The World Championship is the main and official competition of the Fédération Internationale de Basketball (FIBA) with participation of the best continental teams. It is organized every four years in the even years between the Olympic Games.
The WBL on the other hand, is an organization made up of seven basketball clubs between the United States and Canada. Height requirement for the WBL is 76 and seven-eighths of an inch (197.27 centimeters). More FIBA rules are shared with the WBL than the National Basketball Association.
Note: If an athlete is going off-island to compete in international games, his first mission is to learn the rules — mainly in setting picks/screens.
Why? Because of the height, weight, and different calibers of high-level athletes. Picks/screens help in countering an opponent’s height and weight. In the Pacific region, athletes have good abilities but lack the height. That’s why such players must acquire training in efficient picking/screening.
What is a triple threat position? A situation in which a player — with the ball — has three different options of making a move on his opponents (i.e., a pass, shot, or dribble). Triple screens are also used by an offensive team to break through opponents.
A team’s best shooter can dodge opponents by acting as a decoy and channeling defensive players into a congested area of the court, preferably, within the free-throw circle. This way, players nearby can act as shields. This strategy avoids the three-second rule. From there, the player must be ready to receive the ball and quickly step out to catch it before facing defenders in a triple-threat position.
A well trained offensive player must remain between teammates and opponents until he is ready to receive a pass. Straying too far from the team will alert the defense. Offensive players must also stay inside the free-throw circle. Think of other areas as quicksand — avoid them during offensive plays.
During offense, players may use the tip-in dunk, which is a secondary shot with a jammed-in ball. Some do not have the strength to reach the basket, and others do not have a good grip on the ball. Using a tip-in dunk will instead, slam the ball downwards through the ring. As a habit, other players make a rebound before jumping again.
This type of method does not require height. It’s all about strength, having a quick reaction, and calculating the flight of the ball in regards to its distance from the basket.
The tomahawk dunk — another kind of dunk — is a jump shot where the ball is jammed down the basket and is executed with a violent move imitating the blow of a hatchet. Dunks make two points and are used to build a fan’s enthusiasm, as well as momentum.
Lastly, team possession plays are vital in basketball. Why? Some rules allow offensive players to signal a time-out during play, especially when threatened by defenders. Others allow only the bench coach to request a time-out. This way, offensive players in risk of losing the ball cannot bail out of their situation.
