Basketball Rules: Scoring, Fouls, and Gameplay Explained

Basketball: Basic Rules

Each team consists of 12 players, with 5 players on the court at any given time.

Scoring System

• Free Throw: 1 point.
• Inside the 6.25m line: 2 points.
• Outside the 6.25m line: 3 points.

The team with the most points wins. In the event of a tie, overtime periods of 5 minutes are played until a winner is determined. The standard game duration is 4 quarters of 10 minutes each.

Allowed Actions

1. Dribbling the ball while moving.
2. Playing the ball with your hands to score in the basket while avoiding violations.

Prohibited Actions (Violations)

All violations result in a turnover and possession for the opposing team.

• Traveling: Running with the ball without dribbling, or lifting the pivot foot before releasing the ball.
• Double Dribble: Dribbling with both hands simultaneously, or catching the ball after a dribble and starting to dribble again.
• Backcourt Violation: Returning the ball to the backcourt after crossing into the offensive half.
• 5-Second Rule: Time limit to inbound or pass the ball.
• 24-Second Rule: Maximum time allowed for a team to attempt a shot.
• 3-Second Rule: Offensive player remaining in the restricted area for more than 3 seconds.
• 8-Second Rule: Maximum time to cross the mid-court line.
• Kicking: Intentionally touching the ball with the legs or feet.
• Out of Bounds: Stepping on or over the boundary lines while in possession of the ball.

Personal Fouls

Occur when a player touches, pushes, or hits an opponent.

• Penalty: Possession awarded to the opposing team from the nearest sideline or baseline.
• Free Throws: Two free throws if fouled while shooting; three free throws if fouled beyond the 6.25m line.
• And-One: If a basket is made during a foul, the points count and an additional free throw is awarded.
• Foul Limit: A player who accumulates 5 personal fouls must leave the game and be replaced by a teammate.

Team Fouls

Once a team reaches 4 fouls in a period, all subsequent non-shooting fouls are penalized with 2 free throws.

Unsportsmanlike Fouls

Intentional or aggressive fouls are counted as personal fouls. They are penalized with 2 free throws and possession of the ball for the offended team.

Technical Fouls

Assessed for lack of respect toward opponents or referees. These count as personal fouls and are penalized with 1 free throw (if on the court) or 2 free throws (if directed at the bench), plus possession of the ball.