NCAA Basketball (National Collegiate Athletic Association) is similar to NBA basketball but with some differences in rules, game structure, and style of play. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how NCAA basketball works:

1. Objective

The primary goal in NCAA basketball is to score more points than the opposing team by shooting the basketball into the opponent’s hoop. Points are scored through field goals (2 or 3 points) and free throws (1 point).

2. The Court • Court Size: The court is 94 feet long and 50 feet wide (the same as the NBA).
   • Basket Height: The rim is 10 feet off the ground.
   • Three-Point Line: The three-point line is 22 feet 1¾ inches from the basket at the top of the key and 21 feet 7 inches in the corners (slightly shorter than in the NBA).
   • Free Throw Line: The free throw line is 15 feet from the basket.
3. Players and Positions • Each team has 5 players on the court at any time. The main positions are:
   • Point Guard (PG): Primary ball-handler, responsible for leading plays and passing.
   • Shooting Guard (SG): A strong outside shooter, secondary ball-handler.
   • Small Forward (SF): A versatile player who can score inside and outside.
   • Power Forward (PF): Plays near the basket, strong in rebounding and scoring inside.
   • Center (C): The tallest player, usually responsible for blocking shots, rebounding, and scoring near the basket.
4. Game Structure • Two Halves: College basketball games consist of two halves, each lasting 20 minutes.
   • Overtime: If the game is tied at the end of regulation, 5-minute overtime periods are played until a winner is determined.
   • Halftime: There is a 15-minute break after the first half.
5. Scoring • Field Goals (2 Points): Baskets made inside the three-point line are worth 2 points.
   • Three-Point Field Goals (3 Points): Baskets made beyond the three-point line are worth 3 points.
   • Free Throws (1 Point): Free throws are awarded after certain fouls and are worth 1 point per successful attempt.
6. Basic Rules • Dribbling: Players must dribble (bounce the ball) while moving. If a player stops dribbling, they must either pass or shoot. Resuming dribbling after stopping is called a double dribble and results in a turnover.
   • Traveling: Moving more than two steps without dribbling the ball is called traveling, resulting in a turnover.
   • Fouls: Physical contact like pushing, holding, or hitting results in a personal foul. A player is disqualified from the game after committing five fouls.
7. Offensive Play • Teams on offense work to get open looks for shots by passing, dribbling, and moving off the ball.
   • Common offensive strategies include:
   • Pick and Roll: A player sets a screen for the ball-handler and then moves toward the basket to receive a pass.
   • Isolation (Iso): A player goes one-on-one with a defender, often the team’s top scorer.
   • Fast Break: A team advances the ball quickly down the court after a defensive stop or steal to catch the defense off guard.
8. Defense • The defense’s goal is to prevent the offense from scoring. Defensive strategies include:
   • Man-to-Man Defense: Each defender is responsible for guarding a specific offensive player.
   • Zone Defense: Defenders guard specific areas of the court rather than individual players.
   • Help Defense: Players assist teammates in guarding offensive players, often doubling up on a key offensive player.
9. Key Violations • Shot Clock Violation: Teams have 30 seconds to attempt a shot. If they fail to shoot before the clock runs out, it’s a turnover.
   • Over-and-Back Violation: Once the ball has crossed half-court, the offense cannot pass or dribble it back into the backcourt.
   • Goaltending: Blocking a shot on its downward trajectory or after it has hit the backboard results in automatic points for the offensive team.
10. Fouls and Free Throws • Personal Fouls: Each player is allowed up to 5 personal fouls. After the fifth foul, the player must leave the game.
    • Team Fouls: After a team accumulates 7 fouls in a half, the opposing team is awarded free throws under the bonus rule. After 10 team fouls, the opposing team gets two free throws under the double bonus rule.
    • Shooting Fouls: If a player is fouled while shooting, they are awarded free throws based on the type of shot:
    • 2 free throws for a missed 2-point shot.
    • 3 free throws for a missed 3-point shot.
    • Technical Fouls: Unsportsmanlike conduct or certain rule violations result in free throws for the opposing team and possession of the ball.
11. Special Situations • Bonus and Double Bonus: If a team commits 7 or more fouls in a half, the opposing team enters the “bonus” and gets to shoot free throws. After 10 fouls, the “double bonus” gives the opponent two free throws on each foul.
    • Possession Arrow: In college basketball, alternating possession is used for jump balls. After the initial jump ball, teams alternate getting possession on tied-ball situations.
12. Substitutions • Substitutions can be made during stoppages in play, and there is no limit to how many times players can be substituted in and out.
13. Timeouts • Timeouts: Teams are allowed a certain number of timeouts per game (typically five in NCAA play), including media timeouts during televised games. Coaches use these to rest players, make substitutions, or discuss strategy.
14. Winning the Game • The team with the most points at the end of regulation time wins. If the game is tied after the second half, overtime periods of 5 minutes are played until a winner is determined.
15. Overtime • Overtime Period: If the game is tied at the end of the second half, a 5-minute overtime period is played. If the game is still tied after overtime, additional overtime periods are played until a winner is determined.
16. Differences from NBA Basketball • Game Length: NCAA games are two 20-minute halves, while NBA games have four 12-minute quarters.
    • Shot Clock: The NCAA shot clock is 30 seconds, compared to the NBA’s 24 seconds.
    • Possession Arrow: In NCAA, possession alternates for tied-ball situations, while the NBA uses jump balls.
    • Fouling Out: NCAA players are disqualified after 5 fouls, while NBA players foul out after 6.

By understanding these rules and gameplay strategies, you can better follow the action in NCAA basketball, appreciate the tactics used by teams, and enjoy the game’s excitement and competition.