Basketball basics
Basketball rules explained: scoring, game time and the shot clock
A practical guide to the basic FIBA structure of basketball: how a game is timed, how 1-, 2- and 3-point scores work, what the 24-second shot clock means and how overtime is played.
Game time and players on the court
Under FIBA rules, a game has four quarters of 10 minutes. Five players from each team are on the court when play begins. The half-time interval is 15 minutes, while shorter intervals separate the other periods.
How basketball scoring works
A successful free throw is worth 1 point. A field goal from the 2-point area is worth 2 points, and a field goal from the 3-point area is worth 3 points. The score changes only when a valid basket or free throw is awarded under the rules.
Possession and the 24-second shot clock
Once a team controls the ball, it normally has 24 seconds to attempt a shot that leaves the shooter’s hand before the shot-clock signal and then touches the ring or enters the basket. Some situations reset the shot clock to 14 seconds, so the displayed clock is an important part of live game state.
Overtime and FIBA versus NBA
If the score is tied after the fourth quarter, FIBA uses 5-minute overtimes until there is a winner. FIBA and NBA rules are not identical, so ODDSNEX treats general basketball and NBA as separate knowledge contexts rather than assuming every timing, foul or court rule is the same.