The Basketball Game - Essay Example

Basketball is one of the widely played games across the globe. It was invented by James Naismith in 1891as a way of keeping students busy during the winter as it could in played indoors and generated heat for the players who needed to stay warm during the cold season. The first game consisted a basket nailed to a railing, and the player shot the ball into the basket, and it had to be retrieved by a dowel. To play this game, you need a ball and a net that is placed at a reasonable height to challenge the players (Lester, 32). The ball and the net should correspond in size such that it can quickly pass through the net. It is played by two teams and each consist of 5 players which is a full court. However, you can make do with three players per side but if you cannot meet the above set quorum for either the minimum or the maximum make sure that the teams have an equal number of players.

One score points by shooting the ball and it successfully going through the hoop. The distance from the net determined the point you earn if the score is carried out within the arc it is worth two points if it is done within the half circle it is worth two points. More points are awarded to any score carried out of the half circle depending on distance. Foul shots arise from the failure to follow the guidelines by a player, and it is awarded to the other team, and they are done from the free throw line, and they are worth a point each (Lester, 67). When a player gets the ball, they can move it by either passing or dribbling. If one is dibbling, it has to be continuous as you move around till when you pass the ball. If one wants to have shoots then can take two steps forward. However, this is for only those who have been dibbling. A player can remain standing with one foot glued on the floor to pivot. This foot has to stay in that very position until one passes the ball.

For one to dribble the ball correctly you have to make remain crouched, the knees remain flexed and shoulder-width apart. One should have the ability to switch the ball fast between you to hands to defend the ball from the competitors. Depending on the side handling the ball the opposite hip should be pointed toward the basket. For proper control of the ball in is required the use of the fingertips rather than the palm to dribble (Carr, 56). It is vital to keep the ball below the waist height while dribbling as it is not easy to pick the ball at this altitude.

It is crucial for the players to keep their heads high while dibbling rather than looking at the ball. These will ensure that they can see their teammates, opponents and the hoop, they can, therefore, strategies on the next move. Be it to pass the ball accurately and in a crisp manner or to make a shoot. When having a shoot make sure that both feet are pointing at the pitch. The heaps should be well aligned to help balance and maintain stability. The ball oughts to be balanced by the fingertips and requires the use of the dominant hand to make the shoot, but the other helps in balancing the ball.

Work cited

Carr, John. The basketball game. Auckland: Wendy Pye Publishing, 2017. Document.

Lester, Julius. Basketball game. Puffin: Childrens Press, 1995. Document.