The basics in 1 minute

The aim

Move the ball into the opponents’ basket while defending your own. Each team plays with 5 players on court.

Scoring

A free throw scores 1 point; a field goal scores 2, or 3 from beyond the three-point line. The higher total wins. Regulation quarters last 10 minutes under FIBA and 12 in the NBA.

Key rules

• Dribble when moving with the ball; travelling is a violation.
• Illegal contact can result in fouls and free throws.
• The usual attacking shot-clock limit is 24 seconds, with special reset rules.