The five main rules of basketball are ^{1 2}:

1. Only five players per team are allowed on the court at a time.
2. The game’s objective is to score more points than the opposing team.
3. Points are scored by shooting the ball through the opposing team’s hoop.
4. Players must dribble the ball while moving and can only take one turn at dribbling.
5. The ball can only be moved by dribbling or passing.

There are additional rules in basketball, such as the 10-second rule, which requires a team to bring the ball over the half-court line within 10 seconds of gaining possession ².