Let’s quickly refresh what we learned then:

What is Dribbling?

Anytime a player in possession of the ball moves both of his feet, he must dribble, or bounce, the ball on the ground. Why? No idea, just one of those rules that comes with the game that has been around forever. If he does not dribble the ball while moving, it is a violation called traveling.

But not all bounces are the same. Dribbling can be broken down into:

• Crossover (commonly used phrase: Killer Crossover): switches the dribbling hand back and forth from left to right to confuse defenders, and allow the player to go left or right at a moments notice.
• Low/control: keeping the ball very low to the ground, helps to protect against other players stealing the ball.
• Speed: great when no one is around and it’s a wide open court. Used to advance the ball quickly up the court.

We are going to be focusing primarily on the Crossovers, because if a player can develop a killer crossover, he is able to achieve the Triple Threat Position.

What is The Triple Threat?

Note his stance: His feet are both planted and ball is in hand. From here he can either Shoot, pass, or drive to the basket. A Triple Threat to guard against

When a player is in a position where he can shoot, pass, or dribble, he becomes a triple threat to his defenders because they don’t know which to defend against. This means he has control of the ball and has yet to move either foot. So he can pivot and create space or pass, take a jump shot or fade-away, or drive to the lane.

The Killer Crossover

Crossovers come in many different styles: Normal, half, behind-the-back, double and of course, the killer crossover.

Colloquially known as “the ankle breakers,” the Killer Crossover is extremely difficult to defend against because you can’t predict what the player you are guarding is going to do. When the player fakes to the right and suddenly switches to the left, the defender tries to quickly adjust to the fake-out move and often,slip, fall, or even twist their ankles.

Tim Hardaway, who played for Golden State and then Miami, is credited with popularizing the killer crossover in the 90s. It was dubbed the “UTEP 2 Step.” (UTEP meaning University of Texas at El Paso, Hardaway’s alma mater).  His ability to switch up and blow past his defenders was legendary—and unguardable.

The Double Crossover

Over the last decade, the UTEP 2-Step has come a long way. Every new generation has added a new spin (literally, some players spin or go round the back in a crossover move…) or trick to the crossover. Allen Iverson is famous for his “double crossover,” which is just what the name implies: two crossovers back-to-back. It’s not an easy set of motions to achieve since the body and ball is still in motion from the first “fake out” and now you are attempting a second. It’s rare that a defender can keep up with it.

I found two incredible videos that highlight the skill and technique of the Crossover. They are even titled “Ankle Breaker Series.” They are a bit long, but definitely worth watching since they feature all the killer crossover artists like Steve Nash, Carmelo Anthony, Stephon Marbury, Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, Michael Jordan, John Stockton… just to name a few!

Okay so here is when things get a little….”football-esque,” meaning, the definitions don’t exactly clear up what the heck it is and you need a dictionary to understand the definitions. I’ve heard these terms all my life and understand what it is when I see it, but had no clue how to really explain it for someone else. So bear with me. What we are covering here are some of the most fundamental strategies for basketball: screens and cuts. However, because they are hard to explain, I’ve coined this section “advanced basketball terminology”

The Pick-and-Roll (aka screen-and-roll): The definition of this maneuver, courtesy of wikipedia, states:

The Pick-and-roll  is an offensive play in which a player sets a screen (pick) for a teammate handling the ball and then slips behind the defender (rolls) to accept a pass.

Which is great if you know what a screen is and all. And it’s also not 100% accurate. Let’s look closer.

“Setting a screen” or “pick” is a fancy way of saying “blocking,” except different.  Because “blocking” in basketball has a couple different meanings. (I told you this section starts to sound suspiciously complicated like football!) There are blocked shots, which means a defender slapped the ball away mid-air and blocked the ball from going into the basket (there are rules to this, also). There is also blocking vs. charging and there is a fine line between the two. We’ll get into this in the Rules & Penalties section.

For all intents and purposes, a screen is a legal blocking of another player. A screen is usually set by the big man on the court (i.e.- the center or forwards) to help the little guys get by. A screen play, or a screener, is like a tall, muscular roadblock in the middle of the court. This roadblock helps to create an “open man” or a player that is not being defended. When a player is open, it’s easier for him to catch a basket or take a shot.

A Screen-and-roll or Pick-and-roll, means that the screen was set by the big man, and the little guy was not only to slip around him and elude his defender, but he was also able to drive into the lane.

Check out the photo to the right. Shaquille O’Neal (32) is setting a screen for Steve Nash (#13)  by blocking his defender, the dude in black jersey that we can’t really see. This frees Steve up for a moment to make a shot or a key assist.

Maybe an example will help clear it up: Team Hottie has the ball and their guard (let’s call him McDreamy) is moving towards the basket. Team Nottie’s guard (McUgly) is defending McDreamy very closely. McDreamy starts moving towards the basket with McUgly hot on his tail. Then all of a sudden, he switches direction slightly (cuts…) and Team Hottie’s Center (McSteamy) is right there, creating a roadblock for McUgly. McUgly has two choices: go around McSteamy and try to catch McDreamy….or abandon the chase and just guard McSteamy. Either way, there is a slight lag when McDreamy is not being defended and he is open to take a shot.

For the record, McSteamy’s real name in this position is the “screener” because he is the one blocking. McDreamy is the “cutter” because he is cutting to the basket.

Here is a great video that breaks it down with a real live moving example!

There is also the Pick-and-Pass. Remember that definition we talked about in the very beginning? That is actually the definition for pick-and-pass. First the pick (or screen) is set, but instead of the little guy freeing up to take a shot, he “threads” or passes the ball through to his teammate for the open shot. Here’s another video to compare with the last to see the difference:

Oh yeah, there are also three different kinds of screens: front screen, back screen and down screen. I’d love to say we’ll cover that later but I’m still a bit perplexed by them so here is a great link to break it down for you! Guide to Basketball Screens

Cut, Cutter, Cut-Through Play: A cut-through play is one of the most basic, fundamental plays a team can have because it helps to create an open man when the defense is swarming. A “cut-through” play allows for a player to suddenly cross the court to the other side in a very quick burst, essentially “cutting through” the defense.  It’s often heard as “cutting to the basket,” which means the player burst through the middle of the lane to be open for a shot or a pass. There are 6 fundamental cut-through plays.

Now, just because the terms are easier to learn and understand, that doesn’t mean the maneuvers are less complex than football or require less accuracy and precision than baseball. In fact, basketball skills require split-second precision and accuracy, physical strength and endurance, mental preparedness and complex strategic planning. I’ve added a great series of videos to the definitions to illustrate the maneuvers—and the intricacy involved in becoming a master at them.

KEY BASKETBALL MANEUVERS/TERMS

Advance the ball: means bringing the basketball up the court with the intent to score a basket. This can be done by

Illustration of basketball player dribbling the ball

1. Dribbling the ball (player bounces the ball continouslywhile walking/running up the court)
2. Passing the ball (player throws ball down the court to another player)

Dribbling moves:

*If a player moves his feet, he MUST dribble the ball with him. He is not allowed to move both feet without bouncing hte ball on the ground.

• Crossover (commonly used phrase: Killer Crossover): switches the dribbling hand back and forth from left to right to confuse defenders, and allow the player to go left or right at a moments notice. Colloquially known as “the ankle breakers” because when the defender tries to quickly adjust to the fake-out move, they often slip, fall, or twist their ankles.
• Low/control: keeping the ball very low to the ground, helps to protect against other players stealing the ball.
• Speed: great when no one is around and it’s a wide open court. Used to advance the ball quickly.

For more on dribbling, especially the crossover, check out this post. Also, check out Stiletto Sports Guide to the Killer Crossover coming soon. There you will find an in-depth video detailing crossovers and other amazing moves!

Types of Passing

I’m not going into too much detail here because the names are kinda self-explanatory!

• Bounce Pass: Player bounces ball to other player…
• Chest Pass: Player throws ball from chest height, without bouncing, to another player
• Overhead Pass: Player throws ball from over his head to other player…
• baseball pass: Player throws the ball way down the court to the receiving player
• Behind-the-back: Player throws the ball— you guessed it—Behind his back, to the other player.
• no-look pass: This one is kinda cool. It doesn’t mean he closes his eye while passing. It means the player is looking at one spot, and casually throws the ball to a player in a different spot. Get it? He is not looking where the pass is intended.

• Assist or Assisted Shot: An assist occurs when a player passes his teammate the ball and the teammate immediately scored. Meaning, Player 1 assisted in Player 2′s core.

Here is a fantastic video that showcases all types of passing from bouncing to no-looks, and they all feature awesome assists!

Block or Blocked Shot: There is a big difference between blocking and a blocked shot in basketball. But on the stats sheet, a blocked shot does say just “blocks.”

A blocked shot is exactly what it sounds like: right after a player shoots the ball, the ball is deflected or “blocked” by a defender. They are incredible to watch because the defender basically says “Oh no you don’t, not in my house!” to the shooter (By the way, Not In My House really is a common phrase for blocks)

There are very strict rules about this though.

1. The Defender may not make contact with the shooter. He may only touch the ball
2. The blocked shot must occur on the upward arc. When shooting, the ball naturally arcs up first and then gravity pulls the ball downward. That means, if the ball is on its way down towards the basket and it’s batted away, the basket will still count. This is called goaltending which we will cover in the Fouls & Violations section.

Rebounds: If a shot was not made, and does not fly out of bounds, the ball is still live, meaning there is an opportunity for the players to retrieve the ball.

• If an offensive player grabs the ball, it’s an offensive rebound
• If a defensive player grabs the ball, it’s a defensive rebound.

Steals: When one player snatches or taps the ball away from the other team Usually leads to a “fast break”

Fast break: when the offense has an opportunity to break away from the defenders and the court is wide open for them to score. Usually happens after a steal or a block when the offense suddenly has to become defense and is scrambling.

In Transition: Often heard in a fast-break situation or after a steal, rebound or blocked shot because the defenders suddenly transition to an offensive position. Basketball is a transitional sport, meaning the players quickly change from a defensive role (guarding) to an offensive, or scoring, role.

Pivot: You’ll notice the players almost fidgeting when they have the ball and they are guarded really closely. This is because they already picked up one foot, and if they pick up the other without putting the ball on the floor (dribble) they will get a violation. They don’t want to run the risk of putting the ball down (potential steal risk) so they are pivoting that stationary foot to see who is open to pass to.

Drive: when a player makes a run towards the basket, usually moving through “the paint/lane.” While driving, players tend to lean their shoulders into the movement as a way of blocking potential defenders from stopping them.

Boxing-out: This occurs underneath the basket and is a defensive strategy to prevent a team from rebounding after a missed shot.

Post Up: To “post up”  means the player has a prime shooting position around the basket. It’s used mostly when the defender is smaller in height and strength to the player “posting up” to shoot.

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Don’t forget to check out “He Shoots, He Scores: Types of Basketball Shots” and “Girl’s Guide to Basketball Players and Positions” which will give more insight into the game. Coming next will be “The Pick & Roll and Other Advanced Terms” as well as “Basketball’s Defensive Strategies” and  “Common Basketball Rules, Fouls, Violations and Penalties”

As always, if you have any questions feel free to leave me a comment below or shoot me a tweet on Twitter @StilettoSportsJ

We’ve already covered some of the basics of scoring and gone over the different types of shooters in the Girl’s Guide to Basketball Players and Positions. Now it’s time to cover the different types of shots and scoring!

Objective: Like most sports, the object for the team is to score more points than other team. In basketball, points are scored by making baskets, or by putting the basketball into the basket! There are three types of scoring baskets:

1. 2 Point Shot
2. 3 Point Shot
3. 1 Point Free Throw

Shot: The act of throwing the ball into the basket is referred to as “shooting” in basketball.

Free Throw: When a player is fouled or there is a penalty, a player gets to take a free, unguarded shot, or throw, at the basket. The player must take the shot from the free throw line at the end of the lane. Each made shot is worth 1 point. (We’ll get into the assessment of penalties a little bit later). One thing to note is that the game clock is stopped during free throws, so a team can score without wasting precious minutes. This is such a key point in a close game.

Two Point Shots: Any shot made inside or on the arc (remember, the semi-circle going around the court….) is worth 2 points. The “or on” is key because if a player even has one toe on that line, it counts as only two points.

Three Point Shot: Any shot made from outside that arc is worth 3 points. Also known as shooting from downtown, since it’s so far away!

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Types of Shots:

Lay-Up: One of the most basic shots in basketball. The player “lays” or places, the ball “up” near the basket. It’s usually one-handed and the forward motion of the player helps to propel the ball up and into the basket.

• Over-arm: uses one hand to tip the ball over the rim and into the basket (layin). Over-arm layups almost always are bounced off the glass and into the basket.
• Under-arm: banks off the backboard and into the basket—known as a “finger roll” because the ball rolls from the fingers to the basket.

Jump Shot: as the name implies, this is a shot made while the player is jumping. Usually two handed and uses the momentum of the jump to create the perfect arch needed to make the basket. Three of the most common kinds of jumpers are: the fade-away, the turnaround, and the baseline. There are others like

• The Fade-Away: is a jump shot while moving jumping backwards, or fading-away from the basket. Sound tricky? It is. It’s one of the hardest shots to master, but when done properly, is the hardest shot to block. By fading back, the shooter creates a big gap between himself and his defender and room to shoot.
• You may recall a certain Mr Nathan Scott (One Tree Hill for those not into the WB…or is it CW now…) boasting to Lucas “the fade-away is weak man. I don’t have problems getting open.” To which Lucas retorted “you will now. The fade-away is great for creating space.” Nate was definitely wrong, the fade-away is anything but weak. It actually takes much more strength and precision for a fade-away than a regular jump-shot. And they are much more difficult to master and defend.

• Turnaround: The shooter does not appear to be ready to make a shot since he is not facing the basket. But then he either spins and shoots, or spins mid-air, confusing the defender. This is used a lot by centers when they are heavily guarded right under the basket.
• Baseline Jumper: You hear this term a lot and all it means is a jump shot taken close to the baseline, or out of bounds line, right near the basket.
• Pump Fake: is used to confuse the defender. The player makes the motion as if he is going to do a jump shot, or “pumps the ball” and as soon as the defender moves in response, the shooter changes his mind and ultimately “fakes out” the defense.

Hook: The player throws the ball with a sweeping motion of his arm in an upward arc with a follow-through which ends over his head. The movement resembles the shape of a hook. The shot is one handed, the other hand is used to push away the defender to create space for the shot.

Dunk (or Slam Dunk): The player takes the basketball and is able to to physically slam it into the basket, not shoot or finger roll it in.

Alley-Oop: One player throws the ball up near the basket to a teammate who jumps, catches the ball in mid air and immediately scores a basket, usually with a slam dunk. It requires a whole lot of silent communication among teammates, precision passing and impeccable timing to get these perfect.

Put-Back/Tip-In: Okay, so one guys shoots the ball and misses. But under the basket is his teammate who manages to get possession of the ball if he:

• comes down with ball and comes right back up & scores, that is a Put-Back
• knocks the missed ball back into the hoop, it’s a tip-in

Buzzer Beater: a last second shot to win the game. Very common in college basketball March Madness games and NBA playoffs.

Clutch: Similar to a buzzer beater but it really can be at any point in the game.  A “clutch” shot comes under pressure when the offense really needs a score to win or break-away from the opposing team. The player is usually heavily guarded. Or…..it’s a “clutch free throw” meaning those points scored while the clock is stopped is critical for the team to win.

Swish/Nothing but net: When the shot drop sweetly into the basket and doesn’t even touch the rim. It “swishes” into the net

Brick: When the shot bangs off the rim of the basket and does not drop in the net

Air Ball: When the shot goes no where near the basket and sails through the air, usually out of bounds. Results in fans screaming “Aiiiiirrrr-Baaaaalllll. Aiiiiirrrrr-Baaaaaaalllll”

There are a few more lesser known shots so if you hear one you don’t know, feel free to shoot me an email or a tweet @StilettoSportsJ and I’ll fill ya in!

Now, I promise the players and positions of basketball is much simpler to learn than Football Players & Positions, where there are about 50 different things to memorize. Or even the 9 positions of baseball. In basketball, there are only 5 positions!

1. Point Guard
2. Shooting Guard
3. Small Forward
4. Power Forward
5. Center

Each position is both offensive and defensive, meaning they don’t switch with another player when the ball switches possession.

The five players are broken down into The Backcourt and The Frontcourt

The Backcourt

The Point Guard (or 1 guard):

The point guard is basketball’s equivelant of football’s quarterback. The point guard is responsible for “running the floor.” He’s the guy that is usually bringing the ball up the court and sets the play in motion. You’ll often see him wave one hand in the air in a signal. That signal is the play-call (just like the QB does when he calls an audible play!). He is the floor leader and shot-caller.

To run the floor, the point guard has heightened awareness of what’s going on around him. He is the best ball handler on the team. In English, that means he can tell in a split second who is open to catch the ball and he has precision passing (just like a QB!).

Point guards tend to be the shortest member of the team, ranging from 6 feet to 6’3ish. Their agile compact size allows them to slip by defenders, run up the court quickly, and even drive through the middle to the basket.

Famous Name Dropping: Ervin “Magic” Johnson, Jason Kidd, Tony Parker, Chris Paul, Steve Nash, Nate Robinson, and my personal favorite, former Chicago Bull B.J. Armstrong

The Shooting Guard (or 2 guard)

The shooting guard is usually the team’s best shooter.  He can create the points from just about anywhere on the floor but tends to be a great outside shooter (meaning, from way far away from the basket). These guys are slightly taller than point guards at 6’4-6’7. Something about that height range must make the perfect arch when shooting!

The shooting guard makes the last second shots under pressure, off balance, from way far away with three defenders on him. He breaks free, gets to the basket and dunks.

Famous Name Dropping: Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, Ray Allen, and of course, the best shooting guard of all-time, Michael Jordan.

Guards on Defense

Guards are known as the “pick-pockets” of basketball. When defending the opposing guard, they tend to poke the ball away (a steal), or “pick the pocket” of the player. They are quick and guard the perimeter of the court, hoping to stop outside and 3-point shots.

The Front Court

The Small Forward (3)

The player in the small forward position needs to be adaptable, strong and very quick on his feet. The Small Forward is a little bit of a hodgepodge position because sometimes he plays frontcourt as a forward, and othertimes he switches over into the backcourt as a shooting guard. He is usually a bit taller than the shooting guard, ranging from 6’7-6’11 and usually very strong. They have to be able to shoot from outside and be strong enough to drive in through the defense to shoot from closer to the basket.

Because they do a little bit of everything, they are one of the hardest positions to read and to defend.

Famous Name Dropping: LeBron James, Paul Pierce, Carmelo Anthony, Larry Bird, Scottie Pippen

The Power Forward (4)

Like the name implies, the power forwards are the strong, powerful forces on the team. These guys play close to the basket and have mega power to muscle through the defense to get their shots. Think of them like the offensive and defensive linemen of basketball. Tall (6’9-6’11) and extremely built, they are not opposed to pushing other players out of their way!

Famous Name Dropping: Dirk Nowitski, Kevin Garnett, Amar’e Stoudemire, Tim Duncan, Charles Barkley, Karl Malone

The Forwards on Defense

Like I said, the forwards are like the linemen of basketball, not shy about pushing people and blocking their way. Very strong and powerful, they block the post, or middle of the court. They are also known to block shots. Because of their strength and size, they often accumulate more fouls than the guards when trying to defend.

The Center (5)

These are the super tall guys that hang out right underneath the basket. Most centers hit the 7 foot mark and have an arm wingspan the size of most people’s bodies, meaning they can reach really, really far. They are not known for their outside shooting, ball handling, or free throw shooting for that matter. But they are known for their drunks and ability to dominate under the basket!

Famous Name Dropping: Yao Ming, Shaquille O’Neal, Dwight Howard, Greg Odon, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem-Abdul Jabbar

The Centers on Defense.

The Centers are the last line of defense en route to the basket. These guys stand tall, dead center, in hopes of stopping a drive to the basket or blocking a shot.

Basketball has always been my favorite sport. I grew up watching the Chicago Bulls and the Boston Celtics during their peak years with Larry Bird and Michael Jordan. I’ve always loved the quick, constant action. And I truly think there is nothing sexier than a man that can make a three-point shot, although some will argue and say guys who can dunk are far sexier.

I also love how uncomplex the sport is to learn and enjoy, unlike football. But don’t underestimate it! Just because it’s easy to learn how to watch the game, does not mean it’s easy for the players to master. Basketball requires physical strength and endurance, precision-point accuracy and timing, mental and strategic awareness, teamwork, heart, dedication and passion. Over the next few days we’ll be going over:

• The Basics (that’s this post!)
• Players & Positions
• How to score & different types of shots
• Maneuvers: dribbling, passing, rebounds, and assists
• Key Defensive Strategies
• Basketball Fundamentals: The Pick & Roll, Screens and Cuts
• The Killer Crossover & The Triple Threat
• Fouls, Violations & Penalites
• The differences between the NBA and NCAA College Basketball

Lots to learn so let’s get started with some  basics!

The Team:

Just like in baseball or football, or most other sports for that matter, basketball begins with two teams: Home and Visitor.

• Each team is allowed 5 players on the court at a given time
• Each team is allowed to substitute their players, but only after dead balls or in time-outs
• Each team plays both offense and defense but unlike football, the players do not change. The players are responsible for both scoring and defending. This is known as Transitional Defense or Transitional Offense.

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The Game

• The game consists of 4 12 minute quarters (in college there are 2 20 minute halves)
• After the second quarter, there is a half-time intermission.
• If the game is tied after 4 quarters, the game goes into Overtime (OT) which lasts 5 minutes.
• The teams can go into multiple OTs until the game is decided.

Game Clock: Ticks down time per quarter

Shot Clock:  Ticks down many seconds the team has to shoot the ball.

• In the NBA, the players have 24 seconds to shoot
• In college they have 35 seconds
• The shot also keeps track of the “10 second line.” A team has 10 seconds to move the ball from one baseline to mid-court or it is a violation.

Start of Game:

• Begins with a Jump Ball, or Tip-Off. This is similar to a face-off in hockey. The players gather in center court circle,where an official tosses the basketball in the air. A player from each team attempts to “tip” the ball to another teammate to gain possession to start the game. There is also a jump ball to start the 3rd quarter (or 2nd half in college) and to start overtime.  Also, anytime there is a conflict of who is in possession (like when two players are grabbing on to the ball and not letting go)

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The Court:

Divided into Front Court, Back Court and Mid-Court. Front and Back Court are mirror images of each other. Front Court refers to the half of court with the basket you are trying to score in. Back court refers to the half of court with the other team’s basket.

The Hardwood: the court!

The Glass: Commonly heard phrase “off the glass” This is the glass backboard behind the basket/hoop.

The basket/hoop: The thing the players are trying to put the ball in! The basket consists of a rim and a net. There is basket on each end of the court; one for home, one for visitor. Half-way through the game, the teams switch baskets.

The Baseline: The lines that run under the basket. These define the out-of-bounds area by the hoop.

The Sidelines: The parallel lines that run on opposite sides of the court, for the whole length of the court. It’s the out-of-bounds line

The Arc: Surrounding the basket is a semi-circle called “the arc.” Any shot taken inside that semi-circle is worth 2 points; outside that semi-circle is worth 3 points!

The Lane: Directly in front of the basket is a rectangle called “the lane.” It’s the heavily guarded pathway to the basket. The lane runs from the “free throw line” to the baseline

• Free Throw Line: At the end of the lane, farthest from the basket, there is a line. Whenever there is a foul, a player gets to take a free, unguarded shot (or a free throw), from the Free Throw Line.
• The Key: The key is actually another name for the lane. But more commonly said is “top of the key.” At the end of the lane, or free throw lane, there is a smaller semi-circle. That is the top of the key.
• In The Paint: Refers to a player in the lane because the lane is painted a different color then the rest of the court

The Post: The area right under and around the basket. Commonly said “in the post”

Mid-Court (half-court): The line in the middle of the court that divides home/visitor, front/back. A team has 10 seconds to advance the ball from the baseline to half-court or there is a penalty.

Center Circle: Is on mid-court and is used for jump balls

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Objective: Like most sports, the object for the team is to score more points than other team. In basketball, points are scored by making baskets, or by putting the basketball into the basket! There are three types of scoring baskets:

1. 2 Point Shot
2. 3 Point Shot
3. 1 Point Free Throw

Shot: The act of throwing the ball into the basket is referred to as “shooting” in basketball.

Free Throw: When a player is fouled or there is a penalty, a player gets to take a free, unguarded shot, or throw, at the basket. The player must take the shot from the free throw line at the end of the lane. Each made shot is worth 1 point. (We’ll get into the assessment of penalties a little bit later)

Two Point Shots: Any shot made inside or on the arc (remember, the semi-circle going around the court….) is worth 2 points. The or on is key because if a player even has one foot on that line, it counts as only two points.

Three Point Shot: Any shot made from outside that arc is worth 3 points. Also known as shooting from downtown, since it’s so far away!

Up Next: Players & Positions and more in-depth coverage about shooting and types of shots!

Basketball, on the other hand, is a lot easier to break down and explain. The hardest part for me is presenting the facts in an unbiased manor so you can make your own decision on which you prefer. You are allowed to like both but most people have a fave. Personally, I prefer college. I was a huge NBA fan waaaaay back in the dark ages high school before someone introduced me to the joys of college basketball. At the same time it seemed like the NBA went to hell and became full of money obsessed players who no longer cared about team loyalty and the fans.

But that’s just me and I will not let that filter into my breakdown of the two. Much…

For the most part, it’s the same. If you understand high school basketball you can understand college and pro. Put ball in hoop. Try to stop people from putting ball in hoop. Same concept across the board. It’s just subtle little details that make them different!

GamePlay

NBA:

• Four 12 minute quarters
• 24 seconds to take a shot
• 8 seconds to move the ball from the backcourt to the front
• Overtime is 5 minutes long

NCAA

• 2 20minute halves
• 35 seconds to take a shot
• 10 seconds to get the ball from backcourt
• Overtime is five minutes long

The Court

In both college and pro ball the courts are the same length and the baskets are the same height off the ground. Also the foul line (where the players take their “penalty shots” from) are the same distance from the hoop.

NBA:

• Three Point line is 23’9 feet away from the basket (22 feet in the corners of the court)
• The Paint, or middle lane of the court under the b’ball hoop is 16 feet

NCAA

• Three Point Line  is 19’9″ way from the basket all the way around. In other words, closer to the basket.
• The Paint is only 12 feet wide.

Oops My Bads (also known as Fouls)

Personal Fouls: each player is allowed to commit only a certain amount of fouls  before they are kicked out of game:

• NBA (remember, this is the PRO level): 6
• NCAA (not pro level): 5

Meaning the pro players get more “oops my bads” then the non-pros. Go figure. And get paid millions.

Shooting vs. Non-Shooting Fouls

Shooting Foul: If a player is fouled in the act of shooting , he automatically gets free throws.

Non-Shooting: When a player is fouled not in the act of shooting–like a reach-in foul when the defense attempts to steal or guard the ball illegally–the team only gets free throws when they are “in the penalty”. In other words, a team can actually commit a certain number of non-shooting fouls per quarter or half and basically say “oops, my bad.” They do add up though and once they hit the penalty, it doesn’t matter if it’s a shooting foul or not—the other team is getting the free throw.

In the penalty

I actually found a great website that explained it in a very concise way:

In the NBA, it’s simple. The fifth team foul per quarter puts a team in the penalty. After that, every foul – in the act of shooting or not – is worth two free throws.

In the NCAA, the penalty kicks in on the seventh team foul of each half.

But wait, there’s more.

The “one-and-one” versus “double bonus”

• During the 7th, 8th and 9th team fouls, the  fouled player gets one free throw. If he makes it, he gets a to have another one. Hence, one…and one…
• If the player was fouled while shooting during those fouls, he gets to shoot 2.
• 10+ team foul = “double bonus” The fouled player will always shoot two free throws.

The bonus situation becomes crucial at the end of games. When trailing, teams will often foul to stop the clock. When in the one-and-one, that strategy is less risky – there’s a chance that the opposing team will miss the first free throw attempt and give up a possession without increasing the lead. Once in the double-bonus, fouling to stop the clock is a riskier play.

Possession of the Ball

Sometimes basketball players think they are playing football  or something. They tackle each other and wrestle over who has the ball. But unlike football officials, basketball refs want no part in sorting out who got their hands on the ball first instead:

NBA: A jump ball is used to determine possession.

NCAA: The posession arrow. Never question the arrow. Team A gets possession, then Team B, then Team A, then Team B. This is critical towards the end of a tournament game when there is :30 left on the clock and the score is tied!

Stiletto Sports’ Rulebook for Team Selections aka “the picks” works especially well in playoff match ups.

Rule #1: If you already have a team you follow, pick them!

If not…

• 1a: If your boyfriend/husband/signifcant other/family member/ friend has a team they really like and you don’t care at all, go with what they say
• 1b. Go with your home town, home state, current state of residence or favorite state to vacation in.
  
• Proving the Rules: I’ve watched Kansas college basketball for over 10 years. I always pick them in match-ups out of loyalty. And look, last year they won! Dad worships the Celtics and I don’t have an NBA team anymore so I went with his and look, they won last year! I live in Florida and didn’t care about baseball so I figured, hey, let’s root for the Tampa Bay Rays and look, they got to the World Series!

Rule #2: Pick the team with the hottest guys

This can be tricky! Feel free to ask me for my input

• 2a. However, if a team from your hometown, home state, current state of residence, or favorite state to vacation is in a match-up and does not have a cute player, you may disregard Rule 2 to support your local team.
• 2b. Sometimes both teams will have hot guys. Use your discretion. Does one super hot & talented star outweigh three cuties? Weigh this carefully!
• 2c. If you have heard of a player, even if he is not hot, chances are he is probably good. Afterall, why else have you heard of him? You can pick his team even if he is ugly.
  
• 2d: Amended 1/4/09. Use caution with 2a. Make sure you are very loyal to your state or town because you really shouldn’t go against the cute guys: See Dolphins losing to Ravens in NFL playoffs. I chose Dolphins because I live in Fl even though the Ravens had the hot guy. Bad plan.
  

Rule #3: Pick the team with the best colors

I personally love pink but you don’t see that very often. UNC does have a really pretty baby blue color. But usually Iother favorite or significant colors to help me choose like:

• My high school & sorority colors: purple & gold
• My college colors: blue & orange
• Or I compare and contrast: if one team has red and black and the other has icky yellow and brown….

Rule #4: Judge a team by it’s name

This goes for state, town and mascot name. Like Phoebe from Friends when she said “Green Bay! That’s only, like, my favorite bay”

My favorite is when you get into college teams because there are some doozies out there! I’m actually going to steal my own quote from my NCAA basketball article:

Some strange and sometimes made-up names to consider

• The Hawaii Rainbows. I’m sure that strikes fear into the hearts of their opponent
• The Maryland Terrapins (aka turtles). They sound like they run up and down the court/field quickly
• These leave you wondering what the heck it means. Ohio State Buckeyes???? Oklahoma Sooners? Sooner than what? Illinois Fighting Illini. Um, ok. Can’t even really say that. Ill-inny? Ill-eye-ni? Scary I’m sure.
• And my favorite, the Southern Illinois Salukis. Which, after a painfully boring article about why on earth these people thought it would be a good name, I discovered is some ancient purebreed dog from Egypt.

Rule #5: Pick your favorite animal!

Hope it’s not the Saluki.

Which do you prefer: Cardinals or falcons? Eagles or ravens? Panthers or Jaguars? Bears or Tigers? Buck or Timberwolf? Ooooh or a Raptor! It gets trickier when the team doesn’t have animals. But just think about it: Do you like White Socks or Red Socks better

Rule Test #2-5: This is how I pick my brackets for the NCAA March Madness Tournament. I won the pool the first year I did one and came in second another time. The boys were not amused.

Rule #6: Remember, it’s a girl’s prerogative to change her mind! (added January 20, 2009)

Don’t feel like have to be 100% committed to your pick! Thing of them more like a fabulous pair of shoes you found to go with a hot outfit! They might be absolutely perfect and you can totally go with them. But if you keep looking and find another pair that’s a better fit and goes better, that’s totally fine!

Sometimes you will go into a game not knowing all the info. You may know of a hottie on one team so you pick them. Half-way through the game, you may find the other team has more hotties. If this happens, remember the shoe thing and reweigh your options!

• 6a. “you can totally change your pick mid-game if you discover hotties on the other team that you did not know about.” Just be prepared, not everyone approves of this rule. Or even knows about it. Refer them here if you have any problems exerting your rights!
• Rule test: See Pittsburgh Steelers-Baltimore Ravens Team Selection and following Recap Article for proof of how well this method works!

More Rules to come as I Invent them!

*All Rules are subject to change without notice.

**Although it has great results for me, I in no way guarantee this method or recommend putting money down based on what I say. If you do and you lose, don’t blame me. If you win, gimme half! Or at least let me know it worked so I can have testimonials!

1. Seriously Rich Guys. The NBA boasts the highest professional sports salaries. The average is about $5 million. That’s just the average! Kevin Garnett is making $24 million and Allen Iverson, Jason Kidd, Kobe Bryant and Shaq are all pulling in over $20 million salaries. Per year. And that’s before endorsements which draw in tens of millions also. Just to shoot a ball in a hoop. If nothing else, learn the sport so you will be b’ball savvy when husband hunting these money makers!

Kevin Garnett earning his $24 by bringing the Celtics the Championship

2. Eva Longoria totally supports the NBA.  She married Tony Parker (yum!) of the San Antonio Spurs. He’s also French! Ooh La La! And if it’s good enough for her, it’s good enough for us!

3. The NBA Body: Quite possibly the best in pro sports. Tall, toned, lean, rock hard…..sorry, I think I just drooled on myself there.

3a. The Jersey’s are designed to show off that body: They are sleeveless so you can see every inch of those rippling arm muscles….drool again.

3b. Tony Parker, Dwayne Wade, Lebron James are all prime examples of that perfect body. And unlike a lot of the NBA stars, you don’t have to mentally cut off their heads to think they are hot!

Lebron James' body is drool worthy perfection

4. There is nothing hotter than watching a guy make a basket, especially a 3-pointer. Okay this may be my personal belief, but I don’t care, it’s such a turn on. Gina, on the other hand, prefers guys who drive to the basket and dunk. Either way, it’s hot!

5. The Players all have a major shoe addiction. It’s not enough for players to just own hundreds of sneakers. Their addiction is so strong they have to make and customize their own shoe lines for Nike and Adidas. Michael Jordan kicked off the trend in 1985 with the launch of Air Jordans.  You have to check out Ben Gordon’s video of his sneaker collection; it may even beat SJP’s closet of Manolo’s.  Ben Gordon’s Shoes

6. Kyle Korver looks like Ashton Kutcher! So at least tune in to the Utah Jazz games!

Who's punked now?

7. Non-stop Action: There are no long stretches of nothingness. There are always people running up and down the court to watch.

8. Inside the NBA’s Charles Barkley is a pompous prick, therefore really funny. Barkley is a pro player turned announcer. I hated him as a player–he is known as one of the most controversial, opinionated, outspoken, arrogant asses in the history of the sport. But somehow, that really works as as an announcer! He says what’s on his mind and its colored with his Alabama accent and strange sayings. It’s hysterical. And his T-Mobile “you are not in my five” became legendary when spoofed on Frank Tv. You Are Outta My Five.

9. MAJOR celebrity spotting. Celebs LOVE this sport and its a rare night that the front row isn’t hosting some A-listers. Here’s a quick list of top NBA fans to help you decide which team is right for you!

• Jack Nicholson: LA Lakers. He is always right there, dark glasses on, questioning every referee call and loving his team.
• Leo DiCarprio: Also the Lakers
• Spike Lee & Chris Rock: NY Knicks
• Eva Longoria: Cheering on her hubby on the San Antonio Spurs
• Jay-Z: NJ Nets–he is also part owner of the team
• Billy Crystal: LA Clippers
• Eddie Vedder: Chicago Bulls
• Anna Kournakova & Enrique Iglesias: Miami Heat
• Kid Rock: Detroit Pistons
• Usher: Cleveland Caveliers
• Nelly: Charlotte Bobcats, also an ownner

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Runner up Reasons:

–They have Big Feet!

–Nathan & Lucas Scott of One Tree Hill said so. And who wants to go against what those two hotties want?