Sports guide · updated 10 November 2026

Basketball rules for beginners

How a basketball game works: scoring, dribbling, the time rules, fouls and free throws, under FIBA rules (used across the world and in India), with the main NBA differences.

Players5 per team on court

Game4 quarters of 10 minutes (FIBA)

Shot clock24 seconds

Basket3.05 m high

Court28 m x 15 m

RulesFIBA Official Basketball Rules 2026

How a game works

Basketball court: key, free-throw line, three-point lines and baskets

Two teams of 5 players on court, with substitutes coming on at stoppages.
Four quarters of 10 minutes (FIBA), with a 15-minute half-time. If it is a tie, 5-minute overtimes are played until there is a winner.
The game starts with a jump ball at the centre circle.

Scoring

2 points: a basket from inside the three-point line.
3 points: a basket from behind the three-point line (6.75 m from the basket).
1 point: each successful free throw, taken from the free-throw line after certain fouls.

Moving with the ball

You move with the ball by dribbling (bouncing it with one hand).
Travelling: taking too many steps while holding the ball without dribbling.
Double dribble: dribbling with both hands at once, or starting to dribble again after you stopped.
The ball is out of bounds when it or the player holding it touches the boundary line or beyond; the other team throws it in.

The time rules

Shot clock, 24 seconds: the team with the ball must shoot within 24 seconds. In some situations, for example after a foul in the frontcourt with less than 14 seconds left, it is reset to 14.
8 seconds: to bring the ball from your own half into the opponent's half.
3 seconds: an attacker may not stay more than 3 seconds in the opponent's key (the painted area under the basket).
Backcourt: once your team has the ball in the opponent's half, you may not take it back into your own half.

Fouls and free throws

A personal foul is illegal contact: pushing, holding, hitting or charging into an opponent.
A foul on a player who is shooting gives free throws: 2 for a missed two-point shot, 3 for a missed three-point shot, 1 if the basket still went in ("and one").
Once a team has made 4 team fouls in a quarter, every further foul gives the other team free throws.
A player with 5 fouls must leave the game (FIBA).
Goaltending: defenders may not touch the ball on its way down towards the basket, or while it is on the rim.

NBA differences

Quarters of 12 minutes instead of 10.
A player fouls out after 6 fouls instead of 5.
The three-point line is a little further away at the top.

Tips for beginners

Dribble with your fingertips, not your palm, and keep your eyes up.
Shoot with your elbow under the ball and follow through, wrist bent down "into the basket".
On defence, stay between your player and the basket and keep your hands up without reaching in.
Pass more than you dribble: the ball moves faster than any player.

Basketball questions

How long is a basketball game?

Under FIBA rules, four quarters of 10 minutes, plus 5-minute overtimes if tied. NBA games use 12-minute quarters.

How many fouls before a player is out in basketball?

Five fouls under FIBA rules; six in the NBA.

What is the shot clock in basketball?

The team with the ball has 24 seconds to shoot. In some cases, such as a foul in the frontcourt, it is reset to 14 seconds.

How many steps can you take in basketball without dribbling?

Two steps after gathering the ball (catching it or ending a dribble) to pass, shoot or stop. More than that is travelling.

How far is the three-point line?

Under FIBA rules the three-point arc is 6.75 metres from the point under the centre of the basket.

Sources: FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2026

Scoring, three touches, rotation and the libero, explained simply.

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