Basketball

Over the past few years, basketball has been one of the fastest growing sports. It's fast, exciting, fun and exhausting!

You can play 'one on one' or a full court competition. All you need is a ball, a basketball hoop and backboard, a court and lots of energy.

In a normal game of basketball, you have 5 players each side; 2 guards, 2 forwards and a centre. You may have heard of specialist positions such as a 'point guard'. This usually occurs is the higher levels of competition and if you're just starting out, ask your coach or teacher which position they think you might be best suited for.

The aim of basketball is to get the ball down to your end of the court and shoot a basket to score points. A field shot is worth 2 points if shot within the 3 point line, and obviously worth 3 points if shot outside the 3 point line.

You must bounce the ball in your journey down the court and if you stop bouncing it, you either have to pass to one of your team mates or take a shot. Most of the passes used in basketball are chest passes and bounce passes.

You can't run outside the lines of the court, you have to get the ball over half way within ten seconds and once you go over half way, you can't go back. Once in your half, your team has 30 seconds in which to weave around the defence to get good positioning and shoot.

Obviously the defences job is to stop you shooting a basket and try to get the ball from you to get it into their basket. Limited body contact is allowed. If you are 'fouled' whilst taking a shot, you get to go to the 'free throw line' for 2 free shots. If you are fouled in general play, you get a pass from the side line and the person who fouled you is noted. If a person fouls more than 5 times, they are out of the game.

Player Positions

Point Guard When you are playing the point guard position you should know what your responsibilities are. Even if you are small for your age you should know what the center's job is just so that you have an idea of what he will be doing and where he will be playing.
Shooting Guard A shooting guard, or a 2, means basically what is says... they shoots. The shooting guard must be a good shooter and must be able to pass well. He/she also must be quick on their feet, like a point guard, to go after loose balls. The shooting guard of the team is the player who decides whether the team will win or lose, because shooting is one of the aspects of basketball that is off and on. This player must be able to make clutch and tough shots, or thread the needle when the team needs it most.
Small Forward The small forward, or 3, is the player that basically sets picks, throws alley-oops, and hits threes. He also must be able to rebound, without being the tallest on the team (being athletic may help this). Although arguably the least used player on the court, a good small forward is vital to a successful team. Good small forwards in the NBA are Glen Rice, Rick Fox, Vince Carter, and of course, the honorable MJ.
Power Forward Power Forward, or 4, involves the second tallest man on the team. The Power forward must be able to post-up well, grab offensive rebounds, and hit the open jumper. On the defensive end, they are expected to defend under the basket, and get key blocks. To be good at Power Forward, you have to have strength and hustle down the court. Being frustrated after someone scores on you will not solve anything. Great power forwards in the NBA are Chris Webber, Kevin Garnett and Dirk Nowiski.
Center The Center, or 5, usually is the tallest man on the team. The Center must be able to defend in the low block, and have a good post up move or 2. He also must have good rebounding and shot-blocking skills. A center is thought to be the slowest and least versitile on the team, so being quick or having a nice jump shot ( both things a center is not thought of having) will surprise the opposing center and wear him out during game play. Also, dont get caught for 5 seconds in the paint. Good Centers In the NBA are Shaquille O'Neal, Dikembe Mutombo And Hakeem Olajuwon

source: http://www.cybersydney.com.au