Basketball rules for kids are usually modified from the NBA professional rules. For instance, smaller players require smaller playing areas. The rules are further tweaked according to player age and ability. As a child grows with the sport, he’ll add more rules to his repertoire. The rules are important because they give each child a basic understanding of what is expected during a basketball game. While basketball tickets are sometimes sold, most children’s games are free.
Basketball Equipment
Basketballs are 29 inches in diameter, but younger teams and girls will use smaller balls in competition. The court size will vary according to the age of the players, but most measure 74 feet long by 42 feet wide. The basketball hoops are positioned 10 feet from the ground and are 18 inches in diameter. Again, these measurements will vary with very young players.
Basketball Uniforms
Two teams play at a time and each team is allowed to have five players on the court at a time. The players wear loose-fitting shirts and shorts, athletic socks and basketball shoes. Each team will work together to score a point in their goal at the opposite end of the court from where they start.
Basketball Game
The ball is moved down the court through passing and dribbling. The player can’t run while holding the ball in his arms. He must dribble—or bounce the ball with his hand—as he moves. Once the player stops, he must either shoot the ball toward the goal or pass to another player. He can’t run again after stopping until he moves the ball to another player. The opposing team will attempt to steal or block the ball from being passed or thrown toward the goal. If the opposing team steals the ball, play continues in the direction of the team possessing the ball.
A game consists of four quarters. After two quarters, the teams will break for half-time. The teams will switch goals at half-time. Each quarter lasts from five to eight minutes.
Violations and Fouls
If a player violates a rule, the opposing team will get possession of the ball. Some of the violations are double dribbling—bouncing the ball with both hands, traveling—moving while not bouncing the ball and holding the basketball too long without passing. Standing too long in certain areas without the ball can also cause a violation to be called against a player.
A foul is called when a player makes contact with another player. Two common causes of fouls are tripping or holding. Fouls can be called on either team, but are most often caused by the defense. The opposing team will gain control of the ball after a foul. Some fouls require a free throw. The free throw, an unopposed attempt to make a basket, will be attempted from the free throw line. If the ball makes it in the hoop, the player will earn one point. Regular throws earn two points.
The game of basketball can provides children with a wonderful way to exercise while learning sportsmanship.
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