Rules and Equipment

	The main idea of basketball is to shoot the ball into the hoop.  If you shoot the ball behind the arc the shot is worth three points.  The easiest ways to score are by doing lay-ups because they are close to the basket.
To start the game players line up at center court for a jump-ball.  This is done by the players lining up and the centers try to jump and try to tip it to a teammate.
	Possession of the ball alternates when a basket is made or when there is a violation or foul.  Possession can also alternate if a pass is stolen, or a missed shot is rebounded by the opposing team
Violations are things such as stepping out of bounds, traveling, and letting the shot clock run out, which lasts 35 seconds.  Fouls are when players push, or hit each other.  If a foul is committed while a player is shooting the player takes foul shots.
	If a player commits 5 fouls they are ejected from the game.  For professionals the limit is 6 fouls.  If a player commits 2 technical fouls they are also ejected from the game.  A technical foul happens when a player or coach argues wit the referee.
When players shoot foul shots they line up behind the foul line, and the other players line up according to the hash marks.  Players get 2 shots if they were inside the arc, 3 shots if they were outside of the arc.  On the last shot you are allowed to play the ball.
	Technical foul shots are different, you get 2 shots and possession of the ball.  But while you shoot nobody lines up beside the key.  Shown to the right is Jason Kidd doing his foul shot routine.
The only things you need to play basketball are a hoop and a ball.  So this is a very easy sport to play.

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