The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to basketball:

Basketball

Basketball

Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...

– ball game

Ball game

In American English, ball game refers specifically to either a game of basketball, baseball or American football. In British English ball game refers to any sport played with a ball....

 and team sport

Team sport

A team sport includes any sport which involves players working together towards a shared objective. A team sport is an activity in which a group of individuals, on the same team, work together to accomplish an ultimate goal which is usually to win. This can be done in a number of ways such as...

 in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball

Basketball (ball)

A basketball is a spherical inflated ball used in the game of basketball. Basketballs typically range in size from very small promotional items only a few inches in diameter to extra large balls nearly a foot in diameter used in training exercises to increase the skill of players...

 through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules

Rules of basketball

The rules of basketball are the rules and regulations that govern the play, officiating, equipment and procedures of basketball. While many of the basic rules are uniform throughout the world, variations do exist. Most leagues or governing bodies in North America, the most important of which are...

. Since being developed by James Naismith

James Naismith

The first game of "Basket Ball" was played in December 1891. In a handwritten report, Naismith described the circumstances of the inaugural match; in contrast to modern basketball, the players played nine versus nine, handled a soccer ball, not a basketball, and instead of shooting at two hoops,...

 as a non-contact game that almost anyone can play, basketball has undergone many different rule variations, eventually evolving into the NBA-style game known today. Basketball is one of the most popular and widely viewed sport

Sport

A Sport is all forms of physical activity which, through casual or organised participation, aim to use, maintain or improve physical fitness and provide entertainment to participants. Sport may be competitive, where a winner or winners can be identified by objective means, and may require a degree...

s in the world.

Nature of basketball

Basketball can be described as all of the following:

• Ball game
  Ball game
  In American English, ball game refers specifically to either a game of basketball, baseball or American football. In British English ball game refers to any sport played with a ball....
  
   – any game played with a ball.
• Team sport
  Team sport
  A team sport includes any sport which involves players working together towards a shared objective. A team sport is an activity in which a group of individuals, on the same team, work together to accomplish an ultimate goal which is usually to win. This can be done in a number of ways such as...
  
   – any sport
  Sport
  A Sport is all forms of physical activity which, through casual or organised participation, aim to use, maintain or improve physical fitness and provide entertainment to participants. Sport may be competitive, where a winner or winners can be identified by objective means, and may require a degree...
  
   which involves players working together
  Team
  A team comprises a group of people or animals linked in a common purpose. Teams are especially appropriate for conducting tasks that are high in complexity and have many interdependent subtasks.A group in itself does not necessarily constitute a team...
  
   towards a shared objective.

Equipment of the game

• Basketball
  Basketball (ball)
  A basketball is a spherical inflated ball used in the game of basketball. Basketballs typically range in size from very small promotional items only a few inches in diameter to extra large balls nearly a foot in diameter used in training exercises to increase the skill of players...
  
   – inflated ball used in the game of basketball. Basketballs typically range in size from very small promotional items possibly only a few inches in diameter to extra large balls nearly a foot in diameter used in training exercises to increase the skill of players. The standard size of a basketball in the NBA is 29.5 inches in circumference.
  • Rock – the ball
• Basketball court
  Basketball court
  In basketball, the basketball court is the playing surface, consisting of a rectangular floor with tiles at either end. In professional or organized basketball, especially when played indoors, it is usually made out of a wood, often maple, and highly polished...
  
   – the playing surface, consisting of a rectangular floor with baskets at either end. In professional or organized basketball, especially when played indoors, it is usually made out of a hardwood, often maple, and highly polished.
  • Backcourt – (1) The half of the court a team is defending. The opposite of the frontcourt. (2) A team's guards.
  • Ball side – The half of the court (divided lengthwise) that the ball is on. Also called the "strong side." The opposite of the help side.
  • Baseline – The line that marks the playing boundary at either end of the court. Also called the "end line."
  • Block – The small painted square on the floor next to the basket just outside the lane.
  • Downtown – Well outside the three-point line
    Three-point field goal
    A three-point field goal is a field goal in a basketball game, made from beyond the three-point line, a designated arc radiating from the basket...
    
    .
  • Key
    Key (basketball)
    The key, officially referred to as the free throw lane by the National Basketball Association and the National Collegiate Athletic Association , the restricted area by the international governing body FIBA, and colloquially as the shaded lane and the paint, is an area in a basketball court...
    
     – The free-throw lane and free-throw circle together (originally, the lane was narrower than the circle's diameter, giving the area the appearance of a skeleton key
    Skeleton Key
    Skeleton Key is a rock band based in New York City. The band is the brainchild of bassist and singer Erik Sanko, who is the only constant member of the band...
    
     hole)
  • Lane – The free-throw lane.
  • Three-point line – the line that separates the two-point area from the three-point area; any shot converted beyond this line counts as three points. The distance to the three-point line from the center of the basket varies by league:
    • NCAA (women)  – 19.75 feet (6 m)
    • High school – 19.75 feet (6 m)
    • International — 20.5 feet (6.2 m)
    • WNBA  – 20.5 feet (6.2 m)
    • NCAA (men) – 20.75 feet (6.3 m)
    • NBA – 22 feet (6.7 m) to 23.75 feet (7.2 m)
• Bench – (1) Substitutes sitting on the sideline, (2) The bench or chairs they sit on.
• Backboard
  Backboard (basketball)
  A backboard is a piece of basketball equipment. It is a raised vertical board with a basket attached. It is made of a flat, rigid piece of material, often plexiglass. It is usually rectangular as used in NBA, NCAA and international basketball...
  
   – The rectangular platform to which the basket is attached, and measure 6 feet (182.9 cm) by 3.5 feet (106.7 cm). There is a backboard at each end of the court.
• Basket – steel rim 18 inches (45.7 cm) in diameter with an attached net affixed to a backboard. There is a basket at each end of the court.
  • Breakaway rim
    Breakaway rim
    A breakaway rim is a basketball hoop that can bend slightly when a player dunks a basketball, and then instantly snap back into a horizontal position when the player releases it. It allows players to dunk the ball without shattering the backboard, and it reduces the possibility of wrist injuries...
    
     – hoop that can bend slightly when a player dunks a basketball, and then instantly snap back into its original shape when the player releases it. It allows players to dunk the ball without shattering the backboard, and it reduces the possibility of wrist injuries.
  • Hoop - another name for "basket".
• Shot clock
  Shot clock
  A shot clock is used in some sports to quicken the pace of the game. It is normally associated with basketball, but has also found use in sports such as snooker, professional lacrosse, water polo, and korfball....
  
   – A timer designed to increase the pace (and subsequently, the score) by requiring the ball to either touch the rim or enter the basket before the timer expires, resulting in a loss of possession. The time limit is 10 seconds in FIBA 33; 24 in FIBA (fullcourt), NBA, and WNBA; 30 in NCAA women's play; and 35 in NCAA men's play. See also airball.

Clothing

• Basketball sleeve
  Basketball sleeve
  A basketball sleeve, like the wristband, is an accessory that basketball players wear. Made out of nylon and spandex, it extends from the biceps to the wrist. It is sometimes called a shooter sleeve or arm sleeve.- Origins :...
  
   – an accessory similar to a wristband, made out of nylon and spandex, which extends from the biceps to the wrist.
• Finger sleeve
  Finger sleeve
  A finger sleeve is worn by basketball players to enhance grip on the ball during a shot and to prevent the ball from rolling or slipping to the top of the fingers. It is the player's preference on which finger the sleeve is worn. Many choose to wear more than one finger sleeve, such as Reggie Miller...
  
   – an accessory that enhances the grip on the ball during a shot and prevents the ball from rolling or slipping to the top of the fingers.

Rules of the game

• Jump ball
  Jump ball
  A jump ball is a method used to begin or resume play in basketball. It is similar to a face-off in ice hockey or ball-up in Australian rules football...
  
   – method used to begin or resume play in basketball. Two opposing players attempt to gain control of the ball after it is tossed up into the air in between them by an official.
• Official
  Official (basketball)
  In basketball, an official is a person who has the responsibility to enforce the rules and maintain the order of the game. The title of official also applies to the scorers and timekeepers, as well as other personnel that have an active task in maintaining the game...
  
   – a person who has the responsibility to enforce the rules and maintain the order of the game. Also applies to the scorers and timekeepers, as well as other personnel who have an active role in maintaining the game.
• Three-point field goal
  Three-point field goal
  A three-point field goal is a field goal in a basketball game, made from beyond the three-point line, a designated arc radiating from the basket...
  
   – also known as a three-pointer, it is a field goal made from beyond the three-point line, a designated arc radiating from the basket. A successful attempt is worth three points, in contrast to the two points awarded for shots made inside the three-point line.
• Three seconds rule
  Three seconds rule
  The three seconds rule requires that in basketball, a player shall not remain in the opponents' restricted area for more than three consecutive seconds while his team is in control of a live ball in the frontcourt and the game clock is running.The three-second...
  
   –

Fouls

Foul

Foul (basketball)

In basketball, a foul is an infraction of the rules concerning illegal personal contact with an opponent and/or unsportsmanlike behavior. A personal foul is the most common type of foul in basketball. Due to the nature of the game, personal fouls occur on occasion and are not always regarded as...

 – Violation of the rules other than a floor violation, generally when a player attempts to gain advantage by physical contact. Penalized by a change in possession or free-throw opportunities.

• Block – A violation in which a defender steps in front of a dribbler but is still moving when they collide. Also called a "blocking foul."
• Charge – A violation in which one player makes illegal contact with another player who has an established position. Also called a "charging foul."
• Flagrant foul
  Flagrant foul
  A flagrant foul is a serious contact foul involving unnecessary, excessive, or intentional contact in sport. There is a specific National Basketball Association foul termed a flagrant foul.-NBA flagrant fouls:...
  
   – An unsportsmanlike foul in which there is no serious attempt to play the ball.
• Personal foul – a breach of the rules that concerns illegal personal contact with an opponent. It is the most common type of foul in basketball. Due to the nature of the game, personal fouls occur on occasion and are not always regarded as unsportsmanlike. However, a contact foul involving excessive or unjustified contact is classed as an unsportsmanlike foul (or in the NBA, flagrant foul).
• Offensive foul – A foul committed by a member of the team playing offense.
• Technical foul
  Technical foul
  In basketball, a technical foul is any infraction of the rules penalized as a foul which does not involve physical contact during the course of play between players on the court, or is a foul by a non-player. The most common technical foul is for unsportsmanlike conduct...
  
   – A foul assessed for unsportsmanlike non-contact behavior and for some procedural violations (for example, having too many players on the floor or calling timeout when none remain). Penalized by loss of possession after a free throw which may be taken by any member of the opposing team. Frequently abbreviated as "technical" or "T."
• Unsportsmanlike conduct
  Unsportsmanlike conduct
  Unsportsmanlike conduct is a foul or offense in many sports that is not necessarily a violation of the respective sport's rules of play, but violates the sport's generally accepted rules of sportsmanship and/or participant conduct...
  
   – acting inappropriately or unprofessionally, such as fighting, verbal abuse, profanity, and flagrant fouls. An offender's team can be penalized by free throws being awarded to the other team followed by loss of possession, and upon repeated transgressions an offender can be ejected from the game.

Violations

Violation  – An infraction of the rules other than a foul, such as traveling or a three-second violation.

• 24-second violation – (NBA, WNBA, FIBA) a shot-clock
  Shot clock
  A shot clock is used in some sports to quicken the pace of the game. It is normally associated with basketball, but has also found use in sports such as snooker, professional lacrosse, water polo, and korfball....
  
   violation.
• Basket interference
  Basket interference
  In basketball, basket interference is the violation of touching the ball or any part of the basket while the ball is on the rim of the basket or within the cylinder extending upwards from the rim, reaching up through the basket from below and touching the ball, be it inside or outside the...
  
   – violation involving any of the following:

1. touching the ball or any part of the basket while the ball is on the rim of the basket or within the cylinder extending upwards from the rim
2. reaching up through the basket from below and touching the ball, be it inside or outside the cylinder
3. pulling down on the rim of the basket so that it contacts the ball before returning to its original position.
   • Carrying – when a player momentarily stops dribbling, with the ball in one or both hands, and then resumes dribbling.
   • Double dribble
     Double dribble
     In the game of basketball, a double dribble is a violation in which a player dribbles the ball, clearly holds it with a combination of either one or two hands , and then proceeds to dribble again without first either attempting a field goal or passing off to a teammate...
     
      – Either of the following acts results in a loss of possession:
4. To dribble the ball with two hands at the same time
5. To dribble, stop, and then begin to dribble again
   • Backcourt violation –
6. Touching the ball in the backcourt after it has entered the frontcourt and was not last touched by the other team.
7. Failure to bring the ball from the backcourt into the frontcourt within the allotted time of 8 seconds in the NBA (previously 10) and 10 seconds elsewhere, except in NCAA women's play, where this violation does not exist.
   • Five-second rule
     Five-second rule (basketball)
     In basketball, the five-second rule, or five-second violation, is a rule that helps promote continuous play. There are multiple situations where a five-second violation may occur.-Five-second throw-in violation:...
     
      – Also called the five-second violation, is a rule that helps promote continuous play. The situations in which a five-second violation may occur are:
     • Five-second throw-in violation – a team attempting a throw-in has a total of five seconds to release the ball towards the court.
       • Start of throw in count: When the basketball is at the disposal of the throw in team (usually bounced or handed to the throw in team by the official
         Official (basketball)
         In basketball, an official is a person who has the responsibility to enforce the rules and maintain the order of the game. The title of official also applies to the scorers and timekeepers, as well as other personnel that have an active task in maintaining the game...
         
         ).
       • Penalty = Loss of ball: A throw-in is awarded to the opponent at the previous throw in spot.
     • Five-second closely guarded violation – When a player with the ball is guarded closely for five seconds.
       • Penalty = Loss of ball: The opposing team gets to throw-in the ball from the out-of-bounds spot nearest the violation.
     • Five-second back to the basket violation (NBA only) –
       • Penalty = Loss of ball: The opponent is awarded the ball at the free throw line extended.
     • Five-second free throw violation – Under FIBA rules, a free throw shooter must throw the ball towards the hoop within five seconds after an official places it at his disposal.
       • Penalty = Lose the shot and possible loss of ball: A successful shot does not count. The ball is awarded to the opponent at the free throw line unless another free throw or a possession penalty is to follow.
   • Goaltending
     Goaltending
     In basketball, goaltending is the violation of interfering with the ball when it is on its way to the basket and it is in its downward flight, entirely above the rim and has the possibility of entering the basket, and not touching the rim...
     
      – the violation of interfering with the ball when it is on its way to the basket and it is (a) in its downward flight, (b) entirely above the rim and has the possibility of entering the basket, and (c) not touching the rim.
   • Over-and-back – See backcourt violation (1)
   • Three seconds rule
     Three seconds rule
     The three seconds rule requires that in basketball, a player shall not remain in the opponents' restricted area for more than three consecutive seconds while his team is in control of a live ball in the frontcourt and the game clock is running.The three-second...
     
      – requires that a player shall not remain in the opponents' restricted area for more than three consecutive seconds while his team is in control of a live ball in the frontcourt and the game clock is running.
   • Traveling
     Traveling (basketball)
     In basketball, traveling is a violation of the rules that occurs when a player holding the ball moves one or both of his feet illegally. Most commonly, a player travels by illegally moving his pivot foot or taking too many steps without dribbling the ball....
     
      – To move one's pivot foot illegally or to fall to the floor without maintaining a pivot foot (exact rules vary).

Penalties and bonuses

Penalties – For infractions of the rules, a team is penalized by bonuses being rewarded to the opposing team.

• And one – The free throw awarded to a shooter who is fouled while scoring.
• Bonus
  Bonus (basketball)
  In the sport of basketball, the bonus situation is a situation where one team accumulates a certain amount of fouls, which varies depending on the level of play. When the number of fouls has been reached, the bonus begins...
  
   – under NCAA and NFHS rules, a team is "in the bonus" when its opponent has seven, eight or nine team fouls in a half and so gains a one and one opportunity on each non-shooting foul. The opposing team is "over the limit." See also double bonus and penalty.
• Double bonus – (NCAA and NFHS) when a team accumulates 10 or more fouls in a half, the other team is "in the double bonus", earning two free throws on each subsequent non-shooting foul by the defense. See also bonus and penalty.
• Free throw
  Free throw
  In basketball, free throws or foul shots are unopposed attempts to score points from a restricted area on the court , and are generally awarded after a foul on the shooter by the opposing team...
  
   – a bonus awarded upon being fouled by a member of the opposing team, in which a player gets to stand at the free throw line unopposed and attempt to make a basket while everyone else is required to stand aside until the shot is over. In cases where more than one free throw is awarded, the other players must wait until after the last shot is executed before play resumes.
• Penalty
  Bonus (basketball)
  In the sport of basketball, the bonus situation is a situation where one team accumulates a certain amount of fouls, which varies depending on the level of play. When the number of fouls has been reached, the bonus begins...
  
   – once a team reaches a set number of team fouls in a playing period, varying by governing body, the fouled team gets free throws instead of possession of the ball. The fouling team is "over the limit." See also bonus and double bonus.
• One-and-one – (NCAA and NFHS) A free-throw attempt which, if made, allows the player a second free-throw attempt. See also bonus.
• Turnover
  Turnover (basketball)
  In basketball, a turnover occurs when a player from one team gives possession to a member of the opposing team by losing the ball. This can result from the ball being stolen, the player making mistakes such as stepping out or throwing the ball out of bounds, or committing a violation or committing...
  
   – A loss of possession.

Players

• Ball hog
  Ball hog
  A ball hog is a derisive term in basketball for a player that handles the ball exclusively to the point of impairing the team. "Ball hogging" is generally considered unacceptable playing behavior at all levels of basketball competition. It is not a violation of the rules of basketball...
  
   – A player who does not pass the ball
• Bricklayer – One who repeatedly shoots bricks.
• Sixth man
  Sixth man
  The sixth man in basketball is a player who is not a starter but comes off the bench much more often than other reserves, often being the first player to be substituted in. The sixth man often plays minutes equal to or exceeding some of the starters and posts similar statistics. He is often a...
  
   (or sixth woman) – A player who does not start, but is generally the first person off the bench, and often has statistics comparable to those of starters.

Positions

Basketball position

Basketball position

The three basketball positions normally employed by organized basketball teams are guard, forward, and center. More specifically, they can be classified into the five positions: point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, and center. The rules of basketball do not mandate them, and...

 – general location on the court which each player is responsible for. A player is generally described by the position (or positions) he or she plays, though the rules do not specify any positions. Positions are part of the strategy that has evolved for playing the game, and terminology for describing game play.

Primary positions

• Backcourt positions:
  • Guard – One of the three standard player positions. Today, guards are typically classified in two broad categories:
    • Point guard
      Point guard
      Point guard , also called the play maker or "the ball-handler", is one of the standard positions in a regulation basketball game. A point guard has perhaps the most specialized role of any position – essentially, he is expected to run the team's offense by controlling the ball and making sure that...
      
       – has strong ballhandling and passing skills and is typically used to run the offense.
    • Shooting guard
      Shooting guard
      The shooting guard , also known as the two or off guard, is one of five traditional positions on a basketball team. Players of the position are often shorter, leaner, and quicker than forwards. A shooting guard's main objective is to score points for his team...
      
       – as the name implies, are generally the team's best shooters, and are very often the leading scorers on their teams.
• Frontcourt positions:
  • Center
    Center (basketball)
    The center, colloquially known as the five or the post, is one of the standard positions in a regulation basketball game. The center is normally the tallest player on the team, and often has a great deal of strength and body mass as well...
    
     – One of the three standard player positions. Centers are generally the tallest players on the floor, responsible mainly for scoring, rebounding, and defense near the basket.
    • Pivot – Another name for center
  • Forward – One of the three standard player positions. Forwards are primarily responsible for scoring and rebounding.
    • Power forward
      Power forward (basketball)
      Power forward is a position in the sport of basketball. The position is referred to in playbook terms as the four position and is commonly abbreviated "PF". It has also been referred to as the "post" position. Power forwards play a role similar to that of center in what is called the "post" or "low...
      
       – positions that plays a role similar to that of center in what is called the "post" or "low blocks". Power forwards typically play offensively with their backs to the basket and position themselves defensively under the basket in a zone defense or against the opposing power forward in man-to-man defense.
    • Small forward
      Small forward
      The small forward, or colloquially known as three, is one of the five positions in a regulation basketball game. Small forwards are typically somewhat shorter, quicker, and leaner than power forwards and centers, but on occasion are just as tall...
      
       –

Tweeners

Tweener

Tweener (basketball)

A tweener in basketball is a term, sometimes used derisively, for a player who is able to play two positions, but is not ideally suited to play either position exclusively, so he/she is said to be in between...

 – a player who is able to play two positions, but is not ideally suited to play either position exclusively, so he/she is said to be in between. A tweener has a set of skills that do not match the traditional position of his physical stature. Tweeners include:

• Combo guard
  Combo Guard
  A combo guard is a basketball player who combines the attributes of a shooting guard and point guard , but does not necessarily fit the standard description of either position...
  
   – Combines the features of both point guard and shooting guard.
• Cornerman
  Cornerman (basketball)
  Cornerman is a term used in basketball to denote a player who can play both the small forward and power forward basketball positions. "Cornerman" is sometimes interchangeably used with the term "forward" , but generally refers to players that can play both forward positions. They usually fit two...
  
    – A player capable of playing either forward position.
• Forward-center
  Forward-Center
  Forward–center is a basketball position for players who play or have played both forward and center on a consistent basis. Typically, this means power forward and center, since these are usually the two biggest player positions on any basketball team, and therefore more often overlap each...
  
   – position for players who play or have played both forward and center on a consistent basis. Typically, this means power forward and center, since these are usually the two biggest player positions on any basketball team, and therefore more often overlap each other.
• Point forward
  Point forward
  Point forward is an unofficial playing position in basketball for those who share the attributes of both a point guard and a forward.A point forward is usually described as a forward who possesses the ball handling skills and court vision to bring the ball up the court and to initiate the team's...
  
   – A forward with strong ballhandling and passing skills who can be called on to direct the team's offense.
• Swingman
  Swingman
  A Swingman is a basketball term denoting a player who can play both the small forward and shooting guard positions, and, in essence, swing between the shooting guard and small forward positions." Swingmen males are often between 6'5" and 6'8" .John Havlicek, who played for the Boston Celtics in...
  
   – A player capable of playing either shooting guard or small forward.

Strategy

• Princeton offense
  Princeton offense
  The Princeton offense is an offensive basketball strategy which emphasizes constant motion, passing, back-door cuts, and disciplined teamwork. It was used and perfected at Princeton University by Pete Carril, though its roots may be traced back to Franklin “Cappy” Cappon, who coached Princeton...
  
   – an offensive strategy which emphasizes constant motion, passing, back-door cuts, and disciplined teamwork. It was used and perfected at Princeton University
  Princeton University
  Princeton University is a private research university located in Princeton, New Jersey, United States. The school is one of the eight universities of the Ivy League, and is one of the nine Colonial Colleges founded before the American Revolution....
  
   by Pete Carril
  Pete Carril
  Peter J. "Pete" Carril is a former collegiate head coach and former NBA assistant with the Sacramento Kings.-Early years:...
  
  , though its roots may be traced back to Franklin “Cappy” Cappon
  Franklin Cappon
  Franklin C. "Cappy" Cappon was a college athlete and coach. He played football and basketball at Phillips University and the University of Michigan and coached basketball and football at Luther College , the University of Kansas , the University of Michigan , and Princeton University .The son of a...
  
  , who coached Princeton Tigers men's basketball
  Princeton Tigers men's basketball
  The Princeton Tigers men's basketball team is the intercollegiate men's basketball program representing Princeton University. The school competes in the Ivy League in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association . The Tigers play home basketball games at the Jadwin Gymnasium in...
  
   in the late 1930s.
• 1-3-1 defense/offense
  1-3-1 defense/offense
  The 1-3-1 defense and offense is a popular strategy used in basketball.The 1-3-1 zone defense is a defensive basketball formation. It was originally utilized by Hall of Fame coach Clair Bee. This defense is named for its formation since there is one defender at the point, three defenders at the...
  
   –
• Box-and-one defense – A combination defense in which four defenders play zone in a box formation and the fifth defender guards one player man-to-man.
• Continuity offense
  Continuity offense
  A continuity offense is one of two main categories of basketball offenses, the other being motion offense.Continuity offenses are characterized by a pattern of movement, cuts, screens and passes which eventually leads back to the starting formation...
  
   – pattern of movement, cuts, screens and passes that eventually leads back to the starting formation, and repeats.
  • Flex offense
    Flex offense
    The Flex offense is an offensive strategy in basketball developed in the 1970s. It is a patterned offense relying on cuts across the key and down screens to create a "pick-the-picker" action. This offense is most effective against a man-to-man defense, though some ambitious coaches have used it...
    
     –
  • Shuffle offense
    Shuffle offense
    Shuffle offense as an offensive strategy in basketball, developed in the early 1950s by Bruce Drake at the University of Oklahoma. It was later used by Bob Spear, who was the first head basketball coach of the United States Air Force Academy from 1957-71. The shuffle offense is an offense that has...
    
     –
• Hack-a-Shaq
  Hack-a-Shaq
  Hack-a-Shaq is the name commonly ascribed to a basketball defensive strategy initially instituted in the National Basketball Association by former Dallas Mavericks coach Don Nelson to hinder the scoring ability of the opposing team by deliberately fouling one of its opposing players, the player...
  
   – The strategy of intentionally and repeatedly committing a personal foul against a player who shoots free throws poorly. "Shaq" refers to Shaquille O'Neal
  Shaquille O'Neal
  Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal , nicknamed "Shaq" , is a former American professional basketball player. Standing tall and weighing , he was one of the heaviest players ever to play in the NBA...
  
  .
• Jordan Rules
  Jordan Rules
  The Jordan Rules were a defensive strategy employed by the Detroit Pistons against Michael Jordan in order to limit his effectiveness on offense. Devised by head coach Chuck Daly in 1988, the Pistons' strategy was "to play him tough, to physically challenge him and to vary its defenses so as to...
  
   –
• Man-to-man defense
  Man-to-man defense
  Man-to-man defense is a type of defensive tactic used in American football, association football, and basketball in which each player is assigned to defend and follow the movements of a single player on offense. Often, a player guards his counterpart , but a player may be assigned to guard a...
  
   – A defense in which each player guards a single opposing player. See also zone defense.
• Motion offense
  Motion offense
  A motion offense is a category of offensive scheme used in basketball. Motion offenses use player movement, often as a strategy to exploit quickness of the offensive team or to neutralize a size advantage of the defense....
  
   – Category of offense involving a series of cuts and screens to create the best possible shot, with most or all offensive players moving simultaneously.
• Nellie ball
  Nellie Ball
  Nellie ball is an unconventional offensive strategy in basketball developed by NBA head coach Don Nelson. It is a fast-paced offense relying on smaller, more athletic players who can create mismatches by outrunning their opponents. A true center is usually not needed to run this type of offense. A...
  
   – a fast-paced offense relying on smaller, more athletic players who can outrun their opponents and make more three-point attempts. Developed by NBA
  National Basketball Association
  The National Basketball Association is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in North America. It consists of thirty franchised member clubs, of which twenty-nine are located in the United States and one in Canada...
  
   head coach Don Nelson
  Don Nelson
  Donald Arvid "Don" Nelson is a former NBA player and head coach. He coached the Milwaukee Bucks, the New York Knicks, the Dallas Mavericks, and the Golden State Warriors....
  
  . This offense is most effective against teams that do not have the athleticism or shooting ability to keep up with the fast pace.
• Run and gun
  Run and gun (basketball)
  Run and gun is a style of basketball which involves a very high pace of play. It was most famously used by the Loyola Marymount men's basketball team in the late 1980s under coach Paul Westhead.....
  
   – combined offense and defense in which the team applies constant full-court pressure, while moving the ball forward as quickly as possible and taking the first available shot, often a three-pointer.
• Shuffle offense
  Shuffle offense
  Shuffle offense as an offensive strategy in basketball, developed in the early 1950s by Bruce Drake at the University of Oklahoma. It was later used by Bob Spear, who was the first head basketball coach of the United States Air Force Academy from 1957-71. The shuffle offense is an offense that has...
  
   –
• Small Ball
  Small Ball (basketball)
  Small Ball is a basketball term describing a style of play where a team employs a running, non-center dominated style of play....
  
   –
• Triangle offense
  Triangle offense
  The Triangle Offense, also known as the triple-post offense, is an offensive strategy in basketball. Its basic ideas were initially established by Hall of Fame coach Sam Barry at the University of Southern California. His system was later refined by former Kansas State University head basketball...
  
   – An offensive strategy with the goal of exchanging three (sometimes all five) positions, creating spacing among players and allowing each one to pass to four teammates.
• Triangle and Two Defense
  Triangle and Two Defense
  The Triangle-and-Two Defense is a particular type of defense used in basketball.The Triangle-and-Two is a hybrid between a man-to-man defense in which each defensive player is responsible for marking a player on the other team, and a zone defense in which each defensive player is responsible for...
  
   – hybrid between a man-to-man defense in which each defensive player is responsible for marking a player on the other team, and a zone defense in which each defensive player is responsible for guarding an area of the court.
• UCLA High Post Offense
  UCLA High Post Offense
  The UCLA High Post Offense is an offensive strategy in basketball, developed by John Wooden, head coach at the University of California, Los Angeles...
  
   –
• Zone defense –
  • 2-3 Zone Defense
    2-3 Zone Defense
    The 2–3 zone defense is a defensive strategy used in basketball as an alternative to man-to-man defense. It is referred to as the 2–3 because of its formation on the court, which consists of two players at the front of the defense and three players behind .-How to play a 2–3 zone defense:The...
    
     –

Plays

• Backdoor cut – offensive play in which a player on the perimeter steps away from the basket, drawing the defender along, then suddenly cuts to the basket behind the defender for a pass. The opposite of a V cut.
• Back screen – offensive play in which a player comes from the low post to set a screen for a player on the perimeter.
• Ball screen – offensive play in which a player sets a screen on the defender guarding the player with the ball.
• Baseline out-of-bounds play – the play used to return the ball to the court from outside the baseline along the opponent's basket.
• Box set – a formation in which four players align themselves as the four corners of a box. Often used for baseline out-of-bounds plays.
• Dribble drive motion
  Dribble drive motion
  The dribble drive motion is an offensive strategy in basketball, developed by University of Massachusetts assistant coach Vance Walberg, when he was a high school coach in California....
  
   – an offense that spreads the players to open up the lane for driving player to make a layup or kick out for a three pointer.
• Fast break – an offensive tactic in which a team attempts to advance the ball and score as quickly as possible, giving the other team no time to defend effectively. Often the result of a steal or blocked shot.
  • Fly fast break
    Fly fast break
    A fly fastbreak is a basketball move in which after a shot is attempted, the player who is guarding the shooter does not box out or rebounds, but runs down the court looking for a pass from a rebounding team mate for a quick score.-How to play the Fly fastbreak:The coach designates a certain guard...
    
     – after a shot is attempted, the player who is guarding the shooter does not box out or rebounds, but runs down the court looking for a pass from a rebounding team mate for a quick score.
• Four-point play
  Four-point play
  In basketball, a four-point play is the rare occasion when an offensive player shoots and makes a three-point field goal while simultaneously being hit by a defensive player, resulting in a shooting foul and one free throw being awarded...
  
   – rare play in which a player is fouled but completes a three point shot and then makes the resulting free throw.
• Halfcourt defense – portion of a team's defensive play conducted with both teams having established positions. See also transition defense.
• Halfcourt offense – portion of a team's offensive play conducted with both teams having established positions. See also transition offense.
• Memphis Attack – another name for dribble drive motion
  Dribble drive motion
  The dribble drive motion is an offensive strategy in basketball, developed by University of Massachusetts assistant coach Vance Walberg, when he was a high school coach in California....
  
   the offense was popularized in the early 2000s at the University of Memphis
  Memphis Tigers basketball
  The Memphis Tigers men's basketball team represents the University of Memphis in NCAA Division I men's college basketball. The Tigers compete in Conference USA, in which they have won six regular season and four conference tournament championships. As of 2011, the Tigers have the 29th highest...
  
  .
• Pick and pop
  Pick and pop
  In basketball, the pick and pop is an offensive play that is a derivative of the classic pick and roll. Instead of rolling toward the basket, however, the player setting the pick moves to an open area of the court to receive a pass from the ballhandler and "pops" a jump shot...
  
   – offensive play that is a derivative of the classic pick and roll. Instead of rolling toward the basket, however, the player setting the pick moves to an open area of the court to receive a pass from the ballhandler and "pops" a jump shot.
• Pick and roll
  Pick and roll
  The pick and roll in basketball is an offensive play in which a player sets a screen for a teammate handling the ball and then slips behind the defender to accept a pass...
  
   –
• Three-point play

1. A play in which a shooter is fouled while making a two-point shot and then makes the resulting free throw. See also and one.
2. When a shooter is fouled while taking but missing a three-point shot and then makes all three free throws. This is rare.
   • Transition defense – portion of a team's defensive play conducted when the other team has first gained possession and is moving up the court, before both teams have established positions. Includes defense against fast breaks. See also halfcourt defense.
   • Transition offense – portion of a team's offensive play conducted when first obtaining possession from the other team and moving up the court, before both teams have established positions. Includes fast breaks. See also halfcourt offense.

Moves

Basketball moves

Basketball moves

Basketball moves are generally individual actions used by players in basketball to pass by defenders to gain access to the basket or to get a clean pass to a teammate.- Dribbling :...

 – individual actions used by players in basketball to pass by defenders to gain access to the basket or to get a clean pass to a teammate.

• Free throw
  Free throw
  In basketball, free throws or foul shots are unopposed attempts to score points from a restricted area on the court , and are generally awarded after a foul on the shooter by the opposing team...
  
   –
• Advance step – A step in which the defender's lead foot steps toward their man and the back foot slides forward.
• Air ball
  Air ball
  In basketball, an air ball is a shot that misses both the rim and the backboard.The usage may have an ironic subtext to it; "air" is generally used positively in basketball, often relating to jumping ability. The "air ball", on the other hand, is widely perceived as the opposite: a signifier of an...
  
   – An unblocked shot that fails to hit the rim or backboard. Does not reset the shot clock.
• Air pass – A pass that goes straight through the air to the receiver. See also bounce pass.
• Alley oop
  Alley oop (basketball)
  An alley-oop in basketball is an offensive play in which one player throws the ball near the basket to a teammate who jumps, catches the ball in mid air and immediately scores a basket, usually with a slam dunk...
  
   – An offensive play in which a player throws the ball up near the basket to a teammate (or, more rarely, to himself) who jumps, catches the ball in mid air and immediately scores a basket, usually with a slam dunk.
• Field goal
  Field goal (basketball)
  In basketball, the term field goal refers to a basket scored on any shot or tap other than a free throw, worth two or three points depending on the distance of the attempt from the basket. "Field Goal" is the official terminology used by the National Basketball Association in their rule book,...
  
   – A shot made from anywhere on the court, does not include free throws.
• Over the back – a foul committed by a player who tries to rebound the ball by pushing, moving or climbing on a player's back who is already in position to rebound the ball.
• Rebound
  Rebound (basketball)
  A rebound in basketball is the act of successfully gaining possession of the basketball after a missed field goal or free throw. Rebounds in basketball are a routine part in the game, as all possessions change after a shot is successfully made...
  
   – To obtain the ball after a missed field goal attempt.

Blocking and footwork

• Banana cut – A wide, curving cut, as opposed to a cut that is a straight line.
• Basket cut – A cut toward the basket.
• Blindside screen – A screen set directly behind a defender where the player can't see it.
• Block
  Block (basketball)
  In basketball, a block , not to be confused with blocking, occurs when a defensive player legally deflects a field goal attempt from an offensive player. The defender must not touch the offensive player's hands or otherwise a foul is called. In order to be legal, the block must occur while the shot...
  
   – To tip or deflect a shooter's shot, altering its flight so the shot misses.* Block out
  Block Out
  Blockout is a puzzle video game, published in 1989 by California Dreams, developed in Poland by Aleksander Ustaszewski and Mirosław Zabłocki....
  
   – To make contact with an opposing player to establish rebounding position between the player and the ball. Also called "box out."
• Box out – See block out.
• Bump the cutter – To step in the way of a player who is trying to cut to the ball for a pass.
• Dingle
  Dingle
  Dingle is a town in County Kerry, Ireland. The only town on the Dingle Peninsula, it sits on the Atlantic coast, about 49 kilometres southwest of Tralee and 71 kilometres northwest of Killarney....
  
   – A steal that leads quickly to a score.
• Rip a C – A motion used while chinning the ball to create space during a pivot between an offensive player and a defensive player. Pivot towards the defender and rips the ball in a C-shape away from the pressure to create a passing lane.
• screen, set a screen
  Screen (sports)
  A screen is a blocking move by an offensive player, by standing beside or behind a defender, to free a teammate to shoot, receive a pass, or drive in to score. In basketball, it is also known as a pick. Screens can be on-ball , or off-ball...
  
   – (v) To attempt to prevent a defender from guarding a teammate by standing in the defender's way. The screening player must remain stationary: a moving screen is an offensive foul. (n) The tactic of setting a screen. Also called a "pick".
• Stutter step
  Stutter step
  A stutter step is a footwork technique in tennis.The term has fallen out of usage in the modern game, but the technique is still used. The stutter step is basically running forward with small steps while squatting, having the back perpendicular to the ground, and having the racquet up in front...
  
   – a common warm-up drill where you shuffle and scuff your feet in a quick moving motion across a length of flooring. This warm-up is supposed to keep the players alert and help them prepare to defend players in a real game, since the stutter step is a smaller version of shuffling.

Dribbling

Dribble

Dribbling

In sports, dribbling refers to the maneuvering of a ball around a defender through short skillful taps or kicks with either the legs , hands , stick or swimming strokes...

 – to bounce the ball continuously. Required in order to take steps with the ball.

• Wraparound – In the wraparound, the ballhandler dribbles the ball behind his/her back, switching it to his/her other hand. This move can be used when the defender attempts a steal, allowing the ballhandler to begin moving forward as the defense moves in. A streetball move with the same name involves swinging the ball around the opponent's body.
• Spin move – In a spin move, the ballhandler spins his/her body to change the direction and put his body between the ball and the defender. The spin move can be used while dribbling (when it is also called a reverse pivot) or in a post position, where it is often used many times during a game. The move can also leave the ballhandler somewhat disoriented, or to be surprised by a defender after losing eye contact.
• Crossover dribble – In a crossover dribble, the ballhandler changes pace to confuse or freeze a defender. It is also used to put the defender off balance to make it easier for the player handling the ball to dribble past the defender. The move is often performed by street players. In the professional league, players like Allen Iverson
  Allen Iverson
  Allen Ezail Iverson is an American professional basketball point guard and shooting guard. He was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the number one pick in the 1996 NBA Draft. He was named the NBA Rookie of the Year in the 1996–97 season...
  
  , Jason Williams, and Tim Hardaway
  Tim Hardaway
  Timothy Duane "Tim" Hardaway is a retired American basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association and who in his prime was one of the league's best point guards...
  
   were known to use this move in order to generate an easy layup or jump shot. This move is most effective in open-court situations, where it is easy to shake or "juke" the defender with a simple crossover. If done properly, the defender will be caught off guard, being unable to change directions. Sometimes, the defender falls down; this is called an ankle breaker.
• Behind-the-back dribble – A basic move in which the ballhandler simply bounces the ball behind the back to the opposite hand, but note that the ball is not intended to go around the body as in the basic 'wraparound'. This move is used to avoid an easy strip, to 'stall', or to 'pick'. It can be used to avoid an easy strip as an alternative to bouncing the ball in front of the dribbler for a tricky crossover. To stall means to overlook what can be set up on the court while still maintaining control over the ball. A pick is virtually the same as a stall but a pick is continuous, meaning that the ball is bounced back and forth behind the back; a pick may also be performed between the legs. The best choice of when to use this move would be in the case of a teammate's unavailability, to outrun a defender, or to drive the ball closer to the hoop due to the lack of space between the ballhandler and defender.

Passes

Pass – (v) To throw the ball to a teammate. (n) The act of passing.

• Assist
  Assist (basketball)
  In basketball, an assist is attributed to a player who passes the ball to a teammate in a way that leads to a score by field goal, meaning that he or she was "assisting" in the basket. There is some judgment involved in deciding whether a passer should be credited with an assist...
  
   – A pass to a teammate who scores a basket immediately or after one dribble.
• Ball fake – A sudden movement by the player with the ball intended to cause the defender to move in one direction, allowing the passer to pass in another direction. Also called "pass fake."
• Ball reversal – Passing of the ball from one side of the court to the other.
• Baseball pass – Also called the lance pass, this is a long pass in which the passer throws the ball with one hand, as if it were a baseball or a football. It is infrequently used, mainly to set up last-second plays off a baseline inbounding situation.
• Behind-the-back – Dealt to a target behind the passer's back. Usually done to confuse the defender, behind the back passes can either be bounced off the floor or passed directly to a teammate's chest. However, most behind-the-back passes are direct. Earl Monroe
  Earl Monroe
  Vernon Earl Monroe is an American former professional basketball player known for his flamboyant dribbling, passing, and play-making. His nicknames is "Earl the Pearl".-Early years:...
  
   was famous for this move. Steve Nash
  Steve Nash
  Stephen John "Steve" Nash, OC, OBC is a South African-born Canadian professional basketball player who plays point guard for the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association . Nash enjoyed a successful high-school basketball career, and he was eventually given a scholarship by Santa Clara...
  
   uses this move often, and Chris Webber
  Chris Webber
  Mayce Edward Christopher "Chris" Webber, III , nicknamed C-Webb, is a retired American professional basketball player. He is a five-time NBA All-Star, a former All-NBA First Teamer, a former NBA Rookie of the Year, and a former #1 overall NBA Draftee...
  
   is famed for using this move down in the paint.
• Blind pass – Also known as a no-look pass, the blind pass is performed when a player looks in one direction but passes the ball to his target in another direction. Blind passes are risky and infrequently attempted, but when done correctly, can confuse the defense. The no-look pass has been popularized by players such as Pete Maravich
  Pete Maravich
  Peter "Pistol Pete" Press Maravich was an American professional basketball player. Born and raised in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, Maravich starred in college at Louisiana State University and played for three NBA teams until injuries induced him to retire in 1980...
  
  , Isiah Thomas
  Isiah Thomas
  Isiah Lord Thomas III , nicknamed "Zeke",is the men's basketball coach for the FIU Golden Panthers, and a retired American professional basketball player who played point guard for the Detroit Pistons of the National Basketball Association from 1981 until 1994. He led the "Bad Boys" to the NBA...
  
  , Magic Johnson
  Magic Johnson
  Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. is a retired American professional basketball player who played point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association . After winning championships in high school and college, Johnson was selected first overall in the 1979 NBA Draft by the Lakers...
  
  , Larry Bird
  Larry Bird
  Larry Joe Bird is a former American NBA basketball player and coach. Drafted into the NBA sixth overall by the Boston Celtics in 1978, Bird started at small forward and power forward for thirteen seasons, spearheading one of the NBA's most formidable frontcourts that included center Robert Parish...
  
  , Jason Kidd
  Jason Kidd
  Jason Frederick Kidd is an American professional basketball point guard who plays for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association. Raised in Oakland, California, Kidd played college basketball at the University of California, Berkeley and was drafted second overall by the Dallas...
  
   and Steve Nash
  Steve Nash
  Stephen John "Steve" Nash, OC, OBC is a South African-born Canadian professional basketball player who plays point guard for the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association . Nash enjoyed a successful high-school basketball career, and he was eventually given a scholarship by Santa Clara...
  
  .
• Bounce pass – A fundamental passing technique that consists of one player passing the ball to a teammate by bouncing the ball off the floor with great energy. Because the ball will be at ground level as it passes a defender, a successful bounce pass can easily result in a scoring assist because a bounce pass is harder for defenders to intercept. Still, a bounce pass may be intercepted due to its slower speed. Thus, a player must use his best judgment when he decides whether to make such a pass. The move has to be executed perfectly because a bounce pass may be kicked by rapidly shifting players and might be a difficult catch for the intended receiver.
• Chest pass – This pass is performed best by stepping towards your target with one foot, then throwing the ball out towards their chest with two hands while turning the hands over, ending with the thumbs pointing down. It is best used in the open court and on the perimeter.
• Dime – See drop a dime.
• Dish – An assist.
• Drop a dime – To make an assist
• Elbow pass – Introduced with much hype by Jason Williams, the Elbow Pass is one of the most difficult trick passes to execute. The Elbow Pass serves as a devastating complement to the Behind-the-Back pass and can be used with various no-look elements. Most effective on a fast-break, the Elbow Pass entails what appears to the defender to be a simple Behind-the-Back pass, but as the ball crosses the passer's back, the passer hits it with his elbow, redirecting the ball back toward the side it started on and hopefully leaving the defender(s) amazed and out of position. Williams was able to pull off this pass at a full sprint during a Rookie All-Star game, but most players have trouble hitting the ball with their elbow while standing still.
• Jump pass – A pass performed while the passing player's feet are off the floor. When done intentionally, usually when a teammate gets open during the shot, it can sometimes confuse the defender, causing him to believe that the passer is shooting instead of passing. However, it at times is done as a result of the player having their shooting lane blocked and often leads to the player turning the ball over to the opposing team. This kind of pass is strongly discouraged in all levels of basketball, as it leaves the offensive player very vulnerable to turnovers.
• Outlet pass – A pass thrown by a rebounder to start a fast break.
• Overhead pass – another fundamental passing technique, used by snapping the ball over the head, like a soccer throw-in. This pass is especially effective in helping to initiate a fast break. After a defensive rebound, a well-thrown overhead, or outlet, pass can allow a breaking offensive player to quickly score without even dribbling by catching the ball near the basket.

Shots

• Bank shot – A shot that hits the backboard before hitting the rim or going through the net.
• Board – A shot resulting in a rebound.
• Brick – A bad shot that bounces off the backboard or rim without a chance of going in.
• Buzzer beater
  Buzzer beater
  In basketball, a buzzer beater is a shot taken just before the game clock of a period expires, when the buzzer sounds. The term is normally reserved for baskets that win or tie the game, but also refers to shots that beat an end-of-quarter or halftime buzzer...
  
   – A basket in the final seconds of a game (right before the buzzer sounds) that in itself results in a win or overtime.
• Dunk – (v) To score by putting the ball directly through the basket with one or both hands. (n) A shot made by dunking.
• Fadeaway
  Fadeaway
  A fadeaway in basketball is a jump shot taken while jumping backwards, away from the basket. The goal is to create space between the shooter and the defender, making the shot much harder to block. However, this benefit comes with a drawback...
  
   – A jump shot taken while jumping backwards, away from the basket.
• Free throw
  Free throw
  In basketball, free throws or foul shots are unopposed attempts to score points from a restricted area on the court , and are generally awarded after a foul on the shooter by the opposing team...
  
   – An unopposed attempt to score a basket, worth one point, from the free throw line. Generally, two attempts are awarded when the player is fouled in the act of shooting (three attempts are awarded in the case of three point shot), fouled flagrantly, or when the opposing team fouls while over the foul limit. One attempt is awarded for technical fouls.
• Hook shot
  Hook shot
  A hook shot, in basketball, is a play in which the offensive player, usually turned perpendicular to the basket, gently throws the ball with a sweeping motion of his arm in an upward arc with a follow-through which ends over his head. Unlike the jump shot, it is shot with only one hand; the other...
  
   – A shot in which the offensive player arcs the ball over his head using the farthest hand from the basket, while moving perpendicular to the basket.
• In-n-out – A shot that appears to be going in, but instead goes back out.
• Jump shot – A shot taken while jumping
• Lay-in – A close-range shot using one hand to tip the ball over the rim
• Layup
  Layup
  A layup in basketball is a two-point shot attempt made by leaping from below, laying the ball up near the basket, and using one hand to bounce it off the backboard and into the basket. The motion and one-handed reach distinguish it from a jump shot. The layup is considered the most basic shot in...
  
   – A close-range shot using one hand to bank the ball off the backboard
• Points in the paint – Field goals made in the painted area below the free-throw line
• Prayer – A shot that has very little probability of being made.
• Set shot – A shot taken without leaving the floor.
• Slam dunk
  Slam dunk
  A slam dunk is a type of basketball shot that is performed when a player jumps in the air and manually powers the ball downward through the basket with one or both hands over the rim. This is considered a normal field goal attempt; if successful it is worth two points. The term "slam dunk" was...
  
   – A shot performed with the player jumping in air and forces the ball into the rim with one or both hands.
• Swish – (n) A shot which goes through the net without hitting the backboard or rim. (v) To make a swish.
• Three-ball – A three-point field goal
• Three-point field goal
  Three-point field goal
  A three-point field goal is a field goal in a basketball game, made from beyond the three-point line, a designated arc radiating from the basket...
  
   – A shot, worth three points, attempted with both feet behind the three-point line.
• Three-pointer – A three-point field goal
• Toilet bowl – When the ball hits the rim on a certain angle and then circles around it, can go in or out.
• Trey – A three-point field goal

History of basketball

• James Naismith
  James Naismith
  The first game of "Basket Ball" was played in December 1891. In a handwritten report, Naismith described the circumstances of the inaugural match; in contrast to modern basketball, the players played nine versus nine, handled a soccer ball, not a basketball, and instead of shooting at two hoops,...
  
   – invented basketball in 1891
  • Ullamaliztli – basketball was in part based on the ancient Aztec ballgame.
  • Pok-a-tok – James Naismith also based basketball on the ancient Mayan ballgame.
• Six-on-six basketball
  Six-on-six basketball
  Six-on-six basketball or basquette is a largely archaic variant of women's basketball. It is played with the same rules as regular basketball, with the following exceptions:...
  
   – largely archaic variant of women's basketball, with six players on each team instead of five, and in which only forwards are allowed to shoot the ball and must stay in their team's frontcourt, while guards must stay in their team's backcourt.
• Continental Basketball Association
  Continental Basketball Association
  The Continental Basketball Association was a professional men's basketball league in the United States, which has been on hiatus since the 2009 season.- History :...
  
   – was a professional men's basketball league in the United States, affiliated with USA Basketball.
• Four corners offense
  Four corners offense
  The four corners offense is an offensive strategy for stalling in basketball. Four of the players stand in the corners of the offensive half-court and the fifth dribbles the ball in the middle...
  
   – an offensive strategy for stalling that was rendered obsolete by the introduction of the shot clock and the three-point line.

History of the NBA

Main articles: History of the National Basketball Association and List of National Basketball Association seasons

Basketball Association of America

Basketball Association of America

The Basketball Association of America was a professional basketball league in North America, founded in 1946. The league merged with the National Basketball League in 1949, forming the National Basketball Association ...

 (BAA)
National Basketball Association

National Basketball Association

The National Basketball Association is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in North America. It consists of thirty franchised member clubs, of which twenty-nine are located in the United States and one in Canada...

 (NBA)

NBA seasons by team

• List of Atlanta Hawks seasons
• List of Boston Celtics seasons
• List of Charlotte Bobcats seasons
• List of Chicago Bulls seasons
• List of Cleveland Cavaliers seasons
• List of Dallas Mavericks seasons
• List of Denver Nuggets seasons
• List of Detroit Pistons seasons
• List of Golden State Warriors seasons
• List of Houston Rockets seasons

• List of Indiana Pacers seasons
• List of Los Angeles Clippers seasons
• List of Los Angeles Lakers seasons
• List of Memphis Grizzlies seasons
• List of Miami Heat seasons
• List of Milwaukee Bucks seasons
• List of Minnesota Timberwolves seasons
• List of New Jersey Nets seasons
• List of New Orleans Hornets seasons
• List of New York Knicks seasons

• List of Oklahoma City Thunder seasons
• List of Orlando Magic seasons
• List of Philadelphia 76ers seasons
• List of Phoenix Suns seasons
• List of Portland Trail Blazers seasons
• List of Sacramento Kings seasons
• List of San Antonio Spurs seasons
• List of Toronto Raptors seasons
• List of Utah Jazz seasons
• List of Washington Wizards seasons

Miscellaneous terms

• End of quarter – when a quarter ends
• Halftime – (1) The end of the first half of play. (2) The interval between the two halves.
• Pivot – (1) A center (2) The pivot foot.
• Pivot foot – The foot that must remain touching the floor to avoid traveling
• Run – An interval in which one team heavily outscores the other.
• Hot hand fallacy
  Hot hand fallacy
  In sports psychology, the hot-hand fallacy is the idea that a streak of positive successes is likely to continue.In fact, statistics show that the events in sports are nearly independent; however, when skill is involved, hot players are more likely to have longer good streaks, so betting on a...
  
   – Is the notion that a streak of positive successes are likely to continue, but statistics show that the probability of a streak continuing actually goes down as the length increases.
• 5 man weave
  5 man weave
  The 5 man weave is a basketball drill introduced at Lindsey Wilson College, in Columbia, KY in 1991. Assistant Coach Ed Yuhas introduced the drill as a pre-season conditioning drill. The initial drill consisted of 5 players spaced evenly along the baseline, with the middle player holding the ball...
  
   – drill consisting of 5 players spaced evenly along the baseline, with the middle player holding the ball. On the smack of the ball players pass the ball repeatedly to the nearest player, while traveling up the court. They then run behind two players. Upon reaching the end of the court the drill turns into a 3 on 2 drill, with the person who shot the layup and the last passer returning to play defense. The ballhandler amongst the group of the 3 retreats to the other end after attacking the goal. The 2 defenders attack the single defender resulting in a 2 on 1 to the other side. These remaining 3 players then execute a 3 man weave to the far baseline.
• Three-peat
  Three-peat
  Three-peat is a contraction of the words three and repeat, which has been trademarked for commercial use by retired basketball coach Pat Riley; the active trademarks in force are registered under numbers 1552980, 1878690, and 1886018...
  
   – winning three consecutive championships.

Leagues and governing bodies

• ACB – The top professional league in Spain, often regarded as the second-strongest domestic league in the world behind the NBA. Initialism for the Spanish Asociación de Clubes de Baloncesto ("Association of Basketball Clubs").
• Eurocup – Europe's second-level transnational club competition. The qualifying rounds are operated by FIBA Europe, while the competition proper is operated by ULEB
  ULEB
  ULEB was founded in 1991, with the aim to help in the cooperation and development of European professional club basketball leagues...
  
  . Analogous to the UEFA Europa League in association football (soccer).
• Euroleague – Europe's top transnational club competition, also operated by ULEB. Analogous to the UEFA Champions League
  UEFA Champions League
  The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
  
   in football (soccer).
• FIBA
  International Basketball Federation
  The International Basketball Federation, more commonly known as FIBA , from its French name Fédération Internationale de Basketball, is an association of national organizations which governs international competition in basketball...
  
   – The International Basketball Federation, an association of national organizations which governs international competitions.
• NBA
  National Basketball Association
  The National Basketball Association is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in North America. It consists of thirty franchised member clubs, of which twenty-nine are located in the United States and one in Canada...
  
   – The National Basketball Association, the largest professional league in the United States
  United States
  The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
  
  , also with one team
  Toronto Raptors
  The Toronto Raptors are a professional basketball team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1995, along with the Vancouver Grizzlies, as part of the NBA's re-expansion...
  
   in Canada.
  • NBA Development League
    NBA Development League
    The NBA Development League, or NBA D-League, is the National Basketball Association's official minor league basketball organization. Known until summer 2005 as the National Basketball Development League , the NBA D-League started with eight teams in the fall of 2001...
    
     – the minor league for players trying to make it to the NBA
• NCAA
  National Collegiate Athletic Association
  The National Collegiate Athletic Association is a semi-voluntary association of 1,281 institutions, conferences, organizations and individuals that organizes the athletic programs of many colleges and universities in the United States...
  
   – The National Collegiate Athletic Association, the primary governing body for intercollegiate sports in the United States. Also used to describe national tournaments operated by this body, especially the Division I men's
  NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship
  The NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship is a single-elimination tournament held each spring in the United States, featuring 68 college basketball teams, to determine the national championship in the top tier of college basketball...
  
   and women's
  NCAA Women's Division I Basketball Championship
  The NCAA Women's Division I Championship is an annual college basketball tournament for women. Held each April, the Women's Championship was inaugurated in the 1981–82 season...
  
   tournaments. An unrelated body with the same name
  National Collegiate Athletic Association (Philippines)
  The National Collegiate Athletic Association is an athletics association of nine colleges and universities in the Philippines. Established in 1924, the NCAA is the oldest athletic association in the Philippines...
  
   exists in the Philippines.
• NFHS
  National Federation of State High School Associations
  The National Federation of State High School Associations is the body that writes the rules of competition for most high school sports and activities in the United States. Most high schools, whether public or private, belong to their state's high school association; in turn, each state association...
  
   – The National Federation of State High School Associations, the body that sets rules for high school sports in the U.S., including basketball.
• ULEB
  ULEB
  ULEB was founded in 1991, with the aim to help in the cooperation and development of European professional club basketball leagues...
  
   – A cooperative organization of professional basketball leagues in Europe, this body operates the Euroleague and Eurocup. The name is a French acronym for "Union of European Leagues of Basketball".
• WNBA
  Women's National Basketball Association
  The Women's National Basketball Association is a women's professional basketball league in the United States. It currently is composed of twelve teams. The league was founded on April 24, 1996 as the women's counterpart to the National Basketball Association...
  
   – The Women's National Basketball Association, the largest professional basketball league for women in the United States.

Statistics

• 5×5 – A minimum of 5 in all positive stat categories (points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks).
• Double-double – Double-digit figures in two positive statistical categories (example: 12 points, 14 rebounds)
• One trillion – A box score
  Box score
  A box score is a structured summary of the results from a sport competition. The box score lists the game score as well as individual and team achievements in the game....
  
   showing one minute played and zero for all other statistics, resulting in a one followed by twelve zeros—the conventional American
  United States
  The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
  
   rendering of "One trillion."
• Quadruple-double – Double-digit figures in four positive statistical categories (example: 12 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists, 10 steals)
• Triple-double – Double-digit figures in three positive statistical categories (example: 12 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists)

Contributors

• Dr. James Naismith
  James Naismith
  The first game of "Basket Ball" was played in December 1891. In a handwritten report, Naismith described the circumstances of the inaugural match; in contrast to modern basketball, the players played nine versus nine, handled a soccer ball, not a basketball, and instead of shooting at two hoops,...
  
   – Inventor of the sport.
• Danny Biasone
  Daniel Biasone
  Daniel Biasone was the founding owner of the Syracuse Nationals, an NBA team now known as the Philadelphia 76ers. Biasone, who was a childhood immigrant to the United States from Italy, was mostly known for advocating the use of the shot clock in basketball...
  
   – Invented the shot clock, an innovation widely considered to have saved the NBA in the 1950s.
• Dick Vitale
  Dick Vitale
  Richard J. "Dick" Vitale , also known as "Dickie V", is an American basketball sportscaster. A former head coach in the college and professional ranks, he is well-known as a college basketball broadcaster and for the enthusiastic and colorful remarks he makes during games. He is known for his...
  
   –

Players

• Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
  Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
  Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a retired American professional basketball player. He is the NBA's all-time leading scorer, with 38,387 points. During his career with the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers from 1969 to 1989, Abdul-Jabbar won six NBA championships and a record six regular season...
  
   – The all-time career scoring leader in NBA history, winner of six NBA titles (one with the Milwaukee Bucks and five with the Los Angeles Lakers) and a record six NBA MVP awards.
• Larry Bird
  Larry Bird
  Larry Joe Bird is a former American NBA basketball player and coach. Drafted into the NBA sixth overall by the Boston Celtics in 1978, Bird started at small forward and power forward for thirteen seasons, spearheading one of the NBA's most formidable frontcourts that included center Robert Parish...
  
   – One of the greatest forwards in NBA history, Bird led the Boston Celtics as they battled the Los Angeles Lakers for NBA supremacy through the 1980s. His (friendly) personal rivalry with Magic Johnson (below) was a major force in the NBA's growth in the 1980s and beyond.
• Wilt Chamberlain
  Wilt Chamberlain
  Wilton Norman "Wilt" Chamberlain was an American professional NBA basketball player for the Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Lakers; he also played for the Harlem Globetrotters prior to playing in the NBA...
  
   – Arguably the most physically dominant player in basketball history, Chamberlain was one of the NBA's leading scorers and rebounders through the 1960s and into the early 1970s.
• Chuck Cooper, Nathaniel Clifton, Earl Lloyd
  Earl Lloyd
  Earl Francis Lloyd is a retired American basketball player. He was the first African-American to play in the National Basketball Association, in the 1950-51 NBA season...
  
   – The first three African Americans in the NBA. Cooper was the first to be drafted by an NBA team, Clifton the first to sign an NBA contract, and Lloyd the first to actually play in the league. Only Lloyd is in the Hall of Fame.
• Julius Erving
  Julius Erving
  Julius Winfield Erving II , commonly known by the nickname Dr. J, is a retired American basketball player who helped launch a modern style of play that emphasizes leaping and play above the rim....
  
   – Commonly known as "Dr. J," he revolutionized a new style of basketball that emphasized playing above the rim in the 1970s and 1980s. A star player in both the ABA
  American Basketball Association
  The American Basketball Association was a professional basketball league founded in 1967. The ABA ceased to exist with the ABA–NBA merger in 1976.-League history:...
  
   and NBA
  National Basketball Association
  The National Basketball Association is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in North America. It consists of thirty franchised member clubs, of which twenty-nine are located in the United States and one in Canada...
  
  , Erving popularized his signature "slam dunk," and help spur the NBA's rise in popularity in the modern era.
• Magic Johnson
  Magic Johnson
  Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. is a retired American professional basketball player who played point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association . After winning championships in high school and college, Johnson was selected first overall in the 1979 NBA Draft by the Lakers...
  
   – One of the greatest floor leaders in NBA history, Johnson led the "Showtime" Lakers of the 1980s and played a major role in the NBA's growth since 1980.
• Michael Jordan
  Michael Jordan
  Michael Jeffrey Jordan is a former American professional basketball player, active entrepreneur, and majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats...
  
   – Widely acclaimed as the greatest player in history, the NBA's all-time leader in scoring average was the face of the Chicago Bulls dynasty of the 1990s, and even of the NBA as a whole.
• George Mikan
  George Mikan
  George Lawrence Mikan, Jr. , nicknamed Mr. Basketball, was an American professional basketball player for the Chicago American Gears of the National Basketball League and the Minneapolis Lakers of the NBL, the Basketball Association of America and the National Basketball Association...
  
   - Regarded as the NBA's first true superstar, Mikan played for the Minneapolis Lakers
  Los Angeles Lakers
  The Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
  
   and directed them to 5 NBA titles in 6 seasons. He is noted as a pioneer of big men
  Center (basketball)
  The center, colloquially known as the five or the post, is one of the standard positions in a regulation basketball game. The center is normally the tallest player on the team, and often has a great deal of strength and body mass as well...
  
   in basketball, with his rebounding, shot blocking and ambidextrous hook shot
  Hook shot
  A hook shot, in basketball, is a play in which the offensive player, usually turned perpendicular to the basket, gently throws the ball with a sweeping motion of his arm in an upward arc with a follow-through which ends over his head. Unlike the jump shot, it is shot with only one hand; the other...
  
  .
• Dirk Nowitzki
  Dirk Nowitzki
  Dirk Werner Nowitzki is a German professional basketball player who plays for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association...
  
   – The first European-trained player to be named NBA MVP. Nowitzki has been a perennial All-Star for the Dallas Mavericks
  Dallas Mavericks
  The Dallas Mavericks are a professional basketball team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association , and the reigning NBA champions, having defeated the Miami Heat in the 2011 NBA Finals.According to a 2011...
  
  , and guided them to the NBA Championship in 2011.
• Shaquille O'Neal
  Shaquille O'Neal
  Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal , nicknamed "Shaq" , is a former American professional basketball player. Standing tall and weighing , he was one of the heaviest players ever to play in the NBA...
  
   – Perhaps the most physically dominant center since Chamberlain, and one of the NBA's biggest stars for much of the 1990s and 2000s.
• Dražen Petrović
  Dražen Petrovic
  Dražen Petrović was a Yugoslav and Croatian professional basketball player. A shooting guard, he initially achieved success playing professional basketball in Europe in the 1980s before joining the American NBA in 1989...
  
   – The first European-trained player to make a major impact in the NBA. Died in a 1993 automobile accident when on the verge of NBA superstardom.
• Oscar Robertson
  Oscar Robertson
  Oscar Palmer Robertson , nicknamed "The Big O", is a former American NBA player with the Cincinnati Royals and the Milwaukee Bucks...
  
   – "The Big O" is the only player to average a triple-double for an entire campaign in the 1961-62 season
  1961-62 NBA season
  The 1961–62 NBA season was the 16th season of the National Basketball Association. The season ended with the Boston Celtics winning their 4th straight NBA Championship, beating the Los Angeles Lakers 4 games to 3 in the NBA Finals.-Notable occurrences:...
  
  , and was noted for both his abilities as a playmaker and a scorer. He later helped Kareem Abdul-Jabbar win the NBA Championship for the Milwaukee Bucks in 1971.
• Bill Russell
  Bill Russell
  William Felton "Bill" Russell is a retired American professional basketball player who played center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association...
  
   – The centerpiece of the Boston Celtics dynasty of the 1950s and 1960s, winning 11 NBA titles while establishing himself as one of the greatest rebounders and defenders in history.
• Jerry West
  Jerry West
  Jerry Alan West is a retired American basketball player who played his entire professional career for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association . His nicknames include "Mr...
  
   – West was one of the NBA's greatest all-around combo guards, being equally strong on offense and defense. He was also known for making key baskets in late stages of games, earning him the nickname "Mr. Clutch."
• Yao Ming
  Yao Ming
  Yao Ming is a retired Chinese professional basketball player who last played for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association...
  
   – The face of basketball in China in the 2000s. The first Chinese NBA superstar, and also the first #1 overall NBA draft pick to have been both born and trained outside the U.S.

Coaches

• Red Auerbach
  Red Auerbach
  Arnold Jacob "Red" Auerbach was an American basketball coach of the Washington Capitols, the Tri-Cities Blackhawks and the Boston Celtics. After he retired from coaching, he served as president and front office executive of the Celtics until his death...
  
   – Architect of the Boston Celtics from 1950 until his death in 2006, he won nine NBA titles as head coach and seven more as general manager and team president.
• Geno Auriemma
  Geno Auriemma
  Luigi "Geno" Auriemma is the head coach of the University of Connecticut Huskies women's basketball team, which he has led to seven National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I national championships...
  
   – Current Connecticut Huskies women's
  Connecticut Huskies women's basketball
  The Connecticut Huskies women's basketball team represents the University of Connecticut in Storrs, Connecticut in NCAA women's basketball competition. Under head coach Geno Auriemma, the Huskies have won 7 NCAA Division I national championships, advanced to 12 Final Fours, and won over 30 Big...
  
   coach; winner of seven NCAA titles, including four unbeaten seasons and separate NCAA Division I-record winning streaks of 70 and 90 games. Also the current head coach of the USA women's national team
  United States women's national basketball team
  The United States women's national basketball team are the defending Olympic champions in women's basketball. The team is composed of some of the top American players in the WNBA and the women's college game....
  
  .
• Larry Brown
  Larry Brown (basketball)
  Lawrence Harvey "Larry" Brown is an American basketball coach and former player. He most recently served as head coach of the National Basketball Association's Charlotte Bobcats....
  
   - Regarded as one of the greatest coaches in basketball history, Brown was a proven winner in both collegiate and professional basketball. He is the only coach to win both an NCAA national championship (With Kansas in 1988) and an NBA
  National Basketball Association
  The National Basketball Association is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in North America. It consists of thirty franchised member clubs, of which twenty-nine are located in the United States and one in Canada...
  
   championship (In 2004 with the Detroit Pistons).
• Chuck Daly
  Chuck Daly
  Charles Jerome "Chuck" Daly was an American basketball head coach. He led the Detroit Pistons to consecutive National Basketball Association Championships in 1989 and 1990, and the Dream Team to the men's basketball gold medal at the 1992 Summer Olympics. He had a 14-year NBA coaching...
  
   - Daly's coaching career started with a highly successful run in the Ivy League
  Ivy League
  The Ivy League is an athletic conference comprising eight private institutions of higher education in the Northeastern United States. The conference name is also commonly used to refer to those eight schools as a group...
  
   as the head coach of Penn
  University of Pennsylvania
  The University of Pennsylvania is a private, Ivy League university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Penn is the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States,Penn is the fourth-oldest using the founding dates claimed by each institution...
  
  . Daly then guided the Detroit Pistons to back-to-back NBA titles in 1989 & 1990, and also coached the Dream Team
  1992 United States men's Olympic basketball team
  The 1992 United States men's Olympic basketball team, nicknamed the "Dream Team", was the first American Olympic team to feature active NBA players. Often considered one of the strongest teams assembled in any sport, it defeated its opponents by an average of almost 44 points en route to the gold ...
  
   to the gold medal at the 1992 Summer Olympics
  1992 Summer Olympics
  The 1992 Summer Olympic Games, officially known as the Games of the XXV Olympiad, were an international multi-sport event celebrated in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, in 1992. The International Olympic Committee voted in 1986 to separate the Summer and Winter Games, which had been held in the same...
  
  .
• Red Holzman
  Red Holzman
  William "Red" Holzman was an NBA basketball player and coach probably best known as the head coach of the New York Knicks from 1967 to 1982. Holzman helped lead the Knicks to two NBA Championships in 1970 and 1973, and was elected into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1985...
  
   - Holzman is best known for coaching the New York Knicks
  New York Knicks
  The New York Knickerbockers, prominently known as the Knicks, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
  
   to two NBA titles in 1970
  1970 NBA Finals
  The 1970 NBA Finals was a best-of-7 series for the world championship of the National Basketball Association. It featured the Eastern Conference champion New York Knicks and the Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers...
  
   and 1973
  1973 NBA Finals
  For the third time in four seasons, the New York Knicks of the Eastern Conference met the Los Angeles Lakers of the Western Conference for the NBA World Championship in the 1973 NBA Finals...
  
  . His teams were known for strong teamwork, tough defense, and unselfish play on offense.
• Phil Jackson
  Phil Jackson
  Philip Douglas "Phil" Jackson is a retired American professional basketball coach and player. Jackson is widely considered one of the greatest coaches in the history of the National Basketball Association . His reputation was established as head coach of the Chicago Bulls from 1989 through 1998;...
  
   – Winner of a record 11 NBA titles as a head coach—six with the Chicago Bulls dynasty of the 1990s, and five with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 21st century.
• Bob Knight – Highly successful though often controversial, Knight is most famous for his long tenure at Indiana University
  Indiana Hoosiers men's basketball
  The Indiana Hoosiers men's basketball team is the intercollegiate men's basketball program representing Indiana University . The school competes in the Big Ten Conference in Division I of the NCAA. The Hoosiers play on Branch McCracken Court at the Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Indiana on the IU...
  
  , where he won three NCAA titles. Currently the winningest head coach in Division I men's history, though his protege Mike Krzyzewski (see below) is on the verge of surpassing him in wins.
• Mike Krzyzewski – A former player under Knight at Army
  Army Black Knights men's basketball
  The Army Black Knights men's basketball team represents the United States Military Academy in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I college basketball. Army currently competes as a member of the Patriot League and plays its home games at Christl Arena in West Point, New York.Army is...
  
  , "Coach K" successfully rebuilt Duke
  Duke Blue Devils men's basketball
  The Duke Blue Devils men's basketball team is the college basketball program representing Duke University in the Atlantic Coast Conference of NCAA Division I...
  
   into one of the most powerful NCAA men's programs, with four NCAA titles to his credit. Likely to surpass Knight as the winningest Division I men's coach in 2011–12. Also the current head coach of the USA men's national team, leading the "Redeem Team" to Olympic gold in 2008
  Basketball at the 2008 Summer Olympics
  Basketball contests at the 2008 Olympic Games were held from August 9, 2008 to August 24, 2008. Competitions were held at the Wukesong Indoor Stadium in Beijing, China...
  
  .
• John Kundla
  John Kundla
  John Albert Kundla is a former college and professional basketball coach.-Playing and early coaching careers:...
  
   - Kundla coached the NBA's first great dynasty, the Minneapolis Lakers of the early 1950s. Leading a team starring George Mikan, Kundla guided the Lakers to 5 NBA titles in 6 years.
• Nancy Lieberman
  Nancy Lieberman
  Nancy Elizabeth Lieberman , nicknamed "Lady Magic", is a former professional basketball player who played and coached in the WNBA.Lieberman is regarded as one of the greatest figures in women's basketball....
  
   – Though more famous as one of the top women's players in history, she has also made history as the first woman to coach an NBA or NBA Development League
  NBA Development League
  The NBA Development League, or NBA D-League, is the National Basketball Association's official minor league basketball organization. Known until summer 2005 as the National Basketball Development League , the NBA D-League started with eight teams in the fall of 2001...
  
   team; she made her debut coaching the Texas Legends on November 17, 2010.
• Pat Riley
  Pat Riley
  Patrick James "Pat" Riley is an American professional basketball executive, and a retired coach and player in the NBA. Currently, he is team president of the Miami Heat. Widely regarded as one of the greatest NBA coaches of all time, Riley has served as the head coach of five championship teams...
  
   - A 3-time winner of the NBA Coach of the Year Award
  NBA Coach of the Year Award
  The National Basketball Association's Coach of the Year is an annual National Basketball Association award given since the 1962–63 NBA season. The winner receives the Red Auerbach Trophy, which is named in honor of the head coach who led the Boston Celtics to nine NBA Championships from 1956 to 1966...
  
  . Riley first coached the Los Angeles Lakers to 4 NBA titles in the 1980s, forging a dynasty known as "Showtime." He then coached the New York Knicks in the mid-1990s, and finally served twice as coach of the Miami Heat, winning a 5th title in 2006.
• Adolph Rupp
  Adolph Rupp
  Adolph Frederick Rupp was one of the most successful coaches in the history of American college basketball. Rupp is fourth in total victories by a men's NCAA Division I college coach, winning 876 games in 41 years of coaching...
  
   – The main architect of the University of Kentucky's
  Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball
  The Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball team, representing the University of Kentucky, is the winningest in the history of college basketball, both in all-time wins and all-time winning percentage. Kentucky's all-time record currently stands at 2058–647...
  
   basketball tradition, who won four NCAA titles and retired as the winningest Division I men's coach.
• Dean Smith
  Dean Smith
  Dean Edwards Smith is a retired American head coach of men's college basketball. Originally from Emporia, Kansas, Smith has been called a “coaching legend” by the Basketball Hall of Fame. Smith is best known for his successful 36-year coaching tenure at the University of North Carolina at Chapel...
  
   – Reestablished the University of North Carolina's
  North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball
  The North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball program is the intercollegiate men's basketball of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and is considered one of the most successful programs in NCAA history...
  
   basketball tradition, surpassing Rupp as the winningest Division I men's coach in the process. He retired with 2 NCAA titles along the way and recorded 879 career victories.
• Pat Summitt
  Pat Summitt
  Patricia "Pat" Head Summitt is an American women's college basketball coach. She is currently the head coach of the Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team. She is the all-time winningest coach in NCAA basketball history of either a men's or women's team in any division...
  
   – Current Tennessee Lady Volunteers
  Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball
  The Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball team represents the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee in NCAA women's basketball competition...
  
   coach; winner of eight NCAA titles and the first coach (men's or women's) to win 1,000 games in NCAA play.
• John Wooden
  John Wooden
  John Robert Wooden was an American basketball player and coach. Nicknamed the "Wizard of Westwood", he won ten NCAA national championships in a 12-year period — seven in a row — as head coach at UCLA, an unprecedented feat. Within this period, his teams won a record 88 consecutive games...
  
   – UCLA
  UCLA Bruins men's basketball
  The UCLA Bruins men's basketball program, established in 1920, owns a record 11 Division I NCAA championships. UCLA teams coached by John Wooden won 10 national titles in 12 seasons from 1964 to 1975, including 7 straight from 1967 to 1973. UCLA went undefeated a record 4 times, in 1964, 1967,...
  
   legend who led the Bruins to seven consecutive NCAA titles and 10 in 12 years, with four unbeaten seasons and a winning streak of 88 games, still a record in Division I men's play.

Variations and similar games

• Recreational basketball – where fun, entertainment and camaraderie rule rather than winning a game

Player number variants

• FIBA 33
  FIBA 33
  FIBA 3x3 basketball is a formalized version of three-on-three basketball, a form of the game initially developed on inner-city asphalt outdoor courts in the United States. With over 250 million players worldwide and among the most played recreational sports in the world, 3x3 will become a key motor...
  
   – A formalized version of three-on-three halfcourt basketball created by FIBA in 2007, and currently being heavily promoted by the federation.

Play medium variants

• Beach basketball
  Beach basketball
  Beach Basketball is a modified version of basketball, played on beaches. It was invented in the USA by Philip Bryant.- USA :Beach basketball is played in a circular court with no backboard on the goal and no out-of-bounds rule, with the ball movement to be done via passes or 2½ steps, as dribbling...
  
   – played on beaches in a circular court with no backboard and no out-of-bounds rule, with the ball movement done via passes or 2½ steps, as dribbling is next to impossible on sand.
• Streetball
  Streetball
  Streetball or street basketball is a variation of the sport of basketball, typically played on outdoor courts and featuring significantly less by way of formal structure and enforcement of the game's rules...
  
   – variation typically played on outdoor courts, with rules that vary widely from court to court. In most versions there are no free throws, and carrying, traveling, and double dribbling are allowed.
• Water basketball
  Water basketball
  Water basketball is a water sport which mixes the rules of basketball and water polo. Developed and promoted by Italian teacher Francesco Rizzuto in 1986, it is played in a swimming pool...
  
   – played in a swimming pool with a floating boardless hoop, combining rules from basketball and water polo.

Riding variants

• Donkey basketball
  Donkey basketball
  Donkey basketball is a variation on the standard game of basketball, played on a standard basketball court, but in which the players ride donkeys. A donkey basketball game is usually staged as a one-shot fundraising event, typically in public schools. Commercial firms provide donkeys and equipment,...
  
   – Played on the backs of donkeys, this version has come under attack from animal rights groups.
• Horseball
  Horseball
  Horseball is a game played on horseback where a ball is handled and points are scored by shooting it through a high net . The sport is like a combination of polo, rugby, and basketball. It is one of the ten disciplines officially recognized by the International Federation for Equestrian...
  
   – game played on horseback where a ball is handled and points are scored by shooting it through a high net (approximately 1.5m×1.5m). It is a combination of polo, rugby, and basketball.
• Unicycle basketball – is played using a regulation basketball on a regular basketball court with the same rules, e.g., one must dribble the ball whilst riding.
• Wheelchair basketball
  Wheelchair basketball
  Wheelchair basketball is basketball played by people in wheelchairs and is considered one of the major disabled sports practiced. The International Wheelchair Basketball Federation is the governing body for this sport. It is recognized by the International Paralympic Committee as the sole...
  
   – designed for disabled people in wheelchairs and is considered one of the major disabled sports practiced.

Special interest group variants

• Basketball Schools and Academies – where students are trained in developing basketball fundamentals, undergo fitness and endurance exercises and learn various basketball skills. Basketball students learn proper ways of passing, ball handling, dribbling, shooting from various distances, rebounding, offensive moves, defense, layups, screens, basketball rules and basketball ethics. Also popular are the basketball camps organized for various occasions, often to get prepared for basketball events, and basketball clinics for improving skills.
• Disabled basketball played by various disabled groups, such as:
  • Bankshot basketball –
  • Deaf basketball
    Deaf basketball
    Deaf basketball is basketball played by deaf people. Sign language is used to communicate whistle blows and communication between players.-National associations:...
    
     – Basketball played by deaf people. Despite the game's many whistles due to its “no contact” nature of play, deaf players have adapted well to reading the flow of the game and can easily tell when a foul is committed. Sign language is also used to communicate referee decisions and communication between players.
  • Wheelchair basketball
    Wheelchair basketball
    Wheelchair basketball is basketball played by people in wheelchairs and is considered one of the major disabled sports practiced. The International Wheelchair Basketball Federation is the governing body for this sport. It is recognized by the International Paralympic Committee as the sole...
    
     – based on basketball but designed for disabled people in wheelchairs and considered one of the major disabled sports practiced.
• College and University basketball – played in educational institutions of higher learning.
  • National Collegiate Athletic Association
    National Collegiate Athletic Association
    The National Collegiate Athletic Association is a semi-voluntary association of 1,281 institutions, conferences, organizations and individuals that organizes the athletic programs of many colleges and universities in the United States...
    
     (NCAA) – Intercollegiate basketball, commonly known as College basketball
    College basketball
    College basketball most often refers to the USA basketball competitive governance structure established by the National Collegiate Athletic Association . Basketball in the NCAA is divided into three divisions: Division I, Division II and Division III....
    
     in the United States although it is also played in most universities in the country.
• Ethnic and Religion-based basketball – Examples of ethnic basketball include Indo-Pak or Russian or Armenian leagues in the United States or Canada, for example, or Filipino expatriate basketball leagues in the Gulf or the United States. Religion-based basketball includes, most notably, church-related Christian basketball leagues, Jewish, Muslim and Hindu basketball leagues, etc. or denominational leagues like Coptic, Syriac/Assyrian basketball leagues in the United States or Canada.
• Gay basketball – played in gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities in gay basketball leagues. The sport of basketball is a major part of events during the Gay Games
  Gay Games
  The Gay Games is the world's largest sporting and cultural event organized by and specifically for LGBT athletes, artists, musicians, and others. It welcomes participants of every sexual orientation and every skill level...
  
  , World Outgames
  World Outgames
  The World Outgames are a sporting and cultural event hosted by the gay community. With over 12,000 participants, the 1st World Outgames, held in 2006, was the largest international event to be held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada since the 1976 Summer Olympiad. These first Outgames were not as...
  
   and EuroGames
  Eurogames (LGBT sporting event)
  The EuroGames are a gay and lesbian sporting event in Europe, hosted by license of the European Gay and Lesbian Sport Federation and organised by one or more of the federation's member clubs....
  
  .
• Midnight basketball
  Midnight basketball
  Midnight basketball was a 1990s initiative to curb inner-city crime in the United States by keeping urban youth off the streets and engaging them with alternatives to drugs and crime. It was originally founded by G...
  
   – a basketball initiative to curb inner-city crime in the United States and elsewhere by keeping urban youth off the streets and engaging them with sports alternatives to drugs and crime.
• Mini basketball – played by underage children.
• Maxi Basketball – played by more elderly individuals.
• Rezball
  Rezball
  Rezball, short for reservation ball, is the term used to describe the avid Native American following of basketball and in some areas the style of play of their Native American teams.-Style of Play:...
  
   – , short for reservation ball, is the term used to describe the avid Native American
  Native Americans in the United States
  Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
  
   following of basketball and, in some areas, the style of play of Native American teams.
• Prison basketball – , practiced in prisons and penitentiary institutions. Active religious basketball missionary groups also play basketball with prisoners. Some prisons have developed their own prison basketball leagues. At times, non-prisoners may play in such leagues, provided all home and away games are played within prison courts. Film director Jason Moriarty
  Jason Moriarty
  Jason Moriarty is an American film director and producer. Most notably he directed and produced the 2004 documentary film Prison Ball about sport of basketball played in American prisons....
  
   has released a documentary relating to the sport, entitled Prison Ball
  Prison Ball
  Prison Ball is a 2004 an American documentary film directed by Jason Moriarty and written by Jeff Scheftel. The 90-minute film is narrated by Ice-T.Prison Ball is about prison basketball as practiced by prisoners within prison walls...
  
  .
• School or High school basketball – the sport of basketball being one of the most frequently exercised and popular sports in all school systems.

Show basketball

Show basketball – Performed by entertainment basketball show teams, like the Harlem Globetrotters

Harlem Globetrotters

The Harlem Globetrotters are an exhibition basketball team that combines athleticism, theater and comedy. The executive offices for the team are currently in downtown Phoenix, Arizona; the team is owned by Shamrock Holdings, which oversees the various investments of the Roy E. Disney family.Over...

. Specialized entertainment teams include:

• Celebrity basketball – teams of celebrities (actors, singers, etc.) playing in their own leagues or in public, often for entertainment and charity events;
• Midget basketball – teams of athletes of short stature
  Short stature
  Short stature refers to a height of a human being which is below expected. Shortness is a vague term without a precise definition and with significant relativity to context...
  
   offering shows using basketball;
• Slamball
  Slamball
  Slamball is a form of basketball played with 4 trampolines in front of each net. It is played "full contact" and has boards around the court....
  
   – offered as entertainment events.

Alternate game forms

• Fantasy basketball
  Fantasy basketball
  Fantasy basketball was inspired by fantasy baseball. Originally played by keeping track of stats by hand, it was popularized during the 1990s after the advent of the Internet. Those who play this game are sometimes referred to as General Managers , who draft actual NBA players and compute their...
  
   - a game where participants act as owners to build a basketball team that competes against other fantasy owners based on the statistics generated by the real individual players.

Basketball video games

• All-Pro Basketball
  All-Pro Basketball
  All-Pro Basketball, known as Zenbei!! Pro Basketball in Japan, is a basketball video-game developed by Aicom and published by Vic Tokai for the Nintendo Entertainment System. It is played using two teams of five players on a full length basketball court, and a roster of eight different fictional...
  
  
• Arcade Hoops Basketball
  Arcade Hoops Basketball
  Arcade Hoops Basketball is a basketball video game developed and published by Skyworks Interactive. It was released as a download-only title on April 17, 2009 for the iOS and on December 28, 2009 for the Nintendo DSi via the DSiWare service...
  
  
• Arch Rivals
  Arch Rivals
  Arch Rivals is a basketball arcade game created by Midway in 1989. The game billed itself as "A Basket Brawl." It was also included on Midway Arcade Treasures 2 for the PlayStation 2, Xbox and GameCube and Midway Arcade Treasures Deluxe Edition for the PC...
  
  
• Barkley Shut Up and Jam!
  Barkley Shut Up and Jam!
  Barkley Shut Up and Jam! is a 1994 basketball video game for the Super NES, Atari Jaguar, and Sega Mega Drive.-Summary:The video game features former NBA MVP Charles Barkley as he jams and slams in the downtown basketball courts of different NBA cities. The gameplay is similar to NBA Jam...
  
  
• Basket Master
  Basket Master
  Basket Master is the European version name of the computer basketball game Fernando Martin Basket Master developed by Dinamic during 1987. Some versions, like C64 one, were developed by Imagine...
  
  
• Basketball (1978 video game)
• Basketball (1980 video game)
• Basketball Challenge
  Basketball Challenge
  Basketball Challenge is a computer game developed by the XOR Corporation in 1987 for IBM micros and compatibles.-Gameplay:The player is the coach of a basketball team, and determines the plays and sets, offense and defense...
  
  
• Basketbrawl
  Basketbrawl
  Basketbrawl is a video game released for the Atari 7800 in 1990 and the Atari Lynx in 1992. It is a sports simulation while also a beat-em up at the same time. The object of the game is to outscore the player's opponent either by scoring more points at basketball or knocking them out cold....
  
  
• Bill Laimbeer's Combat Basketball
  Bill Laimbeer's Combat Basketball
  Bill Laimbeer's Combat Basketball released in 1991 by Hudson Soft, is a futuristic full-contact basketball video game for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.-Gameplay:...
  
  
• David Robinson's Supreme Court
  David Robinson's Supreme Court
  David Robinson Supreme Court is a Sega Genesis video game that received lukewarm praise during its release in the early 1990s.-Summary:The name is based on former NBA player David Robinson and features four different fictional teams from the United States of America. This game was developed with...
  
  
• Disney Sports Basketball
  Disney Sports Basketball
  The Nintendo Gamecube version of the game received very negative reviews such as GameSpot giving the game a 2.6 out of 10.0 and saying, "Disney Sports Basketball has no redeeming qualities, and it should be avoided by basketball fans and Disney fans alike."...
  
  
• Double Dribble (video game)
  Double Dribble (video game)
  Double Dribble, known in Japan as , was the second basketball arcade game developed and released in 1986 by Konami, following Super Basketball...
  
  
• Double Dribble: The Playoff Edition
  Double Dribble: The Playoff Edition
  Double Dribble: The Playoff Edition is a basketball video game by Konami, a direct sequel to the original arcade version in 1986 and the NES version in 1987. It was released for the Sega Genesis.-Options:...
  
  
• Double Dunk
  Double Dunk
  Double Dunk is a basketball-based video game developed by Atari and released in 1989 for the Atari 2600. Programmed by Matthew Hubbard, Double Dunk was one of the last games produced by Atari for its most well-known console.-Gameplay:...
  
  
• Euroleague Basketball Manager
  Euroleague Basketball Manager
  Euroleague Basketball Manager is the Euroleague's official basketball game. The 2008 version features on the cover Jaka Lakovič, Šarūnas Jasikevičius, Nikola Vujčić and Theo Papaloukas.- External links :***...
  
  

• FreeStyle Street Basketball
  FreeStyle Street Basketball
  FreeStyle Street Basketball also known as FreeStyle or FSSB is a Sport MMO developed by JC Entertainment. There are several different versions of this game for different regions. It is free to play but supported with a microtransaction business model. Published in many countries...
  
  
• GBA Championship Basketball: Two-on-Two
• Golden Basket
  Golden Basket
  Golden Basket is a 1990 computer basketball game for the home computers. It was developed by Opera Sports and published by Opera Soft for the ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, MSX and PC.-External links:* at mobygames.com* at worldofspectrum.org...
  
  
• Harlem Globetrotters (video game)
  Harlem Globetrotters (video game)
  Harlem Globetrotters is an NES sports game about a basketball team who does tricks in order to impress basketball fans. Unlike most other basketball video games, there is only an exhibition mode in this game where the player can play as either the Harlem Globetrotters or their long-time rivals, the...
  
  
• HoopWorld
  HoopWorld
  HoopWorld, is a 3-on-3 multiplayer arcade basketball game with a kung-fu power-up twist, released in North America on July 19, 2010 and in the PAL region on August 13, 2010 exclusively for WiiWare...
  
  
• Hoops (video game)
  Hoops (video game)
  Hoops is an NES basketball video game that was released in 1988 for a Japanese audience and in 1989 for a North American audience.-Summary:...
  
  
• Jammit
  Jammit
  Jammit is a 1994 computer basketball game for the 3DO, DOS, Genesis and SNES. It was developed by GTE Vantage Inc. and published by GTE Entertainment.-External links:* at neoseeker.com* at ag.ru...
  
  
• Jordan vs. Bird: One on One
• Kidz Sports Basketball
  Kidz Sports Basketball
  Kidz Sports Basketball is a sports video game title from English developer/publisher Data Design Interactive. The game was released on the PlayStation 2 in 2004 and on the PC in 2006. It was released on the Wii in 2008.-Reception:...
  
  
• Looney Tunes B-Ball
  Looney Tunes B-Ball
  Looney Tunes B-Ball is a video game released for the SNES in 1995. It was developed by the now-defunct Sculptured Software.-Gameplay:Looney Tunes B-Ball is an arcade-style basketball game starring the Looney Tunes. It is similar to other arcade-style basketball games of the 16-bit era, such as NBA...
  
  
• Magic Johnson's Basketball
  Magic Johnson's Basketball
  Magic Johnson's Basketball is a 1989 computer basketball game for the PC. It was developed by Arcadia Systems and published by Melbourne House and is endorsed by Magic Johnson although it has no NBA licensed players or teams....
  
  
• Mario Hoops 3-on-3
  Mario Hoops 3-on-3
  Mario Hoops 3-on-3, known in Europe and Australia as Mario Slam Basketball and in Japan as , is a sports game developed by Square Enix and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS in 2006....
  
  
• Michael Jordan in Flight
  Michael Jordan in Flight
  Michael Jordan in Flight is a 1993 computer basketball game for MS-DOS. It was developed by Electronic Arts and published by Dro Soft and is endorsed by Michael Jordan although it has no NBA licensed players or teams.- Gameplay :...
  
  
• NBA Give 'n Go
  NBA Give 'N Go
  NBA Give 'N Go is a 1995 Super Nintendo Entertainment System basketball video game that uses licensed teams from the National Basketball Association. The game is essentially a home version of Konami's arcade game Run and Gun, which featured similar graphics and gameplay but no NBA license...
  
  
• NBA in the Zone
  NBA In The Zone
  The NBA In the Zone series is a series of basketball video games released by Konami for the PlayStation and Nintendo 64 video game consoles...
  
  
• NBA Jam
  NBA Jam
  NBA Jam is a basketball arcade game developed by Midway in 1993. It is the first entry in the NBA Jam series, and was written entirely in assembly language. The main designer and programmer for this game was Mark Turmell...
  
  

• NBA Elite series
• Nicktoons Basketball
  Nicktoons Basketball
  Nicktoons Basketball is a video game for the PC, released in 2004. It is based on many Nickelodeon animated series. It is the third Nicktoon game to be released by ImaginEngine, and also the first by Digital Eclipse.-Plot and gameplay:...
  
  
• One on One: Dr. J vs. Larry Bird
  One on One: Dr. J vs. Larry Bird
  Dr. J and Larry Bird Go One on One, more commonly known as One on One, is a 1983 computer basketball game for the early era of home computers...
  
  
• Pat Riley Basketball
  Pat Riley Basketball
  Pat Riley Basketball is a video game which was released for the Sega Genesis, for the Mega Drive in Japan on March 2, 1990 and Europe under the title . It was released in 1990 in the United States. It was originally also developed for the Sega Master System, but was never released. Pat Riley was...
  
  
• Rap Jam: Volume One
  Rap Jam: Volume One
  Rap Jam: Volume One is a Super Nintendo Entertainment System basketball video game in which the players are rap and hip-hop artists. The game is played on an urban basketball court, with fisticuffs and no foul calls. There is an exhibition mode and a tournament mode.The game was released in January...
  
  
• Slam City with Scottie Pippen
• Space Jam (video game)
  Space Jam (video game)
  Space Jam is a 1996 video game released by Acclaim to tie in with the film of the same name. Unlike the film and real rules of basketball, each team plays 3-on-3. Players have a choice whether to play as the Tune Squad or the Monstars. It features basic controls and 2D graphics...
  
  
• Street Hoop
  Street Hoop
  Street Hoop, known in Japan as and known in North America as Street Slam, is a basketball game developed by Data East for Neo-Geo, released in 1994 and later on the Wii Virtual Console in Japan on July 20, 2010, the PAL region on October 22, 2010 and in North America on November 1, 2010.In the...
  
  
• Street Hoops
  Street Hoops
  Street Hoops is a streetball video game released in 2002. The game has real life streetballers such as 1/2 Man 1/2 Amazing, Hot Sauce, and Headache, and is a less dramatic, more realistic game than NBA Street, as the characters cannot jump completely over the hoop. Like NBA Street, it is possible...
  
  
• Street Sports Basketball
  Street Sports Basketball
  Street Sports Basketball is a 1988 computer basketball game for the PC, Amstrad CPC, Amiga, Apple Inc., Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum. It was developed by Epyx and published by U.S. Gold.- Gameplay :The game features a 3-a-side basketball match...
  
  
• Tip Off
  Tip Off
  Tip Off is a basketball game released for the Amiga and Atari. It was developed in 1991 by Anco...
  
  
• TV Sports Basketball
  TV Sports Basketball
  TV Sports Basketball is a 1990 computer basketball game for the home computers. It was developed by Cinemaware and published by Mirrorsoft for the Amiga, DOS, Commodore and TurboGrafx-16.- Gameplay :...
  
  
• Ultimate Basketball
  Ultimate Basketball
  Ultimate Basketball is a NES basketball video game. It was released in September 1990 by American Sammy.-Gameplay:The game plays like a conventional sports video game. The player choses from a list of seven available teams, and controls five players on the team on the court, though only one player...
  
  
• White Men Can't Jump (video game)
  White Men Can't Jump (video game)
  White Men Can't Jump was a video game released for the Atari Jaguar in 1995, based on the movie of the same name. As in the movie, players play games of two-on-two street basketball. It came with the Team Tap Adaptor allowing four players to play in tandem...
  
  
• Wii Sports Resort
  Wii Sports Resort
  Wii Sports Resort has received generally favorable reviews, with an average score on Metacritic of 80%. IGN gave it a 7.7 out of 10, citing the impressive fidelity of the controls and how the graphics, as compared to the majority of Wii games, were superb. GameTrailers gave an 8.6 out of 10....
  
  
• World Basketball Manager
  World Basketball Manager
  World Basketball Manager is a PC game that lets you take charge and manage basketball teams all around the world, inside or outside the NBA. It is the first Greek computer game to ever get published outside Greece....
  
  

Spin-offs

Spin-offs from basketball that are now separate sports include:

• Circball – played between 2 teams with 6 players on each team, on a circular court having a pole (without a backboard) with a back to back double hoop at the top encircled by a larger hoop. Circball has a unique game rules wherein it is played using a combination of a competitive and a cooperative game of play.
• Korfball
  Korfball
  Korfball is a mixed gender team sport, with similarities to netball and basketball. A team consists of eight players; four female and four male. A team also includes a coach. It was founded in the Netherlands in 1902 by Nico Broekhuysen. In the Netherlands there are around 580 clubs, and over a...
  
   – played by 2 teams that each have 2 males and 2 females, on a court divided into 2 zones, with each zone having a pole (without a backboard) with a netless hoop at the top. Unlike basketball, in which the hoops are placed at the ends of the court, in korfball the hoops are placed well within the zones.
• Netball
  Netball
  Netball is a ball sport played between two teams of seven players. Its development, derived from early versions of basketball, began in England in the 1890s. By 1960 international playing rules had been standardised for the game, and the International Federation of Netball and Women's Basketball ...
  
   – played between two teams of seven players on a rectangular court divided into thirds, with a raised netted hoop (without a backboard) at each short end.
• Slamball
  Slamball
  Slamball is a form of basketball played with 4 trampolines in front of each net. It is played "full contact" and has boards around the court....
  
   – form of basketball played with 3 trampolines in front of each net. It is played "full contact" and has boards around the court.
• Ringball –

External links

• Basketball.com website
• Eurobasket website
• Basketball-Reference.com: Basketball Statistics, Analysis and History
• Ontario historical plaque – Dr. James Naismith

Moves

• Basketball fundamentals
• Basketball Skills and Drills Training Videos from HoopsU.com
• CoachesClipboard.net's short video clips of moves (excellent interface)
• Rare Pete Maravich Film and Video (demonstrates "Wrist Pass")
• Basketball-Plays-and-Tips.com's text descriptions of basketball moves
• Growtall.com's chalkboard descriptions of moves
• GuideToCoachingBasketball.com's text and chalkboard descriptions of moves
• HoopsKing.com's offensive moves drills (requires website registration)
• NBA Superstars Move Step-to-Step Instruction

Historical

• Naismith Museum & Basketball Hall of Fame – Almonte, ON
• Basketball Hall of Fame – Springfield, MA
• Hoopedia – The Basketball Wiki (hosted by the NBA)
• Hometown Sports Heroes
• New Rule Changes for High School Basketball

Organizations

• Basketball at the Olympic Games
• International Basketball Federation
• National Basketball Association
• Women's National Basketball Association
• Continental Basketball Association (oldest league in the world)
• National Wheelchair Basketball Association