Basketball
Basketball is the perfect game for some people because it requires some athletic skill, but not so much that you’re on the verge of injury. It can be played by anyone and everyone, no matter your skill level or age. You might find that you enjoy playing with family members or friends – or neighbors!
Benefits of Basketball
Basketball is great for your health and can help you attain a lean, healthy, and toned body. As you grow older and gain wisdom, you might realize that this sport has also helped clear your mind and bring back some old memories.
The best part about basketball is that it’s the perfect way to keep in touch with people around you. You might be surprised to find that you have something in common with your neighbor, who happens to play basketball every other day.
How to Get Started with Playing Basketball
Learning the Basics of Basketball
Basketball can be intimidating for beginners if they are unaware of what’s happening on the court.
The first thing you need to know is how to hold a ball. If you want an easy way to remember this technique, think about resting one arm over your stomach and holding the ball with both arms.
Your feet should be shoulder-width apart from each other. When you’re dribbling, don’t look at the ball – try maintaining eye contact with your target!
As far as shooting goes, it’s best not to take more than two steps when preparing yourself for a shot. This means that you should take two – or at most three – steps backward or forwards.
If you’re facing the basket, your dominant hand should be opposite to where you intend on shooting.
For example, if you plan on shooting the ball with your left hand, face the direction of your intended shot while holding the ball in your right hand.
Let’s Bounce!
There are many ways to play basketball, so it’s best not to limit yourself by one method of playing alone. Sometimes it can get boring dribbling up and down the court without opponents trying to intercept the ball.
One way around this is by playing HORSE, which requires two or more people who are ready for a good game of basketball. The first player shoots the ball and follows up by yelling “HORSE.” If they miss, their opponent gets a point.
This continues as long as desired – but if someone yells out “BULL,” it means that person automatically wins!
Playing Basketball with Family and Friends
Many people have fond memories of playing basketball with their close friends or family members. These usually take place during summer or within the neighborhood. It’s a great way to bond because you’re forced to communicate with one another, which can help dysfunctional families resolve conflicts in a positive manner.
There are even parents who want to play casual games of basketball with their children before going off to school for the day! Who knows? You might just enjoy being more than you’d expect…
If you’re looking for a way to bond with your neighbor, this sport is definitely the way to go. Not only will you feel good playing it, but you might also notice that they want to play more often than before!
Common Basketball Terms
Field Goal: A field goal is when a player scores two points by shooting the basketball through the basket from within or close to that particular team’s three-point line.
Frontcourt/Backcourt: These terms refer to which side of the court players are on during play. Frontcourts include positions in front (near) the net behind them, such as the post, guard and forward. Backcourts include positions in front of the net (near) them, such as the point guard or shooting-guard.
Fast Break: A fast break is when a team scores after getting an offensive rebound or steals from their opponent’s court while they are on defense without allowing their opponents to get back on offense.
Turnover: A turnover occurs when one player turns over the basketball, meaning that it has been given away to another team who then takes possession of the ball.
Double/Double Double/Triple Double/Quadruple Double: These terms refer to how many times a single player makes a shot at hoop during play using both hands consecutively with no other players touching the ball. A double is when the player shoots one handed and scores two points. A triple-double is allowed for a player to shoot with both hands and score two points or three points by shooting from behind the arc.
Post-up: When a basketball team’s offense has possession of the ball, they must get out on court before taking their next play in order to go inside (the paint) where there are more opportunities to score as long as they don’t have another opposing blocker blocking them.
Pick And Roll: This term refers to an offensive strategy that involves having one teammate set up near the basket while another dribbles towards them so they can pass it back over half way through their dribble. The second teammate then runs around from the baseline in order to receive a pass from their teammate who is now on the opposite side of that particular defender.
3-and-D Player: A three-and-D player is someone who can shoot the ball well from long distance (three) and they are also able to defend their opponents.
Paint: The paint refers to the area of the court close to the net that all players must stay in during a game, with an exception being on free throws or when a tie up occurs for rebounds. It’s important for basketball players not only know where this area is but what it means as it will be outlined in more detail later on in this blog post!
Buzzer Beater: Buzzer beaters refer to shots taken at just seconds before time expires.
Sixth Man: A sixth man refers to any substitute player off of his team bench who enters play during a game when his team needs it.
Hack-A-Shaq: This term refers to intentionally fouling an opposing player who is poor at shooting free throws, so as to cause them to miss their next shots from the foul line.