Rules of the Game

At the most basic level, the rules of basketball make it an easy game to learn and a simple game to play. However, like any sport, once played at an elite level, many additional rules intervene in order to address the many situations that may arise during a competitive game.

FIBA decides, publishes and adapts the Official Basketball Rules, which are the only basketball rules recognised internationally. They are comprehensive and address all rule-related aspects of the game.

FIBA 5-on-5 rules differ slightly from NBA, WNBA and NCAA rules.

The basic basketball rules are explained in the below video: