A basketball team is comprised of 5 players.

The aim of the game is to put the ball in the opposing team's basket.

Players can pass the ball to each other and can move around any part of the court.

They can also move with the ball by 'dribbling;'

The game is divided into four 10-minute periods known as 'quarters.'

The team which has the most points by the end of the game wins.

The Scoring

The number of points awarded depends upon where the player was standing when they threw the ball

3 points are awarded for shots from outside the D, within the D area 2 points are awarded.

When a player is awarded a free throws 1 point is awarded for any basket made

When teaching young children it is often a good idea to award 2 points for all baskets to discourage shots from too far away.

The Main Rules For Children

Out of bounds

If a player causes the ball to go out of the court the ball is awarded to the opposing team at the sideline

If a player steps on or outside a boundary line, they are out of court, even if the ball itself remained inbounds.

Travelling

A player is not allowed to move with the ball if he/she is not dribbling it. If a player does move with the ball this is travelling and the other team gets a throw in from the side line. Jumping and landing without releasing the ball also counts and travelling and the ball again goes to the opposing team.

A player who catches the ball while standing still pivot on either foot.

Double Dribble

When a player has drbbled the ball and stops they must pass or shot they cannot dribble the ball again. A player can dribble for a second time if the player has made a shot and the ball has rebounded off the hoop or backboard or the ball is touched by another player.

If the ball is bounced with 2 hands rather than one this is also a double dribble.

If a double dribble occurs the opposing team takes a throw in from the side line.

Contact foul

In basketball there are many moves which constitude as illegal body contact. To keep it simple when teaching children do not allow pushing, arms around the player with the ball or any contact when trying to win possession of the ball. Holding a player to prevent them from moving is also a contact foul.

If a child is fouled when shooting you may way to award a free throw from the free throw line.

Free throws

Players are not permitted to attempt to block the ball before it reaches the basket.

The shooter is not permitted to fake an attempt at the goal.

Opponents are not permitted to attempt to distract the free throw shooter.

When a team has committed more than four fouls in one quarter this is known as a team foul. 2 free throws are awarded to the opposing team.

When a player, coach or other team member demonstrates unsportsmanlike behaviour they receive a technical foul. If the offence is committed by a player on the court, the opposing team receives two free throws.

Throw ins 

The thrower must release the ball within 5 seconds.

The thrower cannot make an attempt at the basket from the throwing-in spot

The thrower cannot step over the boundary line while throwing the ball back onto the court.

The thrower cannot simply hand the ball to a player on the court.

If these rules are violated, the opposing team will be awarded possession at the spot of the original throw-in.

Mics Rules

Players are not permitted to strike the ball with their fist or to kick the ball.

Kicking or striking the ball intentionally is a violation; doing so accidentally does not constitute a violation.

Jump ball

The game is started with a jump ball. Generally the tallest player from each team should jump, however it is not unreasonable to simply match two player by height to give everyone a change to participate in a jump ball.

Each player should face the basket they are shooting towards and have at least one foot inside the circle.

The ball is thrown into the air between the two players. At least one player must touch the ball before it lands or the ball is thrown up again.

Player that have jumped for the ball can only touch the ball once and must wait until the ball has touched the floor or one of the other eight players on the court before touching the ball again.

All other player must remain outside the circle until the ball has been touched by one of the two jump ball players.

Defence

There are 2 main types of defence to teach to children

Man to Man and Zone Defence.

FYI Basketball Positions

It is important to stress to children that all players are responsible for both attacking and defending, it is not necessary to teach young children to play in positions but it is good to be aware of them.

The positions in basketball are:

Point Guard - The Point Guard is usually, but not always, the shortest player on the team and usually play a prominent role in offensive plays.

Shooting Guard - The Shooting Guard should be a skilled long-range shooter

Small Forward - The Small Forward should be skilled at shooting and is likely score many of their team's 2 point shots.

Power Forward - The Power Forward should also be skilled at dealing with rebounds and works closely with the Small Forward

Centre - The Centre is often the tallest player on the team. Usually plays close to the basket in order to be available to receive a pass and shot.