The ball used in basketball is a perfectly symmetrical leather sphere filled with air. The leather ridges on the ball give players good grip and are able to dribble the ball proficiently. Basketball being less of a contact sport, there is less protective equipment required. Shorts and a jersey is required for professional games. The best equipment basketball players can have is their sneakers. There is specifically designed shoes made for basketball, and choosing the right ones depends on the grip and traction results. There is less equipment used in basketball but is not to be mistaken as less complicated than …show more content…
The game begins with five players on the court. Instead of a coin toss at the beginning of a game, one player from each time meets at the half court line and a referee tosses the ball in the air, whichever team reaches for the ball first receives first possession. Basketball games usually last forty minutes (One hour televised) with four quarters. Each team is entitled to six timeouts and must exchange baskets during half time. Unlike football, when a team loses the ball out of bound they forfeit their possession of the ball and must turn over the ball to the opponent. The most common penalties in basketball are personal fouls and traveling. Personal fouls are called when a player unnecessarily reaches or hurts the opponent. Traveling is called when the player with the ball dribbles, stops, then continues to dribble. Players are not allowed to walk or run with the ball in possession, only dribble. There are three ways to score in basketball. A team may score two points if they are within the boundaries of the three point line. Anything outside that is considered three points. Players may also receive a free throw shot when they are personally fouled for two