BASKETBALL

HISTORY
Basketball was invented by James Naismith in Springfield, Masschusetts, in 1891.
This game played by two teams of usually five players each on a rectangular court having
a raised basket or goal at each end, points being scored by tossing the ball through the
opponent's basket. The round, inflated ball, approximately 30 in.
( 76 cm) in circumference, used in this game.

Basketball Positions and Roles

Here are the five basic positions and their role in basketball,
1. CENTER - The center is usually the team’s tallest and strongest player and is
positioned under the basket. He is also required to be physically domineering with more
physical strength and athleticism. On the offensive play, most centers do not consistently
score midrange or beyond the arch. Instead, most of their points should be from offensive
rebounds and are also required to block defenders to open other players up for driving to
the basket. On the defense, the center is responsible for keeping the opponent from
shooting by blocking shots and passes in the vital area. They are also expected to fight for
rebounds as they are usually taller physically.
2. POWER FORWARD - Power Forwards are usually the second tallest in the
team and are the closest to the center in terms of physical attributes and playing style but
with more speed. They are often the most versatile player, being able to score in the paint
as well as being able to shoot from midrange. It will be more effective if they are able to
land a three-point consistently. Defensively, they are required to have the strength to
guard bigger players close to the basket.
3. SMALL FORWARD - The Small Forward is usually the shorter of the two
forwards on the team but plays the most versatile role out of the main five positions. He
must have enough height and the ability to play on the inside as well as agility to play on
the outside, like a shooting guard. Small Forwards are usually the second or third best
shooters on the team and should be able to do a little bit of everything on the court.

4. SHOOTING GUARD - Potentially the shortest player on the team, the

Shooting Guard is the team’s best outside shooter. Besides being able to shoot well, the
Shooting Guard needs to be good at dribbling fast, passing and having court vision by
seeing the court. He is also responsible for driving the ball down the court and setting
up offensive plays. A good Shooting Guard will be a threat to his opponent as he is able
to score from anywhere on the court.
 5. POINT GUARD. The Point Guard is usually the shortest but the best ball
handler on the team. Also known as the ‘coach on the floor’ or the ‘floor general’, a
point guard is responsible for directing plays. He needs to have good court vision to
create open shots for the receivers as well as drive the ball down the court and initiate
offensive plays. Point Guards need to have an excellent long-distance shooting, though
it’s not quite as crucial as for shooting guards, some point guards take as many shots as
shooting guards.

BASKETBALL SKILLS
The sport of basketball requires five basic skills. While some players might be more
experienced with some skills than others, it is best to have at least some ability in all five
areas.

I. DRIBBLING
Dribbling is an important skill for all basketball players. This skill will allow you to move
up and down the court, maneuver past defenders and execute plays. Proper dribbling
requires ball-handling skills and knowledge of how to spread your fingers for ball control.
It is also best if you know how to dribble equally well with both hands.
1. Low Dribble
As its name implies, low dribble just means that you must keep the ball bouncing low
nearest to the floor. This can effectively ensure the ball from guards.
2. Speed Dribble
Speed dribble is use when a player is not guarded heavily, he/she isn't forced to protect
the ball excessively. This gives him/her a good chance to make faster dribbling while
achieving some distance.
3. Change-Of-Pace Dribble
You go about this type of dribble by slowing down your motion that may be conceived as
stopping. This would well make the opponent think that you are stopping to pass the ball.

However, once you achieve the reaction from the opponent, you must be keen to
explode with speed then drive through the opponent.

4. Crossover Dribble
The usual dribble used to deflect the guarding player is the crossover dribble. It is
characterized by one-hand dribbling while pushing the ball in front. After which, the
offensive player would have to explode right through the opponent. While this is good for
achieving distance, it is also prone for steals.

II. SHOOTING
In order to score points in basketball, you need to shoot the ball into the hoop. This
requires the ability to properly hold and throw the ball into the air toward the basket
while avoiding defenders. Here are a few commonly used types of shooting in basketball.
1. Jump Shot - A jump shot is most frequently used for a mid to long-range shots,
including shooting beyond the arc. To achieve balance when facing the basket for a jump
shot, you have to take a wide stance, usually, shoulder width apart, bend your knees and
square your shoulders. Make a fluid, explosive upward leap and at the apex of the jump,
follow through by shooting the ball.
2. Hook Shot -- hook shot is when the shot is made while your body is not
directly facing the basket. To execute a hook shot, you need to face the basket sideways
so that your shooting hand dribbling the ball is facing away from the basket.
3. Bank Shot - A bank shot is when any shot made where the ball hits the
backboard before heading into the net
4. Free Throw - A free throw is a shot attempt given to a player that was fouled
and it is taken on the free throw line. The player must stay behind the free throw line
when taking the shot.

5. Layup
A layup is a shot made from short range by a player moving towards the basket. Usually,
utilizing the backboard if he approaches the hoop from an angle. This is also one of the
most basic and common way of scoring a basket in the game.

4 Steps to a Perfect Shot

1. B-- Balance. Keep feet shoulder- width apart with the foot on the shooting side of
the body toe-to- heel in front of the other foot; knees bent, hips square to target, and back
straight.
2. E -- Elbow in. ...
3. E -- Eyes on Target. ...

4. F-- Follow Through.

III. PASSING
Passing the ball in basketball requires touch, vision, dexterity and strength. Good
teams have players who look to pass the ball to the open player to take the ball to the
basket or get a good look for a jump shot. You can pass the ball effectively in several
ways:

1. Chest Pass
A chest pass is the most basic way to move the basketball from one player to another. If
you have an open teammate and there's little or no chance that an opponent will steal the
ball, the chest pass should work well. Hold the ball with both hands and pushing hard and
outward with your thumbs. Aim for the teammate's chest.

2. Bounce Pass
The bounce pass often is just as accurate as a chest pass and harder to defend. Hold the
ball at chest level and bounce it off the floor halfway between yourself and your
teammate. The defense may be anticipating a chest pass and often might not be ready for
a ball that bounces hard and comes in from a low angle.
3. Overhead Pass The overhead pass is often used as an outlet pass. Bring the
ball directly above your forehead with both hands on the side of the ball and follow
through. Aim for the teammate's chin. Some coaches advise not bring the ball to head,
because it can get stolen.

IV. REBOUND
A rebound is when a shot does not go in the net and bounces off to the rim or the backboard, into
the hands of a player below. Both offensive and defensive can rebound the ball and decide what
to do based on the situation they are in. On offense, the player can either pass or shot, while
defense a player a can either pass or dribble.