NATURE AND BACKGROUND OF BASKETBALL

Basketball is a team sport, wherein the objective is to shoot a ball through a

basket horizontally positioned to score points while following a set of rules. Usually, two
teams of five players play on a marked rectangular court with a basket at each width
end. Basketball is one of the world's most popular and widely viewed sports.

A regulation basketball hoop consists of a rim 18 inches in diameter and 10 feet high
mounted to a backboard. A team can score a field goal by shooting the ball through the
basket during regular play. A field goal scores two points for the shooting team if a
player is touching or closer to the basket than the three-point line, and three points
(known commonly as a 3-pointer or three) if the player is behind the three-point line.
The team with the most points at the end of the game wins, but additional time
(overtime) may be issued when the game ends with a draw. The ball can be advanced
on the court by bouncing it while walking or running (dribbling) or throwing (passing) it to
a team mate. It is a violation to move without dribbling the ball (travelling), to carry it, or
to hold the ball with both hands then resume dribbling (double dribble).

Various violations are generally called "fouls". Disruptive physical contact

(a personal foul) is penalized, and a free throw is usually awarded to an offensive player
if he is fouled while shooting the ball. A technical foul may also be issued when certain
infractions occur, most commonly for unsportsmanlike conduct on the part of a player
or coach. A technical foul gives the opposing team a free throw, and the opposing team
is also retained possession of the ball.

Basketball has evolved many commonly used techniques of shooting, passing,

dribbling, and rebounding, as well as specialized player positions and offensive and
defensive structures (player positioning) and techniques. Typically, the tallest members
of a team will play "center", "power forward" or "small forward" positions, while shorter
players or those who possess the best ball handling skills and speed play "point guard"
or "shooting guard".

While competitive basketball is carefully regulated, numerous variations of

basketball have developed for casual play. Competitive basketball is primarily an indoor
sport played on a carefully marked and maintained basketball court, but less regulated
variations are often played outdoors in both inner city and remote areas.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basketball
HISTORY
Basketball was invented in December 1891 by the Canadian clergyman,
educator, and physician James Naismith. Naismith introduced the game when he was
an instructor at the Young Men's Christian Association Training School (now Springfield
College) in Springfield, Massachusetts. At the request of his superior, Dr. Luther H.
Gulick, he organized a vigorous recreation suitable for indoor winter play. The game
involved elements of American football, soccer, and hockey, and the first ball used was
a soccer ball. Teams had nine players, and the goals were wooden peach baskets
affixed to the walls. By 1897-1898, teams of five became standard. The game rapidly
spread nationwide and to Canada and other parts of the world, played by both women
and men; it also became a popular informal outdoor game. U.S. servicemen in World
War II (1939-1945) popularized the sport in many other countries.

A number of U.S. colleges adopted the game between about 1893 and 1895. In
1934 the first college games were staged in New York City's Madison Square Garden,
and college basketball began to attract heightened interest. By the 1950s basketball
had become a major college sport, thus paving the way for a growth of interest in
professional basketball.

The first pro league, the National Basketball League, was formed in 1898 to
protect players from exploitation and to promote a less rough game. This league only
lasted five years before disbanding; its demise spawned a number of loosely organized
leagues throughout the northeastern United States. One of the first and greatest pro
teams was the Original Celtics, organized about 1915 in New York City. They played as
many as 150 games a season and dominated basketball until 1936. The Harlem
Globetrotters, founded in 1927, a notable exhibition team, specializes in amusing court
antics and expert ball handling.

In 1949 two subsequent professional leagues, the National Basketball League

(formed in 1937) and the Basketball Association of America (1946) merged to create the
National Basketball Association (NBA). The Boston Celtics, led by their center Bill
Russell, dominated the NBA from the late 1950s through the 1960s. By the 1960s, pro
teams from coast to coast played before crowds of many millions annually. Wilt
Chamberlain, a center for the Los Angeles Lakers, was another leading player during
the era, and his battles with Russell were eagerly anticipated. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar,
also a center, came to prominence during the 1970s. Jabbar perfected his famed "sky
hook" shot while playing for the Los Angeles Lakers and dominated the opposition.

The NBA suffered a drop in popularity during the late 1970s, but was
resuscitated, principally through the growing popularity of its most prominent players.
Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics, and Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers are
credited with injecting excitement into the league in the 1980s through their superior
skills and decade-long rivalry. During the late 1980s Michael Jordan of the Chicago
Bulls rose to stardom and helped the Bulls dominate the NBA during the early 1990s. A
new generation of basketball stars, including Shaquille O'Neal of the Orlando Magic and
Larry Johnson of the Charlotte Hornets, have sustained the NBA's growth in popularity.

In 1959 a Basketball Hall of Fame was founded in Springfield, Massachusetts. Its

rosters include the names of great players, coaches, referees, and people who have
contributed significantly to the development of the game.

Source: http://library.thinkquest.org/10615/no-frames/basketball/history.html

Appendix B. Basic skills in Basketball (How they are properly executed)

Shooting

The 1st basic skill to be learned is shooting. Every basketball player loves to shoot
the ball! The most practiced skill in the game is shooting. Players spend a good deal of
their practice time on shooting drills to improve their skill level. After all, if you can't
shoot - you can't score! So, heres how you can improve your shooting skills in
basketball:

Remember BEEF (Balance,Elbow, Elbow, Follow Through) when shooting the

ball.
Be relaxed and concentrate on the basket.
Know when you have a good shot and then take it.
Be in proper balance when shooting the ball.
Follow through on every shot you take.
Jump naturally.
Up, hang, shoot! is an easy way to remember this.
Make sure you have an arc on every shot you take.
Be relaxed when shooting free throws.
Source: The Form Trainer Arm Band
The Ultimate Basketball
Shooting Device @ yhst-
 Practice all of your shots.

Dribbling

Dribbling in basketball is a skill that you should master. It allows you to move around
the court while youre in possession of the ball. It is a legal method that allows you to
advance with the ball and make a score as opposed to that of passing it to a teammate
to shoot it for the basket. This move involves bouncing the ball off the floor with your
hands as you cover the floor. This is how its done:

ribble the ball with hand and use only the tips
of your finger in dribbling it.
Employ the wrist and the forearm to push
the ball while covering the court.
Dont involve the whole hand to avoid losing
control of the ball.
Dont keep your fingers in touch with
each other while dribbling.
Spread your fingers to allow full control
of the ball as it dribbles.
Dribble the ball in one side of your body
and not right in front.
While dribbling in one hand, use the other Source: Vector Clip Art Picture of
hand to drive your defender away from the ball. a Basketball Player Dribbling the Ball in

Passing

Basketball is a team game. By definition, that means all players are involved with the
process of playing the game and should function as one. One of the primary skills
created to accomplish this is passing. It is a skill that maximizes the involvement of all
player in setting up a play to earn successful shots and earn points for the whole team.
To learn more about passing, read and practice as instructed below:
Basically, there are two types of pass: air pass and bounce pass.
Air pass travels between players without hitting the floor.
Bounce pass is thrown to the floor so that
it bounces to the intended receiver.
Air passes include chest pass-a pass that originates
from the chest to the receivers chest level;
and overhead pass-a pass that originates
from the forehead.With this pass, aim for your Source: "Extract" 2.7.2 Zone Defence
(This is a Member's Only
Section). Basketball ...
 teammate's chin. Dont bring the ball behind
your head, because it can get stolen and it takes
a split-second longer to throw the pass.
In executing bounce passes, calculate about
3/3 distance from the receiver as the hitting point
so that the ball bounces right to your receiver.
But for better accuracy, you have to experiment
Source: basketball bounce pass.
by yourself because the bounce is directly
Bounce Pass Video Clip.
proportional with how strong the ball hits the floor.

A good pass is a pass a teammate can catch.

When passing, step toward your receiver.

When catching, step toward the pass.

Like shooting, the ball should have a backspin to it.
This is accomplished by following through on every Source: overhead basketball
pass. pass. Overhead Pass Video Clip.

Rebounding
Rebounding is one of the major aspects of the game. It is your ability to jump with
power to gain possession of the ball as it bounces to the rim after a failed shot before it
touches the floor. Just how important is rebounding? Whenever you grab a rebound,
your team gains a chance to shoot again while the other team actually loses it. The
difference is double. So, how to make a good rebound, heres how...

Practice good footwork and vertical leap or jumps.

Anticipate where the ball will land.
The longer the shot or the harder the rim,
the farther the bounces.
When a shooter is a soft shooter, this means
he always takes time to put an arc on his shots,
the ball bounces near the ring. Source: Vector Illustration: Basketball
When a shooter is a hard shooter, this means
theres a little or no arc on his shots, then the ball
bounces far from the ring.
Leg power and strong body are needed in rebounding
thats why it is essential that strength and power exercises
should be considered to conditioning your body.

Running

Running is one of the basic skills that a basketball player should possess. Because
in this sport, speed defines the best. Whether youre on the offensive or defensive side
of the game, passing, receiving, shooting or rebounding a ball, you always have to run
in any way possible. Here are some tips for you to improve your running skills:

Always have a good pair of playing shoes.

Always do a combination of dynamic stretching
and warm-up activities across the court before
going out to play a game. These exercises have
already been introduced to you when you were
in Grade 7 but in case you have forgotten
them already, here they are:

Dynamic Stretching

Toe Walk Shuffle

Heel Walk Back Pedal
Inch Walk Jogging
High Knees Carioca
Butt Kicks Jumping jacks

Source: Basic Conditioning Drills

Appendix C. Facilities and Equipment in Basketball

A. BASKETBALL COURT
 Source: High School / College Basketball Court Dimensions @ apollostemplates.com

Court Dimensions
The size of the court depends on the playing level. The size of the court for NBA and
College games is 94 feet long and 50 feet wide. It is smaller for High School and Junior
High.

The Backboard and Rim

The regulation height above the ground for the rim (hoop) is 10 feet, and the rim is 18
inches in diameter. Backboards are six feet wide (72 inches) by 42 inches tall, with the
inner square being 24 inches wide by 18 inches tall.

The Foul Line

For all size courts the 'foul line' is 15 feet in front of the backboard.

The Key
The key is 12 feet wide, and is the same for all basketball courts. The backboard
extends four feet out over the baseline into the key. A half circle of diameter 6 foot
extends from the foul line away from the basket to complete the key.

The 3-Point Line (Arc)

For NBA Basketball Courts the 3 point arc is 22 feet to the center of the rim on the sides
with a straight line extending out 16 feet 9 inches from the baseline. Past those points
the line extends out 23 feet 9 inches from the center of the rim.

Line Markings
All line markings on the floor are two inches wide and can vary in color.

B. BALL
The basket ball is an inflated sphere with an outer covering.
It is 75 to 78 cm in circumference and weighs 600-650 grams.
It must be made of leather in the official FIBA competitions.

C. BASKET
Also called goal. It is made up of horizontal circular metal rim
With a net hanging from it. It is mounted 3.05 m above floor level.

D. BACKBOARD
The rigid rectangular board behind the rim.
Standard widths are 24-42, 44:-48,
60-72.

E. SHOES
High-topped shoes

Sources:
http://www.topendsports.com/sport/basketball/equipment.htm
http://www.livestrong.com/article/376547-what-is-the-size-of-a-basketball
backboard/#ixzz2AHUW4eMI

Appendix D. Officiating Officials/Rules and Regulations in Basketball

THE OFFICIATING STAFF

The makeup of the officiating corps is strictly a matter of choice. The minimum number is five: a
referee, an umpire, a scorer, a timer and a shot-clock operator. In some cases, eight officials are
used in a lineup comprising a referee, two umpires, a shot-clock operator, two scorers and two
timers.

REFEREE IS OFFICIAL IN CHARGE

The reeree is the official that controls the game. He is the one who tosses the ball up for the
center jump at the start of the game and each overtime period. He duties range from inspecting
and approving all equipment before the game's starting time to approving the final score. In
between, the referee is responsible for the notification of each team three minutes before each
half is to begin and deciding matters of disagreement among the officials. The referee has the
power to make decisions on any point not specifically covered in the rules and even to forfeit the
game if necessary.

OFFICIALS CONDUCT GAME

During actual play, there is no practical difference between the referee and umpire(s). They are
equally responsible for the conduct of the game; and, because of the speed of play, their duties
are dictated essentially by their respective positions on the court from moment to moment. For
this reason, the rules specify that no official has the authority to question decisions made by
another official. The officials' control, which begins 30 minutes before starting time for men and
15 minutes for women and concludes with the referee's approval of the final score, includes the
power to eject from the court any player, coach or team follower who is guilty of flagrant
unsporting conduct. When the referee leaves the confines of the playing area at the end of the
game, the score is final and may not be changed.

As we pointed out earlier, jump balls occur only at the start of the game and all overtimes; but
officials still must concentrate upon throwing the ball up straight. At other times, play resumes
with a throw-in. The team that fails to get the ball after the first center jump will begin the
alternating process.

OFFICIALS' SIGNALS
When a foul occurs, the official is required by the rules to (a) signal the timer to stop the clock,
(b) designate the offender to the scorer and use his or her fingers to indicate the number of
free throws. When a team is entitled to a throw-in, an official must (a) signal what caused the
ball to become dead, (b) indicate the throw-in spot (except after a goal) and (c) designate the
team entitled to the throw-in.

DUTIES OF SCORERS AND TIMERS

Scorers must (a) record, in numerical order, names and numbers of all players, (b) record field
goals made and free throws made and missed, (c) keep a running summary of points scored,
(d) record fouls called on each player and notify officials when a player-disqualification or
bonus-free-throw situation arises, (e) record timeouts and report when a team' s allotted number
has been used, and (f) record when a squad member has been ejected for fighting. It is the
game-clock and shot-clock operators' responsibility to keep everyone abreast of key factors
while carrying out the timing regulations.

Source: http://www.hoopsvibe.com/basketball-training/articles/79171-basketball-
rules-officials--their-duties
GLOSSARY OF TERMS:

Air pass-a pass that travels between players without hitting the floor.

Assist-a pass that subsequently results in a goal being scored.

Back Court-the defensive zone for each team.

Back Pedal-a dynamic stretching exercise which is executed by running backward

wherein the heels are almost touching the buttocks.

Bounce pass-a kind of pass in Basketball wherein the ball is thrown to the floor so that
it bounces to the intended receiver.

Carioca-a dynamic stretching exercise which is the same with that of grapevine step in
dancing. It is executed through a step sideward followed by a cross-step in front, step
sideward and cross-step in rear. It may be done repeatedly. The difference with that of
grapevine is that it is executed with a bounce to achieve the stretching effect.
Chest pass-a pass that originates from the chest to the receivers chest level.
Defensive Play-a type of play in team sports particularly in basketball wherein the team
aims at preventing the opponents from shooting the ball or gaining possession of the
ball.
Defensive rebound-a rebound caught by defenders.

Double Team-when two defenders mark one attacker, usually their best player.

Dribbling-a Basketball basic skill that allows you to move around the court while youre
in possession of the ball. It is a legal method that allows you to advance with the ball
and make a score as opposed to that of passing it to a teammate to shoot it for the
basket. This move involves bouncing the ball off the floor with your hands as you cover
the floor.

Drive-an attacking move at full speed.

Dunk Shot-a spectacular scoring maneuver when a player jumps high, reaches above
the ring, and stuffs the ball down through the hoop.

Foul-an infraction or violation of the rules of a game.

Goal-Tending-an illegal play in which a player deflects a ball that is on the downward
path to the basket or that is already on the rim of the basket, carrying the penalty of an
automatic score when committed by the defense or nullifying the field goal when
committed by the offense.
High Knees-a dynamic stretching exercise which is executed by running forward, lifting
the knees until the upper leg is parallel to the ground, toes pointed downward.
Misconduct-an unbecoming behavior of a player contributing to the disturbance or
unusual flow of a game.

Offensive Play-a type of play in team sports particularly in basketball wherein the team
plays in possession of the ball aiming at earning points through shooting.

Overhead pass-a pass that originates from the forehead. With this pass, aim for your
teammate's chin, dont bring the ball behind your head, because it can get stolen and it
takes a split-second longer to throw the pass.

Passing-Basketball is a team game. By definition, that means all players are involved
with the process of playing the game and should function as one. One of the primary
skills created to accomplish this, is passing. It is a skill that maximizes the involvement
of all player in setting up a play to earn successful shots and earn points for the whole
team.

Rebounding -one of the major aspects of the game. It is your ability to jump with power
to gain possession of the ball as it bounces to the rim after a failed shot before it
touches the floor. Just how important is rebounding? Whenever you grab a rebound,
your team gains a chance to shoot again while the other team actually loses it.

Referee-the term used to refer to the officiating official in Basketball.

Running-one of the most basic skills that a basketball player should possess. Because
in this sport, speed defines the best. Whether youre on the offensive or defensive side
of the game, you always have to run in any way possible.

Shooting-this is the act o throwing the ball with an intention of getting into the ring or
basket to earn points. An offensive skill that every basketball player should master to
win a game Though it is the most practiced skill in the game, players should spend a
good deal of their practice time on shooting drills to improve their skill level.

Shuffle-a dynamic stretching exercise which is also called galop. A combination of step
and cut (displace) in one count. It may be done forward, backward and most commonly
sideward with one foot always leading.

Warm-Up Exercises-these are exercises which are composed of static and dynamic
movements intended to gradually increase heart rate at the same time prepare and
condition the body to more strenuous physical activities thereby preventing injuries from
happening.

Example of Referees Hand Signals: