What changes the result
The rules behind the moments commentators get excited about. They build on the beginner rules.
I · Intermediate · 13 rules · Step 2 of 4Scoring, time and winning
- How many time-outs does a basketball team get?Each team has 2 time-outs in the first half, 3 in the second and 1 in each overtime.
- What is the possession arrow in basketball?A jump ball at the centre circle starts the game.
- How are basketball league tables decided?The team with more points at the end wins.
Violations
- When is the ball out in basketball, and can you kick it?The boundary lines are out.
- What are the rules for a throw-in (inbounds pass)?The player taking a throw-in has 5 seconds to pass the ball onto the court from the spot the referee gives.
- What is the 3-second rule in basketball?An attacking player may not stay in the opponents' restricted area, the painted "key" under the basket, for more than 3 seconds in a row while their team has the ball in the frontcourt and the clock is running.
- What are the backcourt rules in basketball?A team that gains the ball in its backcourt has 8 seconds to get it into the frontcourt.
- What is goaltending in basketball?Goaltending is touching a shot while the ball is completely above the ring and on its way down, or after it has touched the backboard.
Fouls and free throws
Technical, disruptive, flagrant and disqualifying fouls
Players, officials and the court
- How do substitutions work in basketball?Substitutions are unlimited, and a player who comes off can go back on.
- What can be reviewed on video in basketball?Where the instant replay system is in use, referees may check set things on video: whether a shot beat the buzzer, whether it was a two or a three, how serious a foul was and, in the last 2 minutes, a few more.