What are your views about basketball? Is it limited only to the goal and the score? If yes, then wake up to reality!

Like other games, even basketball has its own unique set of rules that ensure its proper functioning.

Knowing the guidelines can help you play the game properly and smoothly, whether you are a regular or seasonal player. If not, there are chances for the intricacies to rise in the game. So, let's look at the rules and regulations of basketball.

Read the blog till the end to explore more.

History of the Basketball Game - The Origin

As per Wikipedia, the basketball game was introduced by Dr James Naismith in 1891 in Springfield, Massachusetts, to condition young athletes during the cold months of December. It was created to keep athletes in shape during the year's cold months. He created it to keep the people active even during the winter seasons.

Initially, the game was played with a soccer ball shot onto an elevated track, and points were scored simultaneously. However, this simple sport attracted several souls, and within very little time, the game has evolved into a fast-paced world and thus become popular.

What Were the Original Rules of the Basketball Game?

Initially, Naismith specifically designed some rules for the basketball game, which were later modified. Here are a few:

  • The ball must be held in between or in the hands of the individuals without letting the shoulder be involved in holding the ball.

  • The ball can be thrown in any direction with any of the hands.

  • Even the ball can be batted with any hands on either side.

  • The player cannot run while holding the ball and can throw it from one spot to another spot on which he catches it. The allowance can be made for the man who catches the ball while running at a good speed.

  • In terms of players' welfare, no shouldering, pushing, tripping, or striking the opponent is allowed to prevent the person from the injury beforehand.

  • Striking the ball with the fist is considered a foul.

  • If the teammates make three consecutive fouls, the opponents may count it as a goal.

  • If the ball is shot and rests on the net, it is considered a goal, and if the opponent moves it from there, even then, it is regarded as a goal.

  • The umpire is regarded as the judge of the game, and if three consecutive fouls are made, he is responsible for reporting them to the referee.

What Were the Original Rules of the Basketball Game?

Later, the rules of basketball games were modified and evolved, and some new rules were created.

Game Play Rules

The game's rules are as follows: The ball begins with a jump ball at the centre court. Players must start dribbling the ball when they start playing. Players can pass the ball to their teammates to advance it and create scoring opportunities. To score points, players are responsible for shooting the ball into the hoop of the opponent players. Only twelve were allowed in the game, five in the game, and the other seven as substitutes.

Basic Rules

The basic rule of the game is to score the maximum number of points compared to the opponent team. Each team has five players on the field and seven substitutes. The game consists of four quarters, lasting 10-12 minutes each, depending on the league.

Scoring Rules

The scoring rules of the basketball games are also as follows. The points are allocated based on shots made. Two points are allotted for the shots made inside the three-point line. Meanwhile, two points are allotted for shots made beyond the three-point line.

Fouls

There are several circumstances under which the game is considered as foul. Physical contact interfering with the opponent's movements is considered foul, for example, hitting, pushing, and slapping.

Apart from the physical touches, unsportsmanlike conduct, such as delays in the game, arguing with officials, etc., are also considered fouls. To some extent, fouls are allowed even, and only after a few minutes are the opposing teams rewarded with free throws.

Substitutes

The substitute rules in the game are somewhat liberal. You can choose a substitute at any time in between or after the game. Even during the stoppages, you can select or replace them with the substitutes in the game.

Overtimes and Timeouts 

Overtimes are allowed in the game based on the time tied at the end of the regulation matches. At least five minutes of additional duration is extended to play the game and determine the winner. Even overtime and timeouts are also there a certain amount of time outs per game. However, timeouts can be used to strategize and stop the clock.

Game Violations

A person is set to have violated the rules of the game when moving out the dribbling ball, double dribbling, shot clock, backcourt violation, five-second violation, and three-second violation in the game.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Rules and Regulations of the Basketball Game?

The basic rules of basketball are as follows.

  • You must shoot the ball into the opponent's hoop to score higher points.

  • A free throw is worth one point in the game.

  • A basket made within the three points is worth two points, and outside the basket is worth three.

How Many Original Rules of Basketball Are There?

Overall, basketball consists of ten rules minimum. The ten are the solid rules, with subdivisions that should be calculated.

Who Invented the Basketball Game?

James Naismith invented the basketball game. He was the one who designed its rules and wrote them in 1891 by James Smith.

The following are the rules and regulations of basketball. Adhering to them ensures the smooth functioning of the game. So what are you waiting for? Tie the laces and start ruining the court with amazing shouts and applause.

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Thank you!