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Playing area

A competitive basketball match is played on a large rectangular court and is usually made of highly polished hardwood. Basketball courts come in different sizes but an official NBA (National Basketball Association) court is measured at 28.7 m (94 ft) long and 15.2 m (50 ft) wide, while youth courts should be 26 m (84 ft) long and 15 m (50 ft) wide.

Although the court has no definite size, the inner markings are very precise:

• The baseline - this is the end line of a basketball court.
• The free throw line – this line marks the end of a 3.7 m (12 ft) wide and 4.9 m (16 ft) long rectangle. However, at all other levels the line is only 4.6 m (15 ft) long.
• The basket - the basket hoop is measured exactly 0.5 m (18 in) in diameter and hangs 3m (10 ft) above the ground. The hoop is mounted to a backboard and is used by the players to deflect the ball into the net.
• Sideline - this line marks the court out both sides.
• The three-point line - the three-point line was moved back to 7.2 m (23 ft 9 in) for the NBA 1997-1998 season. However, for schools, the distance is 6 m (19 ft 9 in), and for international games it is 6.2 m (20 ft 6 in).

Players

A basketball team consists of five players per side and is divided into different positions. Like most sports the team has very clear roles to support their overall success:

• Point guard - this is usually the smallest player on the team and has outstanding passing and handling skills. Their role requires them to move the ball up court and begin all attacking positions.
• Shooting guard - this player is normally quite tall in stature but is required to have great distance-shooting skills. A basketball team will usually try to set an attacking screen and allow the shooting guard to come off teammates and shoot, pass, or drive at the basket.
• Small forward - this player has a versatile role and is required by the team to be strong, athletic, have good handling skills, and the ability to shoot effectively from short and long range.
• Power forward - as the name suggests this player is required to be very explosive and powerful to ensure they are able to catch passes and hit shots near the basket.
• Centre - this player is usually the tallest player and is required to post up in attacking positions. Their height allows them to receive the ball with their back to the basket and deploy basic skills to make a shot.