MODULE | TEAM SPORTS

The Team

Objectives:
a) Identify the specific positions in basketball.
b) Distinguish basketball positions and roles.
c) Sustain interest in basketball games.
d) Execute the correct way of passing and catching the
ball
e) Demonstrate the correct way of executing the different
ball handling skills like passing, catching and
dribbling
f) Acquire a positive and proper shooting attitude and
skill

Each team shall consist of:

 Not more than 10 team members for games in halves of 20 minutes.

 Not more than 12 team members for games played in 4 periods of 12 minutes or for
tournaments in which a team has to play more than 3 games.
 A coach, and if a team wishes, an assistant coach.
 A maximum of 5 team followers with special responsibilities; e.g. manager, doctor,
physiotherapist, statistician, interpreter.

PLAYERS AND SUBSTITUTE

A team member is a player when he is on the playing court and entitled to play.
A team member is a substitute when he is not playing on the court or is on the court or is on
the playing court but not entitled to play because he has been disqualified or has committed
5 fouls.

Although the rules do not specify any positions whatsoever, they have evolved
as part of basketball. During the first five decades of basketball’s evolutions, one guard, two
forwards, and two centers or two guards, two forwards, and one center were used. Since
the 1980s, more specific positions have evolved, namely:

1. Point Guard – usually the fastest player on the team, organizes the team’s offense by
controlling the ball and making sure that it gets to the right players at the right time. Also
called point guard or playmaker, he should be a good dribbler and passer.

Page 1
MODULE | TEAM SPORTS

He directs the attacks and starts most of the moves. Some teams have a point guard, who
has the major ball handling responsibilities.

Famous NBA
Point Guard

2. Shooting Guard – Creates a high volume of shoots on offence; guards the opponents best
perimeter player on defense. The shooting guard is often the team’s best shooter.

3. Small Forward – often primarily responsible for scoring points via cuts to the basket and
dribble penetration ; on defense seeks rebounds and steals, but sometimes plays more
actively. Forward is generally taller and stronger than guard. Forward usually plays in the
area from the end line to the free throw lane.

Page 2
MODULE | TEAM SPORTS

4. Power Forward – plays offensively often with his back to the basket; on defense, plays
under the basket (in a zone defense) or against the opposing power forward (in man-to-man
defense). He should be a good rebounder and be able to maneuver for shots close to the
baskets. Forward is expected to be good middle and long distance shooter and to score
baskets from penetration.

5. Center – uses size to score (on offense), to protect the basket closely (on defense), or to
rebound. The center is usually the team’s tallest player and best rebounder. A center who is
a good rebounder and a scorer can dominate the game. Most of the goals scored are from
close range shots and from rebound situations.

Watch the video of actual demonstration of position and roles in playing basketball.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_4CymXARWQ

Page 3
MODULE | TEAM SPORTS

POSITION OF PLAYERS

The above description are flexible. On some occasions, teams will choose to
use a three guard offense, replacing one of the forwards or the center with a third guard.
The most commonly interchanged positions are point guard and shooting guard, especially if
both players have good leadership and ball handling skills.

In a typical game of basketball, there are usually five players on each team on the court, and
each player has their roles and responsibilities.

Traditionally, players who filled these position would solely stick to their role and focus on
their task, but basketball has advanced a lot since then and every player these days are
required to play two or more positions at one time.

This is due to the nature of the sport where players move around and play flexibly, doing
what is required in any given situation

For more information about positions and roles of basketball, Please click the link below.
https://www.myactivesg.com/Sports/Basketball/How-To-Play/Basketball-Rules/Basketball-
Positions-and-Roles

Page 4
MODULE | TEAM SPORTS

Basic Skills of Basketball

In basketball there are three basic ways to move the ball:

1. Dribbling

Is the way to progress with the ball by an individual player, in order to get free
from his opponent or to get in a good passing or shooting position. Dribbling is the act of
bouncing the ball continuously, and is a requirement for a player to take steps with the ball.
To dribble, a player pushes the ball down towards the ground rather than patting it; this
ensures greater control. When dribbling past an opponent, the dribbles should dribble with
the hand farthest from the opponent, making it more difficult for the defensive player to get
to the ball. It is therefore important for a player to be able to dribble competently with both
hands. Good dribbles (or “ball handlers”) tend to be bounce the ball low to the ground,
reducing the travel from the floor to the hand, making it more difficult for the defender to
“steal” the b all. Additionally, good ball handlers frequently dribble behind their backs,
between their legs, and change hands and directions of the dribble frequently, making a less
predictable dribbling pattern that is more difficult to defend, this is called a crossover which
is the most effective way to pass defenders while dribbling. A skilled player can dribble
without watching the ball, using the dribbling motion or peripheral vision to keep track of
the ball’s location. By not having to focus on the ball, a player can look for teammates or
scoring opportunities, as well as avoid the danger of someone stealing the ball from
him/her.
Watch the video of actual demonstration of Dribbling and Passing Drills. Click the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixSxevmo4mc

Low control or control Dribble - The low dribble is used to protect the basketball from a
nearby defender. The lower the dribble, the closer the ball is to your body and the more you
control it with your wrist and fingers. It is used whenever the player is closely guarded. This
type of dribbling simply entails keeping the ball low to the floor and in player's control. The
ball is dribbled on the side of the body away from the defender. The palm of the dribbling
hand is kept over the ball.

Low or Control Dribble

Page 5
MODULE | TEAM SPORTS

Points of Emphasis
1. Your head is up
2. The ball is controlled by your wrist and fingertips.
3. Your joints are bent, especially your knees, waist, and elbow keeping the ball close to
your body and under control.
4. Your dribble should be in smooth rhythm.
5. Dribbling is a rhythmic activity. You should always be able to feel a musical rhythm and
timing in your hand as you dribble.

The High or Speed Dribble - The speed dribble is used in the open court while running. It
must be mastered with either hand, with the head up at all times and under enough control
so stops, changes of pace, and changes of directions are possible according to the situation.
The speed dribble is executed by bouncing the ball farther in front of you increase your
running speed. It involves a higher bounce as you, increase your foot speed. The higher the
dribble, the more arm and shoulder action is required to control the ball.

Points of Emphasis
1. The ball must be pushed farther in front of you on the bounce as you increase your
running speed.
2. The faster the dribble, the higher the bounce. At full speed, the ball should bounce to
your upper chest, and you should be using considerable shoulder and arm movement to
control the dribble.

High or Speed Dribble

Crossover Dribble

The Crossover Dribble - is an effective way to get by your defender to score or attack an
open area to make a fundamental basketball play.”

Page 6
MODULE | TEAM SPORTS

To execute a crossover dribble:

 Start by attacking the defensive player aggressively.
 Cross the basketball over to your other hand, bouncing the ball in front of your body,
while staying low to the ground.
 As you make the crossover, stay low and move your inside shoulder to go past the
defender’s hip.
 Push the ball out after the crossover and explode off your back foot to create
separation from the defender.

Behind-the-Back Dribble - This advanced form of crossover involves the ball handler,
bouncing the ball off of the floor behind his feet and catching it with the other hand, usually
while his/her feet are no more than shoulder-width apart. If there are no defensive players
around the ball handler except one directly facing him/her, and that defender does not
expect this type of dribble, it can be an even safer way of crossing over compared to a
between-the-legs. In all other cases, it is generally a dangerous move that can result in the
ball bouncing off of the dribbler's feet or a steal.

Behind-the-Back Dribble

The Between-the-Legs Dribble - This is a commonly used

variation of the crossover in which the ball-handler bounces
the ball off of the floor between his/her legs and catches it
with the other hand on the opposite side of his/her body. It is
used as a safer way to cross over while directly facing a
defender, but requires more slowing of forward momentum
Between- the-Leg Dribble
than the crossover dribble.

1. Take a wide stance, knees bent and dribble the ball from one hand to the other in front of
you.
2. You want the ball to almost skid on the court instead of taking a direct bounce up.
3. After running the drill in front, run it behind your back.
4. You can also run this drill to halfcourt and back. When running the drill in motion, you can
dribble in front like when stationary, you can also dribble between the legs.
5. You can also run the drill in motion while dribbling behind the back.

Page 7
MODULE | TEAM SPORTS

The Reverse Dribble - A reverse spin dribble is a technique used to change direction and,
when done correctly, protects the ball from the defender by keeping the dribbler’s body
between the defender and the ball.

Reverse Dribble

For more information about Basketball dribbling and dribbling moves just click the link below.
https://www.coachesclipboard.net/Dribbling.html

2. Passing

The ball is the quickest and the most effective way to get the ball from player
to player. A pass is a method of moving the ball between players. Most passes are
accompanied by a step forward to increase power and are the followed through with the
hands to ensure accuracy.

Chest Pass - this type of pass is probably the most accurate pass you can use. It is executed
by holding the ball with both hands near your chest or at the level of the sternum and
releasing it by extending both arms forward to make the pass. This pass goes in a straight
line mostly parallel to the floor which requires a lot of fore to execute thus making it a high
velocity pass.

Chest Pass

Bounce Pass - this type of pass is very useful when you are being heavily defended or when
you are dribbling and you want to pass the ball to a teammate. This pass is executed by
bouncing the ball off at an angle in between you and your ball recipient.

Page 8
MODULE | TEAM SPORTS

Although this pass may look easy, it can still be a bit tricky as you need to judge the distance
of your recipient along with how much strength and deflection you need to give the
ball. The accuracy of this type of pass is dictated by the speed and trajectory of the
ball. You can also change the trajectory of the ball to some degree by putting some spin to
it.

Bounce Pass

Overhead Pass - this type of pass is useful when you are being marked tightly or when you
are considerably taller than your defender. However, if wrongly used, it poses the risk of
interception. To execute the overhead pass, you need to have both hands placed on the
respective sides of the ball. You then position the ball behind your head. To make the pass,
you extend your arms forward while bringing the elbows down to put more strength in the
pass.

Overhead Pass

Outlet Pass – occurs after a team gets a defensive rebound. The next pass after the rebound
is the outlet pass. The crucial aspect of any good pass is being impossible to intercept. Good
passers can pass the ball with great accuracy and touch and know exactly where each of
their teammates like to receive the ball. A special way of doing this is passing the ball
without looking at the receiving teammate.

Outlet Pass

Page 9
MODULE | TEAM SPORTS

Behind-The-Back Pass - this type of pass is rarely used in a game unless it is used for
offensive purposes such as misdirect the defender from the ball. To execute this pass, you
need to cup the ball using your wrist and fingers and sling it behind you towards the
recipient.

Behind- The- Back Pass

3. Shooting

The ball is the quickest and most effective way to get the ball from player to
player. Shooting is the act of attempting to score points by throwing the ball through the
basket. While methods can vary with players and situations, the most common technique
can be outlined here. The player should be positioned facing the basket with feet about
shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and back straight. The player holds the ball to rest
in the dominant hand’s fingertips (the shooting arm) slightly above the head, with the other
hand on the side of the ball. To aim the ball, player’s elbow should be aligned vertically, with
the forearm facing in the direction of the basket. The ball is shot by bending and extending
the knees and extending the shooting arm to become straight; the ball rolls off the finger
tips while the wrist completes a full downward flex motion. When the shooting arm is
stationary for a moment after the ball released, it is known as follow-through; it is
incorporated to maintain accuracy. Generally, the non-shooting arm is used only to guide
the shot, not to power it. Players often try to put a steady backspin on the ball to deaden its
impact with the rim. The ideal trajectory of the shot is somewhat arguable, but generally
coaches will profess proper arch. Most players shoot directly into the basket, but shooters
may use the backboard to redirect the ball into the basket.

Watch the video of the actual demonstration of shooting drills. Please click the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYtN9pA85Jc

Page
10
MODULE | TEAM SPORTS

The Set Shot - he two-handed set shot was once the common way to shoot from the
perimeter. Today it’s typically only used by young players who lack the strength to shoot
with one hand. A free throw, however, is basically a type of set shot, although it’s almost
always performed with one hand. Use the standard shooting form, but don’t jump.

Set Shot

Lay-up Shot - You’ll typically shoot layups from very close range after dribbling to the
basket, or taking a pass near the hoop. Typical layup form involves grasping the ball with
two hands, raising it in front of your face and banking it off the backboard, which all occurs
while you’re in motion. A putback of a missed shot is also technically a layup. If you can
jump well enough you may also raise the ball as high as possible and flip it straight through
the rim.

Lay-up Shot Protips: A lay-up that doesn’t use

the backboard is called a finger roll because the
ball rolls of the fingers of a ball handler’s hand Lay-up Shot
and into the basket.

The Underhand Shot - Underhand means that the shooter holds the ball below their waste
and moves their arms upward to shoot. It is also sometimes known as a “granny style” shot.

Underhand Shot

Page
11
MODULE | TEAM SPORTS

The Jump Shot – The jumper is used most frequently for mid- to long-range shots, including
three-point attempts, although you can use it from short range to gain separation from a
defender. Jump straight up and use the basic shooting form. Release the ball at the peak of
your jump.

Jump Shot

Hook Shot – A hook shot in basketball is an overhand shot, typically made with one hand.
Hook shots can be made while the shooter is facing the net directly or at a sideways angle.
As a player, you should utilize hook shots when inside the three-point line near the lane or
when you’re posting –up.

Hook Shot

Dunking - The dunk, basketball’s most spectacular shot, relies more on jumping ability than
shooting skill. If you can jump high enough, and hands large enough to control the ball, leap,
lift the ball above the rim and push or throw it through the net.

Remember: When dunking, you must be careful

to avoid being called for a travel. When you pick
up your dribble you are allowed to take two
steps before your pivot foot is stablished. Dunkin

For more information about Shot types of basketball. Please click the link below.
https://www.rookieroad.com/basketball/shot-types/

Page
12
MODULE | TEAM SPORTS

Blocking out and Rebounding

A block is performed when, after a shot is attempted, a defender attempts to

alter the shot by touching the ball. In almost all variants of play, it is illegal to touch the ball
after it is in the downward part of its arc; this known as goaltending. It is also illegal to block
a shot after it has touched the backboard, or when any part of the ball is directly above the
rim.

To block a shot, a player has to be able to reach a point higher than where the
shot is released. Thus, height can be an advantage in blocking. Players at the taller power
forward or center positions generally record more blocks than players at the shorter guard
positions. However, with good timing and sufficient vertical leap, even shorter players can
be effective at blocking shots.

The objective of rebounding is to successfully gain possession of the basketball

after a missed field goal or free throw, as it rebounds from the hoop or backboard. This
plays a major role in the game, as most possessions end when a team misses a shot. There
are two categories of rebounds: offensive rebounds, in which the ball is recovered by the
offensive side and does not change possession, and defensive rebounds, in which the
defending team gains possession of the loose ball. The majority of rebounds are defensive,
as the team on defense tends to be in better position to recover missed shots.

Two main Defensive Strategies:

1. Zone Defense – involves players in defensive positions guarding whichever opponent is in
their zone.
2. Man-to-Man Defense – each defensive player guards a specific opponent and tries to
prevent him from taking action.
Offensive plays are more varied, normally involving planned passes and
movement by players without the ball. A quick movement by an offensive player without
the ball to gain an advantageous position is a cut. A legal attempt by an offensive player to
stop an opponent from guarding a teammate, by standing in the defender’s way such that
the teammate cuts next to him, is a screen or pick. The two plays are combined in the pick

and roll, in which a player sets a pick and then “rolls” away from the pick towards the
basket. Screens and cuts are very important in offensive plays; these allow the quick passes
and teamwork which can lead to a successful basket. Teams almost always have several
offensive plays planned to ensure their movement is not predictable. On court, the point
guard is usually responsible for indicating which play will occur.
Defensive and offensive structures, and positions, are more emphasized in
higher levels in basketball; it is these that a coach normally requests at a time-out to discuss.

Page
13
MODULE | TEAM SPORTS

Reverse Lay-Up Shot – his is a close-up shot in basketball in which the player stands
near one side of the rim, but shoots the ball underhand towards the opposite side of the
rim, often using their less dominant hand. By doing so, the ball may be better protected
from opponents trying to block the shot. The player usually tries to bank the ball off the
backboard to complete this shot.

Reverse Lay-Up Shot

Tapping (Tip-In) – When a missed shot is touched just enough with the fingertips to
make the ball go into the basket. Tip-ins are similar to a putback, the main difference is that
a putback involves the player securing the offensive rebound, then immediately scoring
(without dribbling or making a basketball move).

Tapping (Tip-In)

Page
14
MODULE | TEAM SPORTS

Blocking and Rebounding – Few players will naturally move to “block out” an opponent
in a rebound contest. The natural instinct of most players will be to jump to the ball and try
to secure the rebound. This makes the result of each rebound contest dependent on a
combination of luck (where the ball bounces) and the player that jumps the highest.

Blocking and Rebounding

Screening - A screen or "pick" occurs when an offensive player attempts to block, or

"screen", a defensive player away from the man he is guarding, thereby freeing up that
offensive player for an open shot or pass. Setting good screens (or "picks") is a very
important fundamental part of the game.

Screening

Reference:
Book: Physical Education for College
Author: Mr. Doris D. Tulio

Page
15