SESKStuff Everyone Should Know

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Stuff Every Basketball Player Should Know

Traveling, double dribble, fouls, the shot clock, positions and a little history.

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⏱ Timed practice exam

SESK practice exam: 50 questions, 50 minutes, pass with 40 right (80%).

Take it like the real thing: a countdown, no hints until you finish, then your score by topic, every miss explained, and a readiness score from your last 3 exams.

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  1. In the NBA, after you gather the ball while dribbling, how many steps may you take?
    Show the answer

    Two steps. NBA rules let a player who gathers the ball while dribbling take two steps to stop, pass or shoot. A third step with the ball is traveling.

  2. When starting a dribble from a standstill, when must the ball leave your hand?
    Show the answer

    Before your pivot foot lifts off the floor. Your pivot foot is the one that stays planted. To start a dribble, the ball must be out of your hand before that foot comes up, or it is traveling.

  3. You dribble, catch the ball with both hands, then dribble again. What is that called?
    Show the answer

    Double dribble. Once you end your dribble on purpose, you may not start a second one. The other team gets the ball.

All 63 practice questions

The first 50 are free, with the answer, why it's right and the official sources. The other 13 (🔒) are for SESK members. Or play them as a game and track what you've learned.

Show all 63 questions
  1. In the NBA, after you gather the ball while dribbling, how many steps may you take?
  2. When starting a dribble from a standstill, when must the ball leave your hand?
  3. You dribble, catch the ball with both hands, then dribble again. What is that called?
  4. What violation is it to put your hand under the ball and pause it while dribbling?
  5. How many seconds does the NBA shot clock start with?
  6. How long is the shot clock in NCAA college basketball?
  7. In high school basketball, how long is the shot clock in states that use one?
  8. In the NBA, an offensive rebound off the rim resets the shot clock to what?
  9. In the NBA, how long do you have to get the ball past half court?
  10. In NCAA college basketball, how long does a team have to get the ball out of its backcourt?
  11. How long may an offensive player stay in the free throw lane while their team has the ball?
  12. In the NBA, what is the penalty for a defensive three-second violation?
  13. Under FIBA rules, a closely guarded player holding the ball must pass, shoot or dribble within how long?
  14. In the NBA, how long may a player dribble with their back to the basket below the free throw line?
  15. Your team controls the ball past half court, sends it back, then touches it first. What is that?
  16. A defender blocks a shot that is already coming down toward the hoop. What is that?
  17. When the ball goes out of bounds, which team gets it?
  18. How long does the player inbounding the ball have to release it?
  19. In the NBA, how does the game start?
  20. In college and FIBA games, what shows which team gets the ball on the next jump ball situation?
  21. In the NBA, how long does a shooter have to attempt a free throw?
  22. How far is the NBA free throw line from the face of the backboard?
  23. How far is the NBA three-point arc from the middle of the basket?
  24. How far is the NCAA college three-point line from the center of the basket?
  25. In FIBA international basketball, how far is the three-point arc from the spot under the basket?
  26. How long is each quarter in an NBA game?
  27. NCAA men's college basketball is played in what?
  28. How long is each quarter in a varsity high school (NFHS) basketball game?
  29. When an NBA game is tied after four quarters, how long is each overtime?
  30. How high is the top of a regulation basketball rim above the floor?
  31. How big is an NCAA college basketball court?
  32. Under FIBA international rules, how big is the court?
  33. What is a personal foul in basketball?
  34. A player is fouled while shooting a two and misses. How many free throws do they get?
  35. What is a technical foul usually called for?
  36. What makes a foul flagrant in basketball?
  37. In the NBA, what happens to a player called for a flagrant 2 foul?
  38. How many personal fouls disqualify an NBA player?
  39. How many fouls disqualify a player in high school and NCAA college basketball?
  40. In an NBA quarter, after how many team fouls do common defensive fouls start giving free throws?
  41. In basketball, what is a charging foul?
  42. A player is fouled shooting a three-pointer and misses. How many free throws do they get?
  43. Which position runs the offense and is usually the team's best dribbler and passer?
  44. Which position is usually the team's best shooter?
  45. Which position roams all over the court and scores from both long and close range?
  46. Which position plays near the basket like a center but also takes longer shots?
  47. Which position is usually the tallest player and plays near the basket?
  48. In a pick and roll, what does the screener do after setting the pick?
  49. What is the goal of a box out in basketball?
  50. Where and when was basketball invented?
  51. What were the first basketball goals? 🔒
  52. How many original rules did James Naismith write for basketball? 🔒
  53. What type of ball was used in the first basketball games? 🔒
  54. When did the WNBA play its first season? 🔒
  55. At which Olympic Games did men's basketball become an official medal event? 🔒
  56. When was women's basketball added to the Olympics? 🔒
  57. What injury happens when the ligaments that support the ankle stretch beyond their limits and tear? 🔒
  58. In the RICE home care plan for a mild ankle sprain, what does the R stand for? 🔒
  59. Why should players warm up before basketball? 🔒
  60. Mayo Clinic's warm-up examples, like walking briskly before a run, last about how long? 🔒
  61. In high school (NFHS) basketball, when does a team start shooting two bonus free throws? 🔒
  62. In NCAA men's basketball, when does the double bonus start? 🔒
  63. NCAA women's college basketball is played in what? 🔒