Script image posted February 19, 2015; text on page last updated December 24, 2015:

Welcome to today’s presentation from sportwebinar.com, on the sport of Basketball.  The object of the game is for one team to score more points than its opponent, by throwing the ball into an elevated goal.

Points per goal range from one to three, based on where the ball was thrown in from, with three awarded for a successful attempt beyond a specified distance, known as the three point line.  One focus is the notion to consider expanding this principal.

Teams could be awarded additional points for connecting from beyond half court, for instance scoring five on this shot, instead of three.  Also, a goal scored from beyond the opponent’s three point line may receive, let’s say, seven total points.  Calculations are requested to confirm these amounts provide optimum results, five and seven points respectively.  This process involves running sufficient simulations to evaluate the outcome.  If deemed preferable to not have modified scoring active throughout, there could also be a formula to bring into effect only after one team trails by a certain margin of points, based on the amount of time remaining in regulation (lower margin needed for activation when less time remaining).  If you or your organization has conducted such calculations, please present your research.  The additional field goal lines provide coaches and players with more options, late in games in particular, which ties into our next topic.

When the defense commits a foul, on the floor, one could make a case the other team should be allowed to continue the play, and if they would rather keep the result of the play, then the penalty is declined.  Instead of whistling upon the infraction, an official would raise his arm, or a flag, until the play in progress is resolved.  Examples of this concept include a delayed penalty during ice hockey or “holding” in American tackle football; in these instances the team which gets fouled is not made to stop the play, if unfolding in their favor.  With basketball, often the incentive is for the defense to foul, so they can reset their formation.  Towards the end of a game, with one team trailing by multiple possessions, the result is for them to repeatedly foul their opponent.  The trailing coach would generally prefer to not resort to this option, so the “delayed penalty” provides an alternate approach.  In order to narrow a large deficit, teams would instead be encouraged to attempt a “home run” play, the five or seven point, half or three quarters’ court shot.  Notice – implementing the “delayed penalty” is advised only in the case of a defensive foul, committed on the floor, as players are more likely to be injured in the air, shooting or going for a loose ball.  The main objective is to prevent pacing problems late in games.  If your league has incorporated these adjustments, please post your results.

Also work in progress for a section regarding a request for additional goals (optional):

References (Last Updated November 10, 2019):

– FIBA – International Basketball Federation
– NBA – National Basketball Association
– WNBA – Women’s National Basketball Association
– NWBA – National Wheelchair Basketball Association
– SBA – Street Basketball Association
– Winner League – Manager of the Major League Basketball
– USA Basketball
– NCAA – March Madness
– Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
– International Association of Approved Basketball Officials
– Despite Slowing the Game, Fouling as a Strategy Is Defended – New York Times
– Rediscovering Rock N’ Jock – Grantland
– NBA Jam Tournament Edition – Wikipedia
– SlamBall
– Harlem Globetrotters
– AND 1 – Team Page
– Dude Perfect
– The Legendary Shots
– Basketball Player’s Shooting Skills at Taiwan Arcade – Daily Mail
– List of Basketball Video Games – Wikipedia