NBA Rules Flashcards
Quickly learn the basic rules that govern NBA basketball, and gain a renewed appreciation for the game.
How many players are on the court during play?
10 players (five vs. five)
How many referees officiate each game?
three referees
What is a shooting foul?
when a defender fouls a player in the act of shooting
How many free throw shots are rewarded to a player after a shooting foul?
two free throws if fouled while attempting a two-point field goal, three if fouled while attempting a three-point field goal
What happens if a player is fouled while shooting and also makes the basket?
The fouled player is only rewarded one free throw.
What is the distance between the basket and the three-point arc?
23 ft. 9 in.
How many periods are there in a game?
four periods
How long is each quarter?
12 minutes
How long is one period of overtime?
five minutes
What is a field goal?
Any shot made during open play (excludes free throws)
What is the shot clock?
the time remaining for the team with possession of the ball to attempt to score
How many seconds does the shot clock last?
24 seconds
How many time-outs does each team have?
six regular time-outs and one 20-second time-out per half
What is the distance between the free throw line and the basket?
13 ft.
What is the height of the basket?
10 ft.
What is the length of the court?
94 ft.
What is a rebound?
A rebound is awarded to the player who collects the ball after a missed field goal attempt.
What is the diameter of the ball?
9.39 in
What is a team foul?
Each foul committed by a player is also credited to his team. After five team fouls each subsequent foul results in two free throw attempts for the opposing team.
How many personal fouls can each player commit before he must sit out the remainder of the game?
six personal fouls
What happens after a player’s sixth personal foul?
He must sit out the remainder of game.
What is basket interference?
when an offensive player touches the ball while it is still on or above the rim of his team’s hoop
What is goaltending?
when a defensive player attempts to block the ball on its downward trajectory
What is a charging foul?
when an offensive player makes contact with a defender’s torso while the defender’s feet are planted and shoulders are square
What is a blocking foul?
when a defensive player makes contact with the player in possession of the ball
What is a reach-in foul?
when a defensive player attempts to steal the basketball but instead hits the offensive player