Simple Basketball Rules
Basketball is played between two teams, which usually have five players each. The team with the most points wins the game.
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History
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Basketball was invented by Dr. James Naismith in December 1891, and the first basketball game was played in early 1892. The first rules were created in 1892 when players shot soccer balls through peach baskets.
Timeouts
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Each team has a certain number of timeouts. For example, in the NBA, each team is given two 20 second timeouts and six full (60 second) timeouts. Each team is allowed to use one 20 second timeout per half. Additionally, each team is allowed no more than three timeouts in the fourth period.
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Fouls
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Excessive contact is not allowed in basketball. When a player is excessively touched, it is called a personal foul. In the NBA, a player is ejected if he gets six fouls. In high school and college, he or she is eliminated after accumulating five fouls.
Violations
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A player cannot dribble the ball with both hands. A violation of the rule is called a double-dribble and gives the ball to the opposing team. A player cannot move more than two steps without dribbling the basketball; this is traveling.
Point System
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Any shot made inside of the three-point line counts for two points. Additionally, foul shots count for one point. If a foul is called in the act of shooting and the shot is made, the basket counts along with additional foul shot(s).
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