🏀 Basketball rules explained
Two teams of five try to shoot the ball through a 10-foot (3.05 m) hoop. NBA games are four 12-minute quarters; FIBA games are four 10-minute quarters.
How scoring works
- Field goal: 2 points inside the arc
- Three-pointer: 3 points beyond the arc
- Free throw: 1 point each
Key rules
- Shot clock
- A team must attempt a shot that hits the rim within 24 seconds of gaining possession.
- Travelling
- Moving your pivot foot or taking too many steps without dribbling is a violation.
- Double dribble
- You can't dribble with both hands at once or start dribbling again after stopping.
- Personal fouls
- Players foul out after 6 fouls in the NBA (5 in FIBA).
- Backcourt
- Once the ball is in the frontcourt, the offence can't take it back over half-court.
- Goaltending
- Blocking a shot on its way down toward the basket counts the basket.
Learn it, then test yourself
Ask follow-ups in plain language (English, हिन्दी or Français), then take a quick quiz. Points only, no money.
FAQ
How long is the shot clock?
24 seconds in the NBA and FIBA.
How many points is a shot from beyond the arc?
3 points.
How many fouls before fouling out?
6 in the NBA, 5 in FIBA.
AI-generated, checked against the official rulebook (FIBA Official Basketball Rules). Competitions can vary; the governing body's laws are the final word. Last updated October 16, 2026. Spot a mistake? Report an error.