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Basketball Rules of Play

Game Setup/Jump Ball

  • 5 players per team.
  • 20-minute games: two 10-minute halves; 5-minute halftime.
  • One player from each team jumps at midcourt.
  • Referee tosses the ball, and players must tip it to teammates.
  • The jumper can't catch the ball.

Fouls/Free Throws

  • If a foul happens on the ground, the opposing team gets the ball from the sideline.
  • Players foul out after six fouls.
  • If fouled while shooting, the player gets one free throw for two points.

Screens

  • Players must have both feet planted when setting a screen.
  • No extending arms to the side or front.
  • Illegal screens result in a turnover.

Turn Overs/Out of Bounds

  • Double Dribble: Turnover if a player dribbles with two hands or stops and starts dribbling again.
  • Traveling: Turnover if a player picks up the ball and moves without a pivot foot.
  • If the ball goes out of bounds, the opposing team will throw it in from the sideline.

Backcourt/Press

  • Once the ball is past half court, the team cannot go back unless an opposing player touches the ball.
  • No full-court press allowed.
  • After a basket or turnover, the defending team must hustle back past half court.

Managing Player Conduct

  • If a player commits a physical foul, allow both players to cool down off the court.
  • Take a moment to talk to the players and remind them of the rules before they can get back into the game. 
flyer version of the rules of play with cartoon characters playing basketball