Two teams, each with 5 players on the court at a time.
Teams usually have substitutes who can rotate in during stoppages.
Each team tries to score points by shooting the ball into the opponent's basket.
NBA: 4 quarters of 12 minutes each.
FIBA/International: 4 quarters of 10 minutes each.
Half-time: Usually 15 minutes (after 2nd quarter).
Overtime: Played if the game is tied at the end of regulation (5 minutes per OT period).
3 points: shot made from beyond the 3-point arc.
2 points: shot made inside the 3-point arc.
1 point: free throw.
The game starts with a jump ball at center court.
Possession alternates via possession arrow (in FIBA) or jump balls (in NBA for held balls).
Play restarts with inbounds passes after fouls, timeouts, or out-of-bounds.
Teams must attempt a shot within:
24 seconds (NBA/FIBA).
The shot must hit the rim or it’s a shot clock violation.
Traveling: moving with the ball without dribbling.
Double dribble: dribbling, stopping, then dribbling again.
Carrying: illegal dribble where hand is under the ball.
Backcourt violation: once the ball crosses midcourt, it can’t go back.
3-second rule: offensive player can’t stay in the key (paint) more than 3 seconds.
Personal foul: illegal physical contact (e.g., pushing, holding).
Team fouls: after a certain number (usually 5 per quarter), the opposing team gets free throws.
Shooting foul: if a player is fouled while shooting, they get free throws (2 or 3 depending on the shot).
Technical foul: unsportsmanlike behavior (arguing, misconduct).
Disqualifying foul (Flagrant): dangerous or aggressive play; can lead to ejection.
Awarded after shooting fouls or certain technical/flagrant fouls.
Each successful free throw is worth 1 point.
Teams get a limited number of timeouts per game to strategize or rest.
Length and number of timeouts vary by league (e.g., NBA vs FIBA).
The team with the most points at the end of regulation wins.
If tied, overtime is played until a winner is determined.
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