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The Basketball Court Tips

Read these 14 The Basketball Court Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Basketball tips and hundreds of other topics.

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Can you provide clarification of the numerical assignments for the players positions?

Top Five!

The numerical assignments for the starting five basketball players are . . .

1 - Point Guard

2 - Shooting Guard

3 - Small Forward or Swing Player

4 - Power Forward

5 - Center

   
What are the correct NBA basketball court dimensions?

Building a Basketball Court - NBA Size Basketball Court Dimensions

The correct dimensions of an NBA size basketball court are summarized below from the NBA rules, Section 1. First, the basketball court should measure 94 feet from baseline to baseline and 50 feet from sideline to sideline. The halfcourt line should be marked in the middle, 47 feet from either baseline. The ‘jump circle' at halfcourt must have a 2 foot radius and be surrounded by a second circle that has a 6 foot radius. From each baseline, measure 18 feet and 10 inches to mark your free throw line and the length of the ‘lane', which should measure 16 feet total width. The 3 point arc in the NBA is 22ft to the center of the rim on the sides ( the arc starts 5 ft 3 in from the baseline, being a straight line until that point) then the curved part of the arc is 23ft. 9 in. from the center of the rim. For further information about basketball court dimensions, check out a free copy of the NBA Rules & Guidelines.

   
What types of wood are basketball courts made from?

Wood Used On Basketball Courts

The preferred wood that basketball is played on is maple. There are also synthetic materials used in some general fitness applications. But, the "hardwood" on the basketball court is and has been maple for over 150 years. Maple has natural shock absorption and provides area elastisity. There is considerably less likely of a chance to sustain an injury on maple than on synthetic flooring.

   
Question - does possession arrow indicate the direction the team is going or the direction of the teams bench?

Jump Ball!

The direction of the possession arrow indicates which team will take possession of the ball at the next jump ball or start of the next quarter. Since you alternate possession between the two teams at these occasions, the arrow keeps track of whose turn it is.

   
Which basketball court accessory will make it easier to practice by myself?

The Two A's: Auto-Rebounding and Adjustable Hoops

For people with a basketball court or basketball hoop of their own, practicing shooting can be tough. Often, it becomes a game of shoot, chase the ball, shoot, chase the ball. If you want to practice you shooting more effectively, we recommend an auto-rebounding basketball hoop accessory. These great utilities attach to either your basketball rim or your basketball hoop pole. After each shot, the ball is returned right to the shooter. You can shoot at least 20 percent more shots during your practice with one of these court accessories. Get an auto-rebounder and be able to focus on honing your shooting skills.

   
Why are some basketball court measurements different than others?

Not All Basketball Court Measurements Are The Same

Depending on what level of league or part of the world you play basketball in, the basketball court measurement that you play on may not be the same. For example, Olympic regulations dictate different basketball court measurements and dimensions than NBA regulations. On a smaller scale, youth basketball leagues often have their own specific basketball court measurement rules. All of these changes are simply aimed at maintaining balance throughout an individual's growth in the sport. A team of 10 year olds certainly could not run up and down a 94 foot floor like a team of men in their 20's or 30's. The basketball court measurements are not the only things that can differ. Everything from the size of the basketball to the height of the rim can vary depending on where you play. No matter what your league, however, the goal remains the same; put the ball in the hoop more than the other team.

   
How can basketball court diagrams help you coach your players?

Basketball Court Diagrams as a Coaching Device

Making basketball players understand offensive and defensive schemes is best accomplished using basketball court diagrams. Whether on a markerboard, chalkboard, or in the dirt in a pickup game, diagramming plays is the only way for a coach to put their vision across to their players. Many basketball accessory companies make pads of paper or even electronic files of basketball court diagrams for coaches to use. Depending on your league, your basketball court may have specific dimensions. Once you have the right measurements, get an accurate basketball court diagram so that you can teach your players through visual learning. Draw up set offenses, set defenses, and much more with these great utilities. You can even have them with you in crunch time for that 'special' last second play.

   
What is the history behind basketball court flooring?

From Dirt to Parquet - History of Basketball Court Flooring

When basketball was invented by Dr. James Naismith, the only basketball court flooring was the ground at your feet. Along with moving from a peach basket to a round hoop, it was soon apparent that a sooth surfaced floor was needed. Since then, basketball court flooring has been made of tarmac, variations of wood types, and even new rubber composites. Perhaps the most storied basketball court flooring was the parquet that covered the ice in the old Boston Garden. Built in sections, players said that the bolts from the individual flooring pieces made diving for a loose ball a move to make 'at your own risk'. For the most part, indoor basketball courts today are made from durable wood planks. Outdoor courts are laid with either concrete or tarmac.

   
Are certain basketball court flooring types safer than others?

Protect Your Players with Safe Basketball Court Flooring

With so many different basketball court flooring types, which is the best for your team? If you are concerned about safety, the actual type of basketball court flooring that you use is not as important as keeping the surface free from impediment. Invest in dry mops if you play on wood like most teams. Dry mops can keep your wooden basketball flooring sticky and safe. No matter what your playing surface, keep a slip protective floor mat on your sideline. These mats are impregnated with a sticky resin that will keep your team from sliding around in their new sneakers. Make sure that as often as possible you use your dry mop to clean the floor and your players use their floor mat to clean their shoes.

   
How do I measure my basketball court lines for my own basketball court?

Baseline to Sideline - Quick Guide to Basketball Court Lines

There are so many 'lines' on a basketball court, it can be tough to differentiate. Here is a quick guide to the lines that make up every basketball court. First, there is the sideline. This is where you can find the team benches and usually the scorer's table. Next, there are the baselines. The basketball court baseline is beneath the backboard and is sometimes called the "low post" when the player is close to the basket. The halfcourt line is just as it sounds, right in the middle of the court. On offense, the team must advance the ball past the half court line in a certain time or turn the ball over to the other team. Perhaps the most important basketball court line is the free throw line. More than any other line, games are won and lost at the free throw line.

   
what are the court dimensions

Backboard

The backboard is 72 inches wide by 42 inches high and has an 18 inch diameter rim. The inner square is marked above the rim in a rectangle of 24 inches wide and 18 inches high.

   
What are the different types of passes?

The Key

The key is 12 feet wide (the width of the free throw line) the backboard should extend 4 feet out over the baseline. The 12 ft wide free throw line forms the center of a circle with a 6 ft radius.

   
Should I fill out all college questionnaires?

Height Of Rim

The distance from the ground to the rim is 10 ft.

   
what are the court dimensions

Dimensions of Court

An NBA and official NCAA (college) court is 94 ft long and 50 ft wide. A High School court is 84 ft long and 50 ft wide. A Junior High court is 74 ft long and 42 ft wide.

   
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