The game is played with 2 teams. Each team consists of 5 players on the court at a time. The object of the game is to outscore your opponent by shooting the ball into your basket and preventing them from putting the ball into theirs. The ball can be advanced up the floor with the hands only, either by dribbling or passing to teammates.
Teams are assigned a basket at which to shoot for the first half, and they switch ends at half-time. The game begins with a jump ball at center court between one player from each team. Other players line up in alternating fashion around the center circle. Once the ball is touched by either player, the game begins. The team in possession of the ball is on offense and takes the ball toward their basket to score against their opponent who is on defense.
Dribbling: advancing the ball up the court by bouncing it with one hand.
Passing and catching: moving the ball around the court by throwing it to teammates.
Shooting: putting the ball through the hoop.
Rebounding: gaining possession of the ball from a missed shot that bounces off the backboard or rim.
Jumping: an important skill used in rebounding, shooting, and blocking shots.
Defending: keeping the opponent with the ball from scoring.
Moving without the ball: to get open for a pass or shot, players must break away from their defenders and cut to openings on the court.
Postions:
Point Guard (PG)
Shooting Guard (SG)
Small Forward (SF)
Power Forward (PF)
Center (C)
Points are scored any time the ball goes through the basket:
3 points = shot made beyond the 3-pt line
2 points = shot made from anywhere else on the court
1 point = free throw