James Naismith invented basketball in 1891, creating 13 original rules for the new sport. The game was quite different then than now, lacking concepts like dribbling, dunking, and three-point shots. The document then outlines Naismith's original 13 rules and provides additional details on the history and development of basketball, including the introduction of the three-point line in the 1940s and descriptions of common defenses, player positions, equipment, and some of the greatest players of all time like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant.

1. The History of Basketball

2. James NaismithJames Naismith published in 1891, his rules for the game of "Basket Ball" that he invented.The original game played under these rules was quite different than the one played today as there was no dribbling, dunking, or three pointers.

3. Did You Know?There were only 13 original rules that Naismith created.

4. The 13 Original RulesRule # 1 The ball may be thrown in any direction with one or both hands.

5. The 13 Original RulesRule # 2The ball may be batted in any direction with one or both hands.

6. The 13 Original RulesRule #3A player cannot run with the ball. The player must throw it from the spot on which he catches it, allowance to be made for a man who catches the ball when running at a good speed if he tries to stop.

7. The 13 Original RulesRule #4The ball must be held in or between the hands; the arms or body must not be used for holding it.

8. The 13 Original RulesRule #5No shouldering, holding, striking, pushing, or tripping in any way of an opponent. The first infringement of this rule by any person shall count as a foul; the second shall disqualify him until the next basket is made or, if there was evident intent to injure the person, for the whole of the game. No substitution shall be allowed.

9. The 13 Original RulesRule #6A foul is striking at the ball with the fist, violation of rules three and four and such described in rule five.

10. The 13 Original RulesRule #7If either side makes three consecutive fouls, it shall count a goal for the opponents (consecutive means without the opponents in the mean time making a foul). 3 in a row

11. The 13 Original RulesRule #8A goal shall be made when the ball is thrown or batted from the grounds into the basket and stays there (without falling), providing those defending the goal do not touch or disturb the goal. If the ball rests on the edges, and the opponent moves the basket, it shall count as a goal.

12. The 13 Original RulesRule #9When the ball goes out of bounds, it shall be thrown into the field of play and played by the first person touching it. In case of dispute the umpire shall throw it straight into the field. The thrower-in is allowed five seconds. If he holds it longer, it shall go to the opponent. If any side persists in delaying the game, the umpire shall call a foul on that side.

13. The 13 Original RulesRule #10The umpire shall be the judge of the men and shall note the fouls and notify the referee when three consecutive fouls have been made. He shall have power to disqualify people according to Rule 5.

14. The 13 Original RulesRule #11The referee shall be judge of the ball and shall decide when the ball is in play, in bounds, to which side it belongs, and shall keep the time. He shall decide when a goal has been made and keep account of the baskets, with any other duties that are usually performed by a scorekeeper.

15. The 13 Original RulesRule #12The time shall be two fifteen-minute halves, with five minutes rest between.

16. The 13 Original RulesRule #13The side making the most points in that time is declared the winner. Winner

17. What do you think?Do you think basketball would be much simpler with fewer rules?

18. Player Positions and TerminologyCenter - Often the tallest player on the team. Normally plays close to the basket and is responsible for getting rebounds and blocking shots. Forwards - Two players generally positioned closer to the basket than the guards. They often assume a floor position along the perimeters of the free-throw lane and maneuver both inside and outside.

19. Player Positions and TerminologyGuards - The two players who typically move the ball from the backcourt into the frontcourt. They usually handle setting up plays and passing to teammates closer to the basket.Point Guard - Usually a team's floor leader, who initiates the offense and controls the tempo of the game.

20. Post Player - The position usually played by the center. Power Forward - Usually the bigger, stronger forward who plays close to the basket and is responsible for rebounding and inside scoring. Player Positions and Terminology

21. Player Positions and TerminologyShooting Guard - Generally, the player who takes the majority of the shots from the perimeter, many of which are three-point attempts. Small Forward - Usually bigger than the guards but smaller than the power forward; responsibilities include both inside and outside work.

22. Player Positions and TerminologyBall Handler - Player controlling the ball; can also mean a player known for skillful handling of the ball.Outlet - A player that sets up near the sideline for a pass from a defensive rebounder. This pass will initiate the offensive fast break.

23. Player Positions and TerminologyPivot - The position a player takes with their back to the basket, either at the top or on the side of the free throw lane. This is also called the post position. Playmaker - The point guard who usually sets up plays for his teammates.

24. Player Positions and TerminologyShooter - A player who takes a shot at the basket. Sixth Man - The first substitute to come off the bench to replace a starter.

25. Player Positions and TerminologyStarting Line-up - The five players who begin a game for one team. Substitute - A player who comes into the game to replace a player on the court.

26. Player Positions and TerminologySwing Man - A player who can play both the guard and forward positions. Wing - A player who is running the outside lane on the fast break. Also a player who is positioned at the foul-line extended area during the half-court offense.

27. Equipment

28. The standard size of a basketball in the NBA is 29.5 inches in circumference.In High School, the boys use a 29 inch basketball in circumference.In High School, the girls use a 28.5 inch basketball in circumference. Equipment

29. Did You Know?Did you know the 3 point line was not established until the 1940s.

30. Eddie Rios MelladoThe 3 point line was invented by Eddie Rios Mellado in Vieques, Puerto Rico during the 1940's.Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Who_invented_the_three_point_line_in_basketball#ixzz1R5tIuLXG

31. There are many different kinds of defenses that teams may use.The two basic defenses are man to man and zone. Defense

32. Man to Man Defense- This is the most common defense used among all college and professional teams with slight variations. Everyone is matched up on a man and you follow them around the court.Defense

33. 2-3 Zone Defense

34. 1-3-1 Zone Defense1-3-1 Zone Defense

35. 3-2 Zone Defense

36. Full Court Man2-2-1 Press1-2-1-1 PressDiamond in 1 PressFull Court Presses

37. Junk Defenses"Box and 1”"3-1 and a chaser”"Diamond and 1""Triangle and 2"

38. Top 5 Greatest Players of All TimeWho do you think is #1?

39. #5 Allen IversonTop 5 Greatest Players of All Time

40. Iverson’s StatsIverson Stats

41. #4 Larry BirdTop 5 Greatest Players of All Time

42. Bird’s StatsCareer Statistics

43. Top 5 Greatest Players of All Time#3 Lebron James

44. LeBron’s Stats

45. #2 Kobe BryantTop 5 Greatest Players of All Time

46. Kobe’s StatsCareer Statistics

47. #1 Michael JordanTop 5 Greatest Players of All Time

48. Jordan’s Stats

49. See Who Didn’t Make the List…6. Wilt Chamberlain 7. Magic Johnson8. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 9. Bill Russell 10. “Pistol” Pete Maravich

50. www.v-top-tens.com/list/greatestbasketballplayershttp://www.allen-iverson.org/pictures.htmlhttp://media.photobucket.com/image/kobe%20bryant/coldsf/KobyBryant.pnghttp://photobucket.com/images/lebron%20james/#!cpZZ4QQtppZZ20http://www.larrybird.com/http://espn.go.com/nba/player/stats/_/id/1035/michael-jordanReferences

51. Referenceshttp://www.ultimate-youth-basketball-guide.com/basketball-positions.htmlThe Triangle. "Naismith's Original 13 Rules". http://www.usabasketball.com/rules/naismith_original_rules.html. Retrieved 2009-05-18. NBA.com BLOCK-CHARGE. National Basketball AssociationFIBA (2008-04-26). "The FIBA Central Board approves historic rule changes". Press release. http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fc/news/lateNews/p/newsid/24352/arti.html. Retrieved 2008-04-27. "Official Basketball Rules 2008" (pdf). International Basketball Federation. 2008.http://www.fiba.com/asp_scripts/downMana.asp?fileID=1037. Retrieved 2008-05-02. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basketball_(ball)

52. www.coachesclipboard.netwww.googleimages.comJing Screening ToolReferences