The object of the game of basketball is to outscore one's opponents by throwing the ball through the opponents' basket from above while preventing the opponents from doing so on their own. An attempt to score in this way is called a shot. A successful shot is worth two points.

There are five main positions on the court

Shooting guard - It will be no surprise to hear that the main job of a shooting guard is to score. Often referred to as the two guard or the off guard. They are the main shooter in the team but it is usually from long distance. They like nothing better than to bang in a 3-pointer.

Small forward - The small forward is probably just as important as the point guard. Many offensive moves begin from this position. They are also called point forward. As well as not being the tallest player, shooting is a large part of their game. But they will also be heavily involved with defensive duties.

Centre - The centre is likely to be the tallest player on the court. Their job is based at both ends of the court with defending and offence. They will look to score from close to the basket and also block shots and deal with rebounds. They will often be called 'the big man' or post player.

Power forward - The power forward plays a strong physical game, specialising on the rebounds and defence. They are also called a post player. Because of the nature of the job, they will spend much of the game close to the basket.

Point guard - The point guard is one of the most important positions on the court for the team's offence. They are also called the lead guard or one guard. They direct play going forward and decide which moves the team should make.

It is every player's responsibility to try and stop the opposition from scoring. And every player can push forward to try and make that all-important basket. Different players will possess a variety of skills. Shooting, passing or defending for example.

Depending on how well the team are getting on, the coach will want different players with certain jobs on the court at any one time.

Scoring

3-point line

The number of points scored depends on where the player is when they are shooting. The highest number of points is when a basket is scored from outside the 3-point line. As well as being rewarded with a loud noise from the spectators, there will also be three points added to your team's score.

Inside three-pt line

Any goals not scored from the free throw line or from outside the three-point line will be worth two. This is the most common way of scoring in a game.

Free throw line - A free throw from the free-throw line is worth one point. It is an unchallenged shot at the basket. And this is awarded after a technical foul, or a personal foul on a player in the act of shooting.

Basketball restrictions

24-second rule - There are a number of time restrictions that dictates how long a team or player has to do a particular move. This is the first of four time rules. After a team gains possession of the ball, they have 24 seconds to shoot. Possession is handed to the other team if they fail to do so.

8-second rule - After the attacking team gains possession of the ball in their own half, they have eight seconds to move the ball into the opposition's half. Otherwise they will lose possession.

5-second rule - There is also a time limit when it comes to throw-ins or free throws.
These must be taken within five seconds.

3-second rule - A player can only be in the opposition's restricted area - or the key - for three seconds. A foul will be called if the player does not leave within those three seconds.

Time-outs - Play can be stopped for coaches to discuss new tactics and game plans with the players. They can last for a maximum of one minute. Each team can have one time-out in each quarter and two in the last quarter. Although only one is available in overtime.

Personal fouls in basketball

Holding - This is the first of eight personal fouls. This is when personal contact is made with an opponent which restricts their movement.

Illegal guarding from the rear - Where a defending player makes contact with an opponent from behind.

Blocking - This covers any sort of contact between two players where an opponent's movements are impeded.

Pushing - This foul is called when a player moves or attempts to move an opponent with force.

Even if they do not have control of the ball.

Illegal screening - An attempt to slow down or stop an opponent who does not have control of the ball.

Hand checking - When a defending player uses their hands on an opponent to slow their progress.

Charging - When a player, with or without the ball, pushes or moves into an opponent.

Illegal use of hands - When contact is made by a player's hand on an opponent when they are attempting to play the ball.

Miscellaneous fouls in basketball

Technical foul - This covers such things as bad language and other unsportsmanlike conduct. A free throw is awarded to the other team.

Disqualifying foul - This is called if a player commits a serious foul, such as striking an opponent. They will be dismissed immediately from the game.

Five-foul rule - If a player commits five fouls, either personal or technical, they must leave the game and can not return. They can be replaced by a substitute.

Team foul - This is called when a team has committed five fouls - personal or technical - in any one period. The opposing team is awarded with two free throws.

Violation - A violation of the rules covers such things as an illegal dribble or spending more than three seconds in the restricted area. A foul is awarded with possession handed to the opposition. This will usually be a throw-in.