Do you want to be involved in basketball, or you already are and just can’t get enough? In this section you’ll find an overview of how, where and how you can play and we’ll talk you through the basic rules.
Basketball is a team sport in which the aim is to score more points than the opposition by getting a ball in the opposing hoop. This can be done by throwing the ball from any part of the court with either one, or both, of your hands.
The great thing about basketball is that although it’s a team sport when you’re competing, you can practise on your own, with a friend or a whole bunch of people. All you need is a ball, a hoop and you’re ready.
The Basics
A full size hoop is 10ft tall. For children under 12, this height is adjusted to 8 ft.
Shots from open play count as two points, unless they are released from outside the ‘three point arc’ (the semi-circle) which means they are worth three.
You can have up to 12 players on a team, but only five are allowed on court at any one time in a game.
Basketball also has a 3-on-3 version if you want to grab a handful of your friends and head down to your local court to play. The principle is the same – just with less people. 3-on-3 is becoming increasingly popular because it’s so easy and simple.
A game is usually split into four quarters, each lasting 10 minutes.
If your team has the ball, you must try a shot at the hoop in 24 seconds. If you don’t, the ball is handed over to the other team and the clock starts again for them.
All players can go everywhere on court, so the five positions on a team can be quite flexible. Don’t worry if you can’t fill a certain position – you can still do everything.
The NASSA pledge
Newham All Star Sports Academy (NASSA) is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of all its members. The club believes that it is important that members, coaches, administrators and parents associated with the club should, at all times, show respect and understanding for the safety and welfare of others. Members are encouraged to be open at all times and to share any concerns or complaints that they may have about any aspect of the club with Natasha Hart (Chief Executive) or Kelvin Chris Facey (Head Coach of NASSA Basketball Development).
Code of practice for members
As a member of Newham All Star Sports Academy (NASSA), you are expected to abide by the following junior code of practice:
• All members must play within the rules and respect officials and their decisions.
• All members must respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of age, gender, ability, race, cultural background, religious beliefs or sexual identity.
• Members should keep to agreed timings for training and competitions or inform their coach or team manager if they are going to be late.
• Members must wear suitable kit for training and match sessions, as agreed with the coach/team manager.
• Members must pay any fees for training, games or events promptly.
• Junior members are not allowed to smoke on club premises or whilst representing the club at competitions.
• Junior members are not allowed to consume alcohol or drugs of any kind on the club premises or whilst representing the club.
→ NASSA-Membership-Form-Under-14-16-18
→ NASSA-Membership-Form-Under-12-team-members
→ NASSA-Membership-Form-Under-12-non-team-members
→ NASSA__Membership-Form_2016_17
→ Code_of_conduct_for_parents_NASSA
