The History, Rules & Regulations of Basketball

Basketball is a sport created in the United States that also maintains a great following worldwide. Professional players of the game are household names, and games are seen by millions of fans. Known for its fast-paced action and great athletic sequences, basketball is a game that is as fun to watch as it is to play. Understanding the history and general rules provides increased satisfaction when playing or watching basketball.

  1. Invention

    • Basketball was invented in December of 1891 by James Naismith. A physical education teacher, Naismith taught at the School for Christian Workers (now Springfield College) in Springfield, Massachusetts. Tasked to create a new indoor game during the harsh winter, Naismith envisioned a game reliant on skill rather than brute strength. For equipment, he installed two half-bushel peach baskets on opposing balcony railings at the ends of the gymnasium and used a soccer ball.

    Original Rules

    • Naismith devised 13 original rules for basketball, many of which are still in use today, with a few variations. One rule states that a goal is made when the ball is thrown or batted into the basket, and it stays there. Originally there were 15-minute halves in a game, with the team scoring the most goals declared the winner. Dribbling was prohibited and the only means of advancing the ball were passes made with one or both hands. Actions such as pushing or tripping an opponent, or striking the ball with a fist, were deemed fouls. A team that committed three consecutive fouls granted a goal for the opposing team. There were also court dimensions that allowed for a basketball to be placed out of bounds via an errant pass. Possession of the ball was relinquished to the other team in the event of an out-of-bounds play.

    Innovations

    • The earliest baskets used for basketball play were closed at the bottom, meaning a player would have to retrieve the ball using a ladder after he scored. A few years after basketball was invented, the baskets were replaced with a circular metal rim, with a net hanging underneath. In 1906, the hanging net was opened, so the ball would travel through the net instead of hanging inside.

      The first basketballs were created using panels of leather stitched over a rubber bladder. As a result, every basketball possessed a unique size and structure. It wasn't until 1942 that the very first molded, factory-made basketball was created. Now, all basketballs have uniformity and consistency in play.

      There were also minor adjustments to the game to increase playability. In 1910, players were finally allowed to dribble the ball as a means of advancing up the basketball court. Yet, they still had to pass before attempting a shot. It wasn't until six years later that players were allowed to shoot after dribbling the basketball.

    Current Rules

    • A game of basketball involves two five-player teams that play both offense and defense. Similar to the original rules, the team that scores the most points is declared the winner. Following a jump ball at the center of the court, the team that gains possession of the ball becomes the offensive team. The offensive team's priority is to score points by shooting the basketball into the opposing team's hoop. The team on defense attempts to prohibit the other team from scoring. Ball possession alternates following a successful shot, turnover (out of bounds, stolen ball, or offensive foul), or a missed shot that is recovered by the opposing team.

      In high school and recreational games, the game time is 32 minutes, split up in eight-minute quarters. College games last 40 minutes, with two 20-minute halves of play. Professional games last 48 minutes, split into 4 twelve-minute quarters. If the two teams are tied after regulation has ended, then the two teams play overtime periods until one team finally has more points scored than the other.