Basketball

Basketball is a fast-paced, athletic team sport. The focus is on jumping ability, quick reactions and skill. The game lives from the dribbles, tricks and passes of the players. Although every physical contact with the opponent while playing the ball is considered a foul, the fast-paced game still requires a lot of physical effort. Basketball was invented in the USA at the end of the 19th century and was initially practiced primarily at colleges and universities. Today basketball is a popular club and recreational sport for all age groups. Streetball has established itself as a game of its own.

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How is the game organized?
Which training is useful?
What are the health benefits?
What equipment is necessary?

How is the game organized?

In basketball, two teams of five people each play against each other on a 28 x 15 meter playing field. The aim of the game is to bring the ball close to the opponent's basket, which is placed on a board at a height of 3.05 meters, by dribbling and passing. The ball may only be played with the hand. The players have specific tasks for setting up the game, defending or attacking.

Points are scored if the ball is thrown through the basket from above. The ball can be played directly or indirectly over the board. Normal throws are done from below. A so-called lay-up is for those who are strong enough to jump: the ball is placed directly in the basket or on the board by hand. In "dunking" the ball is even played from above. Normal throws count two points, a throw behind the three-point line counts three points, and a free throw one point.

Fouls are precisely regulated in the rules of the game. Basically, the following applies: A defender must not hinder an attacker playing a ball and not touch it with his legs, arms, shoulders or hips. A basketball game is played over four quarters, each quarter lasting ten or twelve minutes, depending on the rule. If there is a tie, it goes into overtime.

Here you can download the official basketball rules of FIBA (Fédération Internationale de Basketball).

Which training is useful?

Speed and endurance are important basic requirements. In addition, jumping ability and skill with the ball are particularly important. Special basketball training is about improving technical skills, especially dribbling and throwing the ball. Game tactics are practiced during team training.

What are the health benefits?

Regularly playing basketball has many positive effects on health under certain conditions (see Staying Healthy with Exercise) and above all promotes endurance and jumping ability.

Beginners who are not yet used to the sequences of movements and stops should play carefully at first. It is easy to trip or tip your foot when jumping and dribbling.

What equipment is necessary?

Shoes with a high edge that give the ankle more stability are cheap. Otherwise you need a shirt and shorts, preferably made of functional materials, and a special basketball. There are playgrounds in sports halls or outdoors.

Note "Fit Sport Austria" provides an overview of basketball offers for all age groups throughout Austria.