Basketball

Last updated: 03 May 2012

As you probably know, basketball is huge in the USA, with the likes of Allen Iverson, Kobe Bryant, and Shaq some of the highest paid sports stars in the world. But it's also pretty popular in Europe and the UK too.

You don't need to be a seven foot giant to play the game because it's also about speed, and having fast hands.

Basic rules

Here's a few things you should know to get you started...

Basketball is played by two teams. Each team has five players on the court at any one time, but they have a squad of twelve players.
The aim of the game is to score points by throwing a ball into the opposing team's basket. The team who scores the most points are the winners.
Players can move the ball to the basket by passing, tapping, throwing, rolling or dribbling. You can't grab the ball and run with it in your arms - that's a foul!
Games are made up of four quarters of either 10 or 12 minutes and a half-time break (15mins).
Scoring: Two points for a basket inside the three-point semi-circle, and three points for goals scored from outside. Free throws are only worth one point and are taken from the free-throw line and awarded after a foul.
It's really good fun to play and will keep you mega fit.

Get involved

If you're keen to take up basketball then it's best to see if your school has an after school basketball club. If not, then speak to your P.E teacher or check out the Basketball Scotland website. You can also check out what's happening in your local area on the Young Scot WOW website.

BBC Sport Academy - Skills

Want to learn how to dribble, do a hook shot or pump fake, or go for a three point shot? Take a look at ex-pro baller John Amaechi's BBC Sport Academy video.

Wheelchair Basketball

Wheelchair basketball is also a popular sport. If you want to learn the skills, take a look at the BBC Sport Academy video from Ade Adepitan (Great Britain Wheelchair basketball team) as he takes you through some of the basics.

Glasgow Rocks

Did you know that Scotland has its very own professional basketball team? They're the Glasgow Rocks and they compete in the British Basketball League (BBL).

Their home matches are played in Breahead Arena (Glasgow) and you can check out when they are next playing at home on the Glasgow Rocks website.

As well as watching matches you can also get involved. There's camps and clinics running throughout the year so you can get coaching from the professionals, have fun, and win competition prizes. For the full low-down check out the Glasgow Rocks website.

Scottish Rockettes

Every basketball team must have some cheerleaders and the Glasgow Rocks are no exception. The guys are lucky enough to have the Scottish Rockettes, the official dance squad to the Scottish Rocks, strutting their stuff at every match. Find out more about the squad, the rehearsals, tryouts, and workshops by clicking on the Rockettes website.