KEY RULES IN BASKETBALL

Basketball is a fast-paced and dynamic sport enjoyed by millions around the world.
Whether played at the professional level or on a neighborhood court, the game is governed by a set of essential rules designed to ensure fair play, structure, and excitement.

In the National Basketball Association (NBA), teams are allowed seven timeouts, each of 1 minute, 15 seconds. There is no limit on substitutions. In overtime periods, each team is allowed two timeouts. A timeout can only be requested by a player in the game or the head coach, and only when the ball is dead or in control of the team making the request. If a request for a timeout is made with none remaining, the offending team is assessed a technical foul and loses possession.

In each quarter, there are two mandatory timeouts. If no team has taken a timeout prior to 6:59 of the period, then the next time the ball is dead, the official scorer calls a timeout and charges it to the home team. If no subsequent timeouts have been taken prior to 2:59 of the period, the official scorer declares it and charges it to the team not previously charged. The first and second timeouts in a quarter are extended to 2:45 for locally televised games and 3:15 for nationally televised games, to accommodate advertising.

Here’s a breakdown of the key rules in basketball:
1. Basic Objective: The primary goal in basketball is to score points by shooting the ball through the opposing team’s hoop. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins. Each team consists of five players on the court at a time.



2. Game Duration: A standard basketball game is divided into quarters. In the NBA, there are four 12-minute quarters, while in FIBA (international) play, each quarter lasts 10 minutes. College basketball in the U.S. uses two 20-minute halves.

3. Starting the Game: The game begins with a jump ball at center court. The referee tosses the ball into the air, and one player from each team jumps to tip it to a teammate.

4. Scoring Field Goal: A basket made during normal play is worth 2 points if shot inside the three-point line, or 3 points if shot from beyond the arc. Free Throw: Awarded after certain fouls, each free throw is worth 1 point.

5. Dribbling and Movement Players must dribble (bounce) the ball while moving. Double dribble: Occurs if a player stops dribbling, then starts again, or uses both hands to dribble simultaneously. Traveling: Called when a player takes too many steps without dribbling the ball.


6. Time Violations24-Second Shot Clock (NBA): A team must attempt a shot within 24 seconds of gaining possession.8-Second Rule: Teams have 8 seconds to advance the ball past half-court.5-Second Rule: A player has 5 seconds to inbound the ball or to make a move when closely guarded.3-Second Rule: An offensive player cannot remain in the key (paint area) for more than 3 seconds.

7. Fouls: Involves illegal physical contact, such as hitting, pushing, or holding.