WNBA Basketball (Women’s National Basketball Association) follows similar rules to men’s basketball, with a few key differences in terms of court size, ball size, and game time. Here’s a breakdown of how to play the game:

1. The Objective

The primary goal in WNBA basketball is to score more points than the opposing team by shooting the ball into the opponent’s hoop. Each team tries to score while defending its own basket from the other team.

2. The Court • Court Size: 94 feet long and 50 feet wide.
   • Basket Height: 10 feet.
   • Three-Point Line: 22 feet, 1.75 inches at the top of the key and 21 feet, 7.875 inches in the corners.
   • Free Throw Line: 15 feet from the basket.
3. Players and Positions • Teams: Each team consists of 5 players on the court, and typically includes:
   • Point Guard (PG): The floor leader, directs plays, and typically handles the ball the most.
   • Shooting Guard (SG): Often the team’s best shooter, responsible for scoring points from longer distances.
   • Small Forward (SF): A versatile player who can score from outside and inside the paint.
   • Power Forward (PF): Focuses on rebounding and close-range shots.
   • Center (C): The tallest player, protects the rim, rebounds, and scores near the basket.
   • Teams rotate players throughout the game to maintain energy and adjust strategies.
4. Scoring • Field Goals:
   • Shots made from inside the three-point line are worth 2 points.
   • Shots made from beyond the three-point line are worth 3 points.
   • Free Throws: Each successful free throw is worth 1 point. Free throws are awarded after fouls.
5. Game Structure • Four Quarters: Each game has four quarters, each lasting 10 minutes.
   • Halftime: There is a break between the second and third quarters, known as halftime.
   • Shot Clock: Teams have 24 seconds to attempt a shot. If the shot clock expires without a shot hitting the rim, the opposing team gets possession.
   • Overtime: If the game is tied at the end of regulation, overtime periods of 5 minutes are played until a winner is determined.
6. Key Rules • Dribbling: Players must dribble (bounce the ball) while moving. If a player stops dribbling, they can either shoot, pass, or pivot on one foot but cannot resume dribbling (this is called a double dribble).
   • Traveling: Players cannot take more than two steps without dribbling the ball. If they do, it’s called traveling, and possession goes to the other team.
   • Fouls: Physical contact between players can result in a personal foul. Common fouls include:
   • Blocking: Impeding the movement of an offensive player without establishing proper defensive position.
   • Charging: When an offensive player runs into a stationary defender.
   • Shooting Foul: A defender makes contact with a shooter while they are attempting a shot, resulting in free throws for the offensive player.
   • Team Fouls: After a certain number of fouls (typically five per quarter), the opposing team is awarded free throws for each subsequent foul.
7. Defense • Man-to-Man Defense: Each defender is responsible for guarding a specific player.
   • Zone Defense: Defenders cover a specific area of the court rather than individual players.
   • The goal is to prevent the offensive team from scoring by blocking shots, stealing the ball, and forcing turnovers.
8. Offense • Teams run offensive plays to create open shots. The primary ways to score include:
   • Jump Shot: A shot taken while jumping, often from mid-range or beyond the three-point line.
   • Layup: A shot taken close to the basket, usually while moving toward it.
   • Dunk: A powerful shot where a player slams the ball directly through the hoop.
   • Passing and dribbling are key to moving the ball and creating scoring opportunities.
9. Key Terms • Assist: A pass that directly leads to a score.
   • Rebound: Securing the ball after a missed shot. Offensive rebounds give the attacking team another chance to score, while defensive rebounds allow the defending team to gain possession.
   • Turnover: When the offensive team loses possession of the ball to the opposing team.
   • Fast Break: A quick offensive play that attempts to score before the defense is fully set up.
10. Winning

The team with the most points at the end of four quarters wins the game. If the score is tied, overtime periods are played until a winner is determined.

11. Differences from NBA • The WNBA ball is slightly smaller, measuring 28.5 inches in circumference compared to the NBA’s 29.5 inches.
    • The game clock runs for 10-minute quarters in the WNBA, compared to the NBA’s 12-minute quarters.
    • Other than these small differences, the overall rules and playstyle are similar to men’s professional basketball.

By understanding these fundamentals, you can grasp the flow of a WNBA game and appreciate the strategy and athleticism involved.