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Franzi | Games
Franzi | Games 
How does basketball work?
Basketball – a fast-paced game full of excitement, team spirit, and spectacular shots. But what exactly lies behind the rules and the principles of this globally popular sport?
approx. 3 min.
How does basketball work?
Going for the three!
Fast pace, spectacular dunks, and thrilling duels – basketball is pure action on the court! Two teams, one goal: to sink the ball into the opponent’s basket and, with quick passing, precise shots, and clever tactics, win the match!
But how does the sport actually work?
How do you play basketball?
- Objective: Score more points than the opposing team.
- Start: The game begins with a jump ball at center court.
- Offense: One team tries to score points through passing, dribbling, and shooting.
- Defense: The other team attempts to stop the offense by intercepting passes, blocking shots, or putting pressure on the opponent.
- Fast break: A quick counterattack after gaining possession.
- Pick and roll: One of the most important plays, where a player sets a screen to give a teammate a free path.
- Rebound: A player grabs the ball after a missed shot attempt.
Basketball rules
In most leagues, there are four quarters. In the NBA, 4×12 minutes are played, while under FIBA, the international basketball federation, games consist of 4×10 minutes.
In basketball, two teams compete against each other, with five players from each team on the court at the same time.
There are:
- 1 point for a free throw
- 2 points for a regular field goal inside the three-point line
- 3 points for a shot from beyond the three-point line
Each team has only 24 seconds to complete an offensive play.
No more than two steps may be taken without dribbling.
Dribbling may not be stopped and then started again.
Physical contact such as pushing, holding, or blocking is not allowed. After five personal fouls (FIBA) or six (NBA), a player must leave the court.
A ball that is on its downward path toward the basket may no longer be touched.
The most important basketball events in 2025 at a glance
- NBA Finals (June 2025) – The championship showdown of the best teams in the North American professional league.
- EuroBasket 2025 (August/September 2025) – The FIBA European Championship featuring the best national teams in Europe.
- WNBA Finals (October 2025) – The finals of the world’s top women’s basketball league.
- Basketball Champions League Final Four (May 2025) – The decisive tournament of the best teams in Europe’s Champions League.
Our betting offers
Got basketball figured out? Then let’s go!
Our betting portfolio at MERKUR BETS offers you bets on numerous basketball games – so check it out and place your wager on your favorite!
With this type of bet, you wager on the total number of points scored in a game. The points of both teams are added together.
In this type of bet, one team starts with a fictional lead.
