Basketball

Two teams of five players hit the court to dribble, shoot, pass, rebound and defend, for four 12-minute quarters. The aim of the game is to score goals through a hoop that's three metres off the ground. Points scored depend on from where the ball is shot. There are one-point free throws, two-point field goals and the more difficult three-pointers.

Ball-handling skills are paramount, with players rapidly switching between offensive and defensive play. The game has been around since 1891 and its popularity seems to keep on growing. Adam Gibson, NBA player with Gold Coast Blaze, says he likes the freedom that basketball offers: "With basketball you don't have key positions, so you can defend, attack and score, you get to play all aspects. That's a big drawcard."

Basketball teams have a uniform, usually consisting of shorts and a team-coloured shirt designed for ease of movement. Wearing supportive, high-laced shoes, a mouth guard and knee and elbow pads will help you protect yourself.