Basketball is played five against five, and teams score by shooting the ball through a hoop 10 feet above the floor. A basket inside the three-point line is worth two points, a basket beyond it is worth three, and each free throw is worth one. The core rules are similar at every level, but game length, shot clocks, three-point distance and foul limits differ between the NBA, FIBA international play, college and high school. Knowing these basics makes the game easier to play, coach and watch.
The Basics of the Game
Each team tries to score in its own offensive basket while preventing the other team from scoring. Players move the ball by dribbling or passing, and they cannot run with the ball without dribbling. The team with the most points when time expires wins. If the score is tied, the game goes to overtime, usually five minutes in the NBA, college and FIBA play and four minutes in most high school games.
Scoring
| Shot | Points |
|---|---|
| Field goal inside the three-point arc | 2 |
| Field goal beyond the three-point line | 3 |
| Free throw | 1 |
A shot counts as a three only if the shooter’s feet are behind the line when he leaves the floor. Stepping on the line makes it a two-point attempt.
Game Length, Shot Clock and Three-Point Distance
| Level | Game length | Shot clock | Three-point distance (top of arc) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NBA | 4 quarters of 12 minutes | 24 seconds | 23 feet 9 inches (22 feet in the corners) |
| WNBA and FIBA | 4 quarters of 10 minutes | 24 seconds | About 22 feet 1.75 inches (6.75 meters) |
| NCAA men | 2 halves of 20 minutes | 30 seconds | 22 feet 1.75 inches |
| NCAA women | 4 quarters of 10 minutes | 30 seconds | 22 feet 1.75 inches |
| High school (NFHS) | 4 quarters of 8 minutes | 35 seconds where states adopt it | 19 feet 9 inches |
Common Violations
Violations are rule breaks that give the ball to the other team without free throws.
- Traveling: Moving the pivot foot improperly or taking too many steps without dribbling.
- Double dribble: Dribbling with both hands at once, or stopping a dribble and then starting a new one.
- Carrying or palming: Letting the ball rest in the hand while dribbling, often by turning the hand under the ball.
- Backcourt violation: Returning the ball to the backcourt after it has crossed half court.
- Three seconds: An offensive player staying in the lane for more than three seconds while his team has the ball.
- Shot clock violation: Failing to attempt a shot that hits the rim before the shot clock expires.
- Time limits to advance: Not getting the ball past half court within 8 seconds in the NBA, WNBA and FIBA, or 10 seconds in NCAA and most high school games.
- Five seconds on inbounds: Not releasing an inbound pass within five seconds.
- Goaltending: Touching a shot on its downward path toward the basket or while it is above the rim, as defined by the rules for each level.
Fouls
Fouls involve illegal physical contact or unsportsmanlike behavior. A personal foul is illegal contact such as pushing, holding, hacking or blocking. A shooting foul gives the shooter free throws: two for a missed two-point attempt, three for a missed three-point attempt, and one if the shot goes in, often called an and-one. Offensive fouls, such as charging into a set defender or setting a moving screen, give the ball to the defense. Technical fouls cover unsportsmanlike conduct and certain administrative violations, and flagrant or unsportsmanlike fouls involve excessive or unnecessary contact.
Players are disqualified after reaching a foul limit: six personal fouls in the NBA and five in FIBA, NCAA and high school play. Teams also have team foul limits, after which non-shooting fouls lead to free throws, called the bonus or penalty. The exact thresholds vary by level.
Starting and Restarting Play
Most games begin with a jump ball at center court, where an official tosses the ball up between two players who try to tap it to a teammate. After that, many levels use an alternating possession arrow to decide which team gets the ball in later held-ball situations, while the NBA uses jump balls throughout the game. After a made basket, the defending team inbounds the ball from under the basket. After violations and most fouls, play restarts with an inbound pass from the sideline or baseline near where the infraction occurred.
The Court
A regulation court in the NBA and NCAA measures 94 feet long and 50 feet wide, while FIBA courts are 28 by 15 meters, and many high school courts are 84 feet long. Key markings include the half-court line, the three-point arc, the free throw line 15 feet from the backboard in U.S. play, and the lane, also called the key or paint. Many levels also mark a restricted area arc under the basket, where secondary defenders generally cannot draw charging fouls.
Officials and Their Role
Games are run by officials, usually two or three depending on the level. They call fouls and violations, manage the clock with the timekeeper, and enforce sportsmanship. At higher levels, instant replay can be used to review certain plays. Understanding how officials apply the rules helps players and coaches adjust during games.
Positions and Substitutions
The rules do not require specific positions, but teams traditionally use a point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward and center. Substitutions are allowed during stoppages in play, and there is generally no limit on how many times a player can enter or leave the game. Each level sets its own rules for timeouts, including how many each team receives and when they can be called.
How to Learn the Rules Step by Step
- Start with scoring and time. Understand how points are earned and how game clocks and shot clocks work.
- Learn the main violations. Traveling, double dribble, backcourt and three seconds come up most often.
- Understand fouls. Learn the difference between shooting fouls, offensive fouls and team fouls.
- Know your level. Check whether you play under NBA, FIBA, NCAA or NFHS rules, and learn the differences.
- Watch games with the rules in mind. Notice when officials call violations and fouls, and why.
- Read the rulebook. Official rulebooks are available from each governing body and answer specific questions.
Rulebook note: This page summarizes common rules. Official rules are published by the NBA, FIBA, NCAA and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), and many state associations and youth leagues adopt their own modifications. Rules change periodically, so always check the current rulebook for your level of play.
Common Misunderstandings
- Thinking every step with the ball is traveling. Players are allowed a gather and a set number of steps depending on the level.
- Assuming the three-point line is the same everywhere. The distance varies between the NBA, college, FIBA and high school.
- Believing all contact is a foul. Incidental contact that does not give an advantage is often allowed.
- Confusing violations and fouls. Violations are rule breaks without contact; fouls involve illegal contact or conduct.
- Forgetting the shot clock rules differ. Some high school associations still play without one.
- Ignoring team fouls. The bonus can decide close games.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players are on the court for each team?
Five players per team are on the court at a time, and teams can substitute freely during stoppages.
How many fouls does it take to foul out?
Six personal fouls in the NBA, and five in FIBA, NCAA and most high school games.
How tall is a basketball hoop?
The rim is 10 feet above the floor at nearly every level, although many youth leagues use lower hoops for young players.
