Scoring system
Basketball scoring
Basketball is scored by shooting the ball through the hoop, with baskets worth one, two or three points depending on where the shot is taken.
Scoring system
Overview
Points in basketball come from putting the ball through the opponent's hoop. A basket made from open play inside the three-point line is worth two points, one made from behind that line is worth three, and a free throw awarded after a foul is worth one.
The team with the most points when time runs out wins. Because scoring happens constantly throughout a game, totals are high compared with many sports, and a tied score at the end sends the game to overtime periods until a winner emerges.
How it works
- A basket scored from inside the three-point arc counts for two points.
- A basket scored from behind the three-point line counts for three points.
- A successful free throw, awarded after certain fouls, counts for one point.
- The running score updates continuously; the team ahead when time expires wins.
- If the scores are level at full time, the game continues in overtime periods until one team leads at the buzzer.
Where it’s used
Sports that use basketball scoring:
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Officiating
- ScorekeeperThe official who keeps the authoritative record of a contest — score, fouls, and statistics — usually seated at a scorer's table beside the timekeeper.
- Video ReviewVideo review lets officials re-examine footage of a contested moment to confirm or overturn a close call — a goal, a line, a foul — an aid used across many sports.
- Foul callA foul call is an official's ruling that a player broke a rule of contact or conduct, triggering a penalty such as a free kick, free throw or penalty.
- AdvantageIn many sports, officials let play continue after a foul when stopping would help the offender, so the fouled team keeps the advantage it has gained.
- Line JudgeA boundary-line official who calls whether the ball or player is in or out and flags foot faults, working under the head referee across many sports.
Rules
- Shot clockA timing rule that requires the attacking basketball team to attempt a shot within a set number of seconds.
- Personal fouls and free throwsThe basketball rules covering illegal contact and the uncontested shots awarded when a player is fouled.
- GoaltendingA basketball violation for interfering with a shot while the ball is on its downward path to the basket or above the rim.
- Double dribbleA basketball violation for dribbling with two hands at once, or for dribbling again after picking up the ball.
- Tennis serving rulesThe rules governing how a tennis point begins, including where the server stands and where the serve must land.
Tactics
- Pick and rollA two-player basketball action where one player screens for the ball-handler, then rolls to the basket.
- Offside trapA defensive football tactic where the back line steps up together to leave an attacker offside.
- Court coverage and rotationVolleyball positioning where players rotate through positions and cover the court as one coordinated unit.
- High pressA football tactic where a team hunts the ball high up the pitch to win it back close to the opponent’s goal.
- Possession playA patient football style that keeps the ball through short passing to control the game and tire opponents.
Positions
- Shooting guardThe shooting guard is a perimeter player whose main role is to score, especially from mid-range and beyond the three-point line.
- Point guardThe point guard is basketball’s primary ball-handler and playmaker, running the offence and setting up teammates to score.
- Power forwardThe power forward plays near the basket in basketball, using strength to rebound, score inside, and defend the paint.
- CenterThe center is usually the tallest player on a basketball team, playing near the basket to score inside, rebound, and protect the rim.
- GoalkeeperThe goalkeeper is the last line of defence in football and the only player allowed to handle the ball inside their own penalty area.
Facilities
- Basketball courtA rectangular hard-surfaced court with a raised hoop and backboard at each end where basketball is played.
- Volleyball courtA rectangular court split by a high net over which two teams rally the ball, played indoors or on sand.
- Sports hallA large indoor hall with multi-sport line markings, used for court sports like basketball, volleyball and badminton.