With the 2023/24 British Basketball League season starting, the League is ready to welcome many new fans to it. Because of this, we thought you might need a refresher, or even learn the rules behind the British Basketball League.
WELCOME TO THE BRITISH BASKETBALL LEAGUE. LEARN THE RULES
OF THE GAME!
Teams up and down the country compete against each other to
be crowned British Basketball League Champions. There are three competitions in
both the Men’s and Women’s Leagues: The Championship, the Trophy, and the
Playoffs. If you’re new to the game and don’t know the rules or need a
refresher, don’t worry! We’re here to break it all down for you, so let’s get
to it.
WHO CAN PLAY? HOW LONG ARE GAMES?
Each team can have five players on the court at any one time. But can substitute players on and off throughout the match. Each basketball game is made up of four 10-minute quarters; and can never end in a draw. If the teams are equal on points at the final buzzer, we go into overtime!
HOW DOES A TEAM SCORE POINTS?
Players can shoot for two points by attempting a shot from
within the three-point line or go for three points by shooting outside the
three-point line. Free throws are worth one point each and these are shot from
the free-throw line.
HOW DOES A TEAM MOVE THE BALL?
To move the ball around the court players can pass or
dribble. If a player stops dribbling, they can’t just start up again. Doing so
would result in a ‘double dribble’ violation. ‘Travelling’ is another violation
that would see your team turn over possession. This happens when players move
with the ball but without dribbling. The only exceptions to this are, pivoting
with the ball upon possession or taking two steps after dribbling.
WHAT HAPPENS IF A PLAYER FOULS SOMEBODY … AND WHAT’S
THAT 24-SECOND CLOCK?
Any fouls or ‘violations’ of the rules, results in possession of the ball turning over to the opposing team. The attacking team has 24 seconds to take a shot otherwise a shot clock violation will occur. Once the offensive team crosses the centre-court line, they cannot move back into the opponent’s half. Doing so will result in a back-court violation.
With the new season here, you can still get your British
Basketball fix by following the League on social media or heading to our YouTube channel to relive all of
the best moments from last year!
