Ball Is Life Right? Try This Basketball Quiz!

Reviewed by Danielle Shafer
Danielle Shafer, Basketball Coach |
Review Board Member
Danielle Shafer holds a Master's degree in Marketing from the University of Nottingham and a Bachelor's degree in Sports Management and Coaching from Urbana University. With a passion for sports education and community involvement, she volunteered at Special Olympics events from January 2012 to teach basketball and directed camps like the Wayne High School Basketball Camp in May 2012.
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By Teeslovesport
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Teeslovesport
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  • 1/15 Questions

    What is the name of the governing body in the world's top basketball league?

    • MLB
    • NHL
    • NBA
    • WNBA
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About This Quiz

Welcome to the ultimate basketball trivia quiz! Test your knowledge of the hardwood with our exciting set of questions and answers. You'll find yourself dribbling through the annals of history, navigating the intricate rules of the game, and reliving the excitement of championship victories. This basketball quiz is your chance to showcase your basketball IQ and maybe even score a buzzer-beating perfect score.

Engage in friendly competition as you dunk your way through a series of mind-bending questions. Will you be the one to sink the game-winning shot and claim victory? Get ready to dribble, shoot, and score points in this fast-paced quiz that's swish of fun for everyone! This basketball quiz with answers promises a slam dunk of entertainment that's bound to make you feel like an MVP. So, lace up your virtual sneakers and let's hit the court!

Ball Is Life Right? Try This Basketball Quiz! - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    In which country is basketball a major sport?

    • Canada

    • United States of America

    • United Kingdom

    • Jamaica

    Correct Answer
    A. United States of America
    Explanation
    Basketball is a major sport in the United States of America. The NBA (National Basketball Association) is one of the most popular professional sports leagues in the country, with a large fan base and high viewership. The United States has produced many legendary basketball players and has a strong basketball culture, with the sport being widely played at both amateur and professional levels. Additionally, the United States has achieved great success in international basketball competitions, further solidifying its status as a major basketball nation.

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  • 3. 

    In basketball, a successful shot made from outside the three-point arc is worth how many points?

    • 1 point

    • 2 points 

    • 3 points

    • 4 points. 

    Correct Answer
    A. 3 points
    Explanation
    Basketball has different scoring zones on the court.
    Inside the arc: Shots made from inside the arc, closer to the basket, are worth 2 points.
    Outside the arc: The three-point arc is a semi-circular line on the court. Any shot made from beyond this line is worth 3 points, making it a more challenging and rewarding shot.
    Free throws: These are awarded after a foul and are taken from the free-throw line. Each successful free throw is worth 1 point.
    By understanding these scoring zones, players can strategize their shots and maximize their team's points.

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  • 4. 

    Which organization holds the responsibility of overseeing and regulating basketball at the global level, ensuring consistent rules and fair play in international competitions?

    • NBA (National Basketball Association)

    • FIBA (International Basketball Federation)

    • WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association)

    • NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association)

    Correct Answer
    A. FIBA (International Basketball Federation)
    Explanation
    FIBA, the International Basketball Federation, is the global governing body for basketball, ensuring consistency and fairness in the sport. It brings together national basketball organizations from around the world to set official rules for international competitions, such as the Olympics and World Championships. FIBA also organizes major international basketball events, such as the FIBA Basketball World Cup for men and the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, which bring together the best national teams to compete for world champion titles. FIBA also plays a crucial role in promoting and growing basketball globally, investing in development programs, coach education, and initiatives to increase participation at all levels.

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  • 5. 

    What is it called when a player scores a point?

    • Goal

    • Touchdown

    • Home-run

    • A Basket

    Correct Answer
    A. A Basket
    Explanation
    In basketball, the ultimate aim is to get the ball through the hoop (the basket) at your opponent's end of the court. Each time you do this successfully, it's called scoring a "basket."



    Why not the other options?


    Goal: This term is usually used in sports like soccer (football) and hockey.
    Touchdown: This is from American football.
    Home Run: This is from baseball.




    So, remember, when you shoot that ball through the hoop, you've scored a basket!

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  • 6. 

    In basketball, what happens if a player moves with the ball without dribbling?

    • It's a legal move.

    • The player gets a warning.

    • It results in a traveling violation and a turnover. 

    • The player is allowed to continue moving until they reach the basket.

    Correct Answer
    A. It results in a traveling violation and a turnover. 
    Explanation
    Possession is transferred to the other team if a player does not dribble while moving with the ball. This implies that possession of the ball and a chance to score will be given to the team that did not violate the rules. 

     

    Note: Traveling is a common rule violation in basketball. It occurs when a player takes too many steps without dribbling the ball. This results in a turnover, meaning the opposing team gains possession of the ball.

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  • 7. 

    Which of the following best describes how a basketball game begins?

    • With a kick-off, like in soccer.

    • The referee bounces the ball between two opposing players.

    • The referee throws the ball up in the air between two opposing players, who try to tip it to their teammates.

    • The ball is dropped from the baskets at each end of the court.

    Correct Answer
    A. The referee throws the ball up in the air between two opposing players, who try to tip it to their teammates.
    Explanation
    In a game, the ball is started by the referee throwing it up in the air between two players, one from each team. This action is called a jump ball. Here's how it works:

    Center Court: At the beginning of the game, two opposing players (usually the centers) stand in the center circle of the court.
    The Toss: The referee tosses the ball vertically upwards between them.
    The Tip: As the ball reaches its highest point, the players jump and try to tap the ball to a teammate. This starts the game, and the action begins!

    Jump balls are also sometimes used during a game to restart play if there's a situation where both teams gain possession of the ball simultaneously (a held ball).

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  • 8. 

    How many players are allowed on the court for each team?

    • 4

    • 5

    • 6

    • 7

    Correct Answer
    A. 5
    Explanation
    In basketball, each team is allowed to have 5 players on the court. This is the standard number of players in a basketball game. Having 5 players on the court allows for a balanced and competitive game, with each team having enough players to cover different positions and contribute to the team's strategy and gameplay.

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  • 9. 

    How many quarters are there in a basketball game?

    • 2

    • 3

    • 4

    • 5

    Correct Answer
    A. 4
    Explanation
    A basketball game is divided into four quarters, which help organize the game into manageable segments. These quarters allow teams to strategize and make adjustments throughout the game. Coaches use the breaks between quarters to analyze the game, make substitutions, and adjust their strategies. Players need rest and recovery to prepare for intense play. Consistent timing ensures equal opportunity for both teams and fair progress. Quarter lengths can vary depending on the league, but they are essential for the structure and flow of a basketball game. NBA/WNBA quarters are 12 minutes, FIBA are of 10 minutes, and college/high school are of 10 or 8 minutes.

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  • 10. 

    How many players are there on a team in total?

    • 8

    • 9

    • 11

    • 12

    Correct Answer
    A. 12
    Explanation
    In basketball, a team has a total of 12 players.
    5 players on the court: These are the active players at any given time during the game. They typically have different positions and roles (point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, center).
    7 players on the bench: These are the substitute players. They can be swapped in and out of the game as needed for strategy, rest, or if a player gets fouled out.
    Important Note: While the total roster size is 12, only 5 players per team are on the court at the same time.

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  • 11. 

    How many seconds does a team have to shoot the ball once they cross the half-court line?

    • 18 seconds

    • 10 seconds

    • 24 seconds

    • 30 seconds

    Correct Answer
    A. 24 seconds
    Explanation
    The "shot clock" is a crucial rule in basketball that counts down from 24 seconds after a team gains possession of the ball in their frontcourt. It keeps the game flowing by preventing teams from holding onto the ball indefinitely and forcing them to take a shot within a reasonable timeframe. This promotes offensive strategy and prevents stalling, as without a shot clock, a team with a lead could simply hold the ball and run out the clock, making the game more exciting for both players and spectators. Watching the shot clock winding down signifies the team in possession needs to make a quick move.

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  • 12. 

    How many substitutions are each team allowed to make?

    • 3

    • 4

    • 10

    • Unlimited

    Correct Answer
    A. Unlimited
    Explanation
    Each team is allowed to make unlimited substitutions. This means that they can make as many changes to their lineup as they want throughout the game. There is no limit to the number of substitutions a team can make, giving them the flexibility to adjust their tactics, replace injured players, or make strategic changes based on the flow of the game. Unlimited substitutions provide teams with the opportunity to optimize their performance and make necessary adjustments during the match.

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  • 13. 

    In basketball, what is the term for a shot that is taken after the shot clock has expired but before the referee's whistle blows?

    • Buzzer beater

    • Late shot 

    • Illegal shot 

    • No count

    Correct Answer
    A. Late shot 
    Explanation
    A late shot is a shot that is released after the shot clock has expired but before the referee blows their whistle to stop play. This type of shot is not counted, and the opposing team is awarded possession of the ball. The other options are incorrect because they refer to different scenarios:
    Buzzer beater: A shot that is released before the game clock expires but goes in after the buzzer sounds.
    Illegal shot: A shot that violates the rules of the game, such as a double dribble or traveling violation.
    No count: A shot that is not counted for various reasons, such as a basket interference or a lane violation.

     

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  • 14. 

    In basketball, physical contact between players is:

    • Always prohibited.

    • Allowed within the rules of the game.

    • Only allowed during free throws.

    • Up to the referee's discretion on a case-by-case basis.

    Correct Answer
    A. Allowed within the rules of the game.
    Explanation
    Basketball is a dynamic sport that involves some level of physicality. While players can't be overly aggressive or intentionally foul, contact like jostling for position, setting screens, or going for a rebound is a normal part of the game. Referees are there to ensure fair play and call fouls when contact goes beyond what's considered acceptable.

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  • 15. 

    Which player is credited with inventing the slam dunk?

    • Michael Jordan

    • Wilt Chamberlain

    • Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

    • Joe Fortenberry

    Correct Answer
    A. Joe Fortenberry
    Explanation
    Joe Fortenberry, a talented and athletic center, played a crucial role in popularizing the dunk during the 1930s. His powerful dunks in the 1936 Berlin Olympics captivated audiences and helped introduce this exciting move to a wider audience. However, it's important to note that the exact origins of the dunk are somewhat debated. Some basketball historians suggest that variations of the dunk might have been performed even earlier in less formal settings. Regardless, Fortenberry's impact on the evolution of the dunk is undeniable, and he paved the way for future generations of players to elevate this move to new heights of athleticism and artistry.

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Danielle Shafer |Basketball Coach |
Danielle Shafer holds a Master's degree in Marketing from the University of Nottingham and a Bachelor's degree in Sports Management and Coaching from Urbana University. With a passion for sports education and community involvement, she volunteered at Special Olympics events from January 2012 to teach basketball and directed camps like the Wayne High School Basketball Camp in May 2012.

Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Jun 28, 2025 +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Jun 28, 2025
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team

    Expert Reviewed by
    Danielle Shafer
  • Jan 21, 2009
    Quiz Created by
    Teeslovesport
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