Basketball Fundamentals: Skills, Defense & Rules

Basketball Player Positions

1. Point Guard or 'Playmaker'
2. Shooting Guard
3. Small Forward or Forward
4. Power Forward
5. Center

Pivoting Technique

Pivoting, or turning, requires you to keep one foot (your pivot foot) stationary while you turn or spin your body around on the ball of that pivot foot. This allows you to change direction while holding the ball, following specific movement rules.

Shooting Fundamentals

For more potential power when shooting a basketball, slightly bend your knees before the shot. Your dominant hand should grip the ball with fingers spread out, using your fingertips. Your other hand should support the ball on the side.

Executing a Layup

A layup is a two-point shot attempt typically made by leaping from below the hoop, laying the ball up near the basket, and using one hand to bounce it off the backboard and into the net.

Individual Defense Stance

To effectively stop the ball handler and prevent dribble penetration, start with a good defensive stance. Stand with your feet apart and knees bent. Keep your weight balanced and on the balls of your feet. You must be ready to move quickly in any direction while watching the ball handler. Be prepared to steal a pass or block a shot.

Team Defensive Strategies

Zone Defense

In Zone defense, players cover specific positions or areas of the court. Guards usually play near the top of the key, forwards play closer to the basket on opposite sides, and the center typically plays in the middle of the key.

Man-to-Man Defense

In Man-to-Man defense, each player is responsible for guarding one specific player on the opposing team, following them wherever they go on the court. This defense is often used when a team has skilled athletes that match up well against opponents in terms of strength, speed, and height.

Common Basketball Violations

• Double Dribble: Occurs when a player stops dribbling, holds the basketball, and then starts dribbling again (they must pass or shoot instead). Also occurs when a player dribbles the ball with two hands simultaneously.
• Traveling: Occurs if a player moves both feet without bouncing the ball. It also happens when you move your pivot foot after stopping your dribble. Jumping and landing without shooting or passing the ball is also considered traveling.
• Over-and-Back: Called when an offensive player with the ball crosses over the midcourt line into the frontcourt and then crosses back into the backcourt with the ball.