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