Since the possession of the ball changes rapidly, all players must be on alert so they can swiftly switch between offense and defense. Usually a team consists of two forwards, two guards, and a center. " The guards are usually the smaller and most quick players, they usually play more farther from the court rather than the forwards and centers who play the closest. Guards need to be good dribblers and passers. Some teams normally have a point guard that usually does most of the ball handling. Forwards are mostly taller and stronger than guards. They are usually good rebounders and are able to maneuver for shots close to the basket more easily than a guard can. And a center is the most important position on a team. A center that is a good rebounder and close up shooter and scorer can most likely dominate a game."" (www.fastbreak.com) .
" The coach is a basketball teams teacher. Most colleges and professional teams have one or more assistant coaches to help the coach work with a team. Together they make up a coaching staff. A coach organizes practice sessions to prepare the team for a game. The coach also selects who will start a game and he/she substitutes players, trying to use those players who perform best in certain situations. The coach decides when a team needs a time out, and determines what type of offense and defense will be most effective."" (www.NBA.com) .
The officials are a referee, two umpires, or two scorekeepers, and usually one or two timekeepers. The referee is in charge of a game. "The referee and the umpires work on the basketball court to ensure that the players are following the rules. They both call any foul or violation that they see on the court."" (Basketball fanatics p. 23).
" Playing time in high school games last at least 32 minutes. They are divided into two 16-minute halves, each having 8 minute quarters. The teams take a 1-minute break at the end of the first and third quarters and a 10-minute break between halves.