Mike Wood · 13 May, 2025

Basketball is booming in New Zealand. According to the NZ Herald, secondary school participation has risen by 61% since 2000, and basketball courts across Aotearoa are staying open late to meet demand. As of 2023, basketball is the second-fastest growing school sport after netball, with adult participation also rising by 46% over the past five years.

With more people asking questions like “how long is a basketball game?” or “how to play basketball?”, it's clear the sport’s popularity is translating into active interest. Basketball New Zealand is working hard to support this growth by upgrading facilities and training professionals nationwide.

History & Legends of the Game: Who and When Was Basketball Invented?

Basketball was invented back in 1891 by James Naismith, a Springfield College instructor and graduate student at the time. It was created during a severe New England storm when students were required to stay indoors. To keep their spirits up, Naismith invented a game that could be played inside, keeping students engaged and active.

Naismith enlisted the help of the school janitor to find boxes that could be used as goals. The janitor returned with two peach baskets, which Naismith nailed to the railings of the balcony at each end of the gymnasium. The mechanics were simple - the students were divided into teams, and each team had to get the ball into the opposing team's basket.

The first basketball game ended up being total chaos. Without a proper set of rules, players tackled and punched their way toward each basket. Despite the rough play, the students enjoyed the game immensely and kept asking Naismith to let them play again - only this time, with more rules to protect the players. Over time, Naismith created the "original 13 rules," some of which are still a part of modern basketball today.

Basketball Basics

How to Play Basketball

The primary objective of basketball is for each team to score more points than the opposing team by putting the ball through the opponent’s hoop, known as the basket. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.

Basketball games are typically played in four quarters of 10 minutes each under international rules (such as those used in the Olympics). If the score is tied at the end of regulation time, the game goes into five-minute overtime periods until a winner is determined.

Each team has five players on the court and can make substitutions during stoppages. A field goal made within the arc is worth two points, while a shot from beyond the three-point line earns three points. Free throws, awarded after certain fouls, are worth one point each.

Teams have 24 seconds to attempt a shot once they gain possession of the ball, a rule known as the shot clock. Failing to do so results in a turnover.

Common violations include:

• Travelling (illegally moving with the ball)

• Double dribbling (dribbling with both hands or restarting a dribble)

• Backcourt violations (bringing the ball back over midcourt after crossing it)

Fouls involve illegal physical contact. After a certain number of team fouls, the opposing team is awarded free throws. Players who commit too many personal fouls can be disqualified from the game.

How Long Is a Basketball Game?

Standard game duration by league:

• NBA & NBL: NBA games are four 12-minute quarters (48 minutes total) while NBL games are four 10-minute quarters (40 minutes total). Games typically last around 2 to 2.5 hours due to timeouts, halftime breaks (15 minutes), fouls, and commercial breaks. Overtime periods add 5 minutes each if needed.

• BBNZ Tertiary Championships: Four 10-minute quarters (40 minutes total). Overtime periods are 5 minutes.

• BBNZ Secondary Schools: Four 10-minute quarters (40 minutes total). Overtime periods are also 5 minutes

Pre-game ceremonies, halftime shows, and overtime contribute to the total event duration, making watching basketball a full experience, not just a timed match.

Court & Equipment Specs

How Big Is a Basketball Court?

Basketball courts vary depending on the level of play, but a standard NBA and NBL courts measure 94 feet by 50 feet (28.65 x 15.24 metres). Courts feature several essential components, including:

• Baskets

• Three-point arcs

• Free-throw (foul) lines

• Half-court line

Indoor courts are typically made of polished wood (usually maple), while outdoor courts are commonly made of paving, concrete, or asphalt.

How High Is a Basketball Hoop?

Basketball hoops are set at a standard height of 10 feet (3 metres) around the world - from junior high school courts to professional arenas. This measurement dates back to 1891, when James Naismith first invented the game and mounted two peach baskets on the railing of the YMCA gym’s running track in Springfield, Massachusetts. That railing happened to be 10 feet high, and the height has remained the same ever since.

Skills & Tips: Shooting Fundamentals for Beginners

To shoot accurately:

• Square your body toward the basket.

• Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent.

• Position your shooting elbow under the ball, forming an "L" shape.

• Your shooting hand should be under the ball, fingers comfortably spread, and your guide hand on the side.

• Focus on the target (the back of the rim or the centre of the hoop).

• Use your legs to generate power and release the ball with a flick of your wrist, following through with your fingers pointing toward the basket.

Intermediate Shooting Techniques

As your skills improve, focus on refining your form with consistent mechanics. Use the acronym BEEF:

• Balance

• Elbow

• Eyes

• Follow-through

Practice consistently to build muscle memory, essential for making shots under pressure and from different positions on the court.

Advanced Tips for Consistency

To develop a consistent shot:

• Establish a reliable "shot pocket," typically around your lower chest or stomach.

• Ensure your wrist is slightly bent back for good backspin.

• Hold your follow-through until the ball reaches the basket to reinforce proper shooting form.

Key Terms You Need to Know

You’ll likely hear one of these terms at some point while training, playing, or watching games!

• “Triple-double”: A “triple-double” occurs when a player records double-digit numbers in three statistical categories in a single game - typically points, rebounds, and assists.

• “Double-double”:   A “double-double” happens when a player scores 10 or more in two statistical categories during a game, such as points and rebounds.

• “Five-by-five”: A “five-by-five” is when a player records at least five in five different statistical categories such as points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks in a single game.

• “20-20 game / 30-30 game”:  A “20-20 game” is when a player tallies at least 20 in two different statistical categories, often points and rebounds. A “30-30 game” goes a step further, with 30 or more in two categories. These performances are extremely rare and signify elite dominance.

Ready to Play? Discover Your Next Move

From its humble beginnings with peach baskets to packed courts across Aotearoa, basketball has become one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing sports. Whether you're a student discovering the game, a weekend player, or a fan cheering from the sidelines, there’s never been a better time to get involved.

If you're an aspiring player looking to take the next step, explore development pathways, or join a local team, check out the official Basketball New Zealand “Get Involved” page. It’s a great starting point for players of all levels to find opportunities, connect with local programmes, and take their game further.

And if you’re in need of high-quality basketball shoes, equipment, or teamwear, you can explore our full basketball range at Players Sports. Whether you're gearing up for training or outfitting your team, we've got everything you need.