Learn more about the traditional 5v5 game, how it's played, and the rules

The 5v5 version of basketball is, as the name suggests, played with two teams of five players.

Basketball is a sport played by millions of people around the world – from local grassroots and community level to the the global stage, where players step out at the prestigious FIBA Basketball World Cups and the Summer Olympics.

It sounds pretty basic, but there's a bit more to it than that!

What you need to know

Teams consist of five players on a court at one time, with up to seven substitutes able to come in and out of the game as needed. This is the same for both teams, though fewer than seven substitutes can be named.

Teams score by shooting the ball through their opponents hoop, which is 10 feet (3.048 meters) high. This can also be done by having the ball hit the backboard, the sheet of material the hoop is fixed on to, before it goes into the hoop.

Shots that are successfully scored from close to the basket, within the wide arc surrounding the basket, are worth two points, and any shot made from beyond the arc, are worth three.

Free throws can be awarded after a foul, are taken unopposed from the free throw line, and are worth one point each. 

Players can move around the court freely, but must dribble the ball (bounce it whilst running) if they have it in their possession. The ball can also be passed to team-mates.

Games are typically split into four equal quarters, or sometimes two halves, with extra (overtime) periods used if the teams are tied at the end of regulation.

Simple enough, right? Take a look at the video below for a more comprehensive guide. 

 

There's more

Defensively, players attempt to intercept passes, steal the ball, or block shots without fouling, and either team can collect rebounds from missed shots that bounce off the rim or backboard. The game is usually played in four 10-minute quarters, and the team with the most points at the end wins; if tied, a five-minute overtime is added.

While modern basketball is fluid, with players often assuming multiple roles, taller players typically play forward or centre near the basket, guards are smaller and quicker, handling the ball more, and wing players are versatile, switching between guard and forward positions.

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