A traditional, five-on-five basketball game starts with a jump ball at center court. One player from each team stands within the center court circle. The eight other players stand around the outside of the circle and wait for the official to throw the ball up. The two players inside the circle try to outjump each other and tip the ball to a teammate.
Offensive Rules
If a team has the ball, they are on the offensive side of the ball. The ball must be dribbled with one hand. If a player is dribbling the ball and then stops, the ball must either be passed to a teammate or shot at the hoop. The ball cannot be dribbled once the player has stopped dribbling. This is a double dibble violation. The defensive team is then awarded the ball. While the ball is being dribbled, the dribbling hand must stay on top of the ball. If the hand comes underneath the ball and is then dribbled again, a carrying violation is called and the other team is awarded the ball. Players must always dribble the ball. If a player runs or walks with the ball without dribbling, that is traveling and the other team is awarded the ball.
When a player has the ball, she is allowed to pivot on one foot. If the pivot foot moves or changes, a traveling violation is called and the other team is awarded the ball.
While the offensive team has the ball, no players can stand in the free throw lane for more than three seconds. A three-second violation is called and the defensive team is awarded the ball.
If a player on the offensive teams attempts to set a screen on an opponent, she must stand still and not lean or push the opposing defender. An illegal screen is called and the defensive team is awarded the ball.
Once the ball passes the half court line, it cannot go back over that line. If so, an over-and-back violation is called and the defensive team is awarded the ball.
Defensive Rules
The goal of playing defense is to prevent the other team from throwing the ball into the hoop. While playing defense, holding, grabbing, pushing or bumping are all considered fouls. If the offensive player is in the act of shooting while getting fouled, will shoot free throws. The number of free throws depends on where the player was on the court when she was fouled. If she was behind the three-point line, three free throw shots are awarded. If she was inside the three-point line, only two shots are awarded. If the offensive player makes the shot that she was attempting, only one free throw is awarded.
A foul is any act that impedes the momentum of any player on the opposite team.
If the ball is held by members of both teams for three seconds, a jump ball is awarded. The winner of the jump ball is determined by the possession arrow. The possession arrow changes each time a jump ball occurs or a quarter or half ends. The possession arrow is initially determined by who wins the starting jump ball. The team that does not win the opening tip-off is awarded the possession arrow.
Miscellaneous Rules
If a player is trying a shot at the goal, she is able to take 1-1/2 steps before shooting or passing the ball. The player must be dribbling and making an honest attempt at the goal.
A player can not throw the ball up in the air and then catch the same throw before anybody else in the court touches the ball. A traveling violation is called. The only time that this is acceptable is if the offensive player attempts a shot at the hoop.
The ball must be thrown in from the out of bounds area after any violation, made basket or time out.
