The Rules of Basketball

James Naismith only had 13 original rules of basketball. They must have been fine considering that he created basketball. However, man just has to tinker with everything and basketball rules have not been spared. Over the years basketball rules have evolved so much that it is hard to keep up with all the rules.

Think about the pick up games that have different rules depending on the weather, players and the day of the week. Who really knows all the rules? European basketball and NBA basketball have different rules too. However, a few main rules still exist.

1. Number of players in Basketball

One of the first rules to change was the number of players that a team could field in a game. The original rules had 9 players but were soon changed to 5 players. This had the effect of demanding physically fit basketball players.

No team shall be reduced to less than five players even if all the substitutes have been suspended. The starting line up should also be given 10 minutes before each game.

2. Scoring in Basketball

A field goal is scored when a live ball enters the basket from above and remains in or passes through the net. This has not changed much over the years and is the main objective in basketball. Getting more baskets to go through the net than your opponent.

The value of the basket depends on the area from which the basketball player shot the ball. If it was during a free throw, it is scored as one point, if within the area inside the three point line, then its two points and all other baskets outside the three point line is scored as three points.

The difference in this rule is the where the three point line is located. Some leagues have it closer than others.

3. Kicking the Ball

In basketball, any time the defensive player’s leg or foot gets in contact with the ball, the offensive team is awarded a new possession. This applies whether the defensive player intentionally kicked the ball or not.

4. Running with the Basketball

A basketball player should not be running around with the ball. Dribbling which was introduced in 1901 is instead allowed. It would actually look quite funny if one was to see a player running with the ball hidden under his shirt as was the case with the Harlem Globetrotters. It is my view that allowing this rule would greatly enhance the sales of sports drinks during a basketball game.

Other basketball rules that are important include charging which is when an offensive player comes in physical contact with a defensive player after the defensive player has established a legal guarding position. Rules governing the number of substitutes depend on the basketball association regulating the game. You can find all the rules governing the NBA at their official website.

With the constantly changing basketball rules, it has become a challenge for fans and players alike to keep up with the game. It is not surprising to find two different versions on a rule from different people. The original rules were simple to understand but the current rules are so many that they need serious study. That could be the reason why referees are highly paid.

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