Playing Basketball in a Game Situation

1Warm up first

Jog and slide around the court. In pairs, make 10 chest passes and 10 bounce passes on the move. Then take turns at layups from both sides.

2The rules of 3x3

• Teams: 3 players on the court and 1 substitute.
• Court: half a court, with one basket.
• Starting: the defending team passes the ball to an attacker standing behind the arc. This is called checking the ball.
• Scoring: a basket from inside the arc, or a free throw, scores 1 point. A basket from outside the arc scores 2 points.
• Winning: the first team to 21 points wins, or the team that is ahead after 10 minutes. At school you can play to 11.
• Clear the ball: after a basket, the other team takes the ball from under the basket and must dribble or pass it behind the arc. The same happens every time the ball changes teams, for example after a steal or a rebound.
• Shot clock: the attacking team must shoot within 12 seconds. At school, a friend on the side can count out loud.

3Put your tactics to work

• Attack: space out around the arc. Catch in the triple threat, use V-cuts to get free, and look for the give-and-go.
• Defend: each player guards one opponent (man-to-man). Stay between your player and the basket, contest shots with a straight arm, and box out.
• Change fast: the moment the ball changes teams, the new attackers clear it behind the arc, and the new defenders pick up a player at once.
• Talk: "Ball!", "Shot!", "Box out!", "Clear it!"

4Full-court basketball and its positions

In the full game each team has 5 players, and teams often use these positions: the point guard runs the attack and brings the ball up; the shooting guard takes many long shots; the small forward cuts and drives to score; the power forward and the centre play close to the basket, rebound and protect it. Many coaches now let every player do a bit of everything.

5Fair play without a referee

In a half-court game there is often no referee, so players call their own fouls. Be honest: if you fouled someone, say so, and give the ball back. Shake hands with the other team before and after every game.

6A class tournament

Make teams of 3 or 4. Every team plays every other team in short games to 11 points or 5 minutes. Rotate your substitute in every few points, so everyone plays the same amount. The winners referee the next game.

7Cool down

Walk slowly, stretch your legs, arms and back, drink clean water, and wash your hands and face.

Try it yourself

Try each one first, then tap Show answer to check.