning the game. To win a game of basketball, the team with the most points at the end of regulation shall be declared the winner. However, if the score is tied, the game will continue to overtime. Overtime allows both teams additional time to score more points in an attempt to beat the other teams score.
Basic Point Rules of Basketball
Overall, the point systems in basketball are relatively simple and straightforward. Any shot made from within the inbound line beneath the basketball rim to the three-point circumference will be counted as two points. Similarly, any shot attempt made past the three-point circumference will be counted as three points. This includes any shot a couple of inches past the three-point line to any shot well behind the three-point line.
In addition to a two and three-point shot, there are free throw shots that need to be taken into consideration. A free throw shot is a shot taken at the free throw line after a defensive player has committed a foul on an offensive player.
Dependent on the foul and whether or not the defensive team is over the foul limit, this foul would place the offensive player on the free throw line. On the free throw line, the offensive player will be given one, two, or three shot attempts, with each successful attempt earning one point.
Clock Limit Rules
In addition to shooting rules and point rules, there are clock limit rules that must be taken into consideration. One of the basic rules of basketball is the shot clock. The shot clock was originally introduced to the game to increase the flow of gameplay and decrease a hogging of the ball by the offensive team.
For professional leagues, the shot clock is set to 24-seconds. This means that the offensive team has a full 24-seconds to make a shot attempt. The shot attempt must be released from the palm of the player within 24-seconds and shall only be reset if the ball successfully touches the rim and the offensive team secures an offensive rebound.
In addition to shot clock limits, there are additional time limits on inbounding the basketball, shooting the basketball from the free throw line, dribbling the ball past the half-court line, and other clock limit rules. These rules were put in place to encourage faster play.
Defensive Basketball Rules
Overall, when playing defense, the rules mainly consist to limit the contact placed on the offensive player by the defensive player. While some contact is allowed, defensive players are limited to the amount of contact they may place. This generally means that the defensive player is unable to reach-in to the offensive players space nor are they allowed to push the offensive player.
Similarly, defensive players have rules in place even when defending players without the ball. This includes not pulling, pushing, shoving, or tripping any offensive player. Defensive players are also not allowed to run into other players, nor are they allowed to poke or hurt another player.
Basketball Rules for all Players
Within the 10 absolute rules of basketball, no player is allowed to kick the ball or hit the ball with their feet. The ball may only be moved through dribbling the ball or passing the ball to another player. Any use of a player’s feet shall constitute a kickball and will result in a turnover.
When the ball is shot, no player is allowed to touch the ball on its downward descent to the rim. This will be called a goaltending foul and will result in a turnover by the offensive team or a made shot by the defensive team. The ball, once shot, is not allowed to be interfered with.