Last Updated on: 3rd August 2023, 10:35 pm
In basketball, a substitute is a player who enters the game to replace another player on the court. Substitutions are allowed during dead ball situations, such as after a made basket, a timeout, or a foul. Each team can make a certain number of substitutions per game, depending on the league or level of play.
In the NBA, for example, teams can make up to 12 substitutions per game, while in FIBA international play, teams are allowed up to 5 substitutions per game. Substitutions are an important part of basketball strategy, as coaches use them to manage player fatigue, match-ups, and game situations.
When Can You Substitute In Basketball?
In basketball, substitutions can be made during dead ball situations, which are breaks in the action when the ball is not in play. The most common dead ball situations when substitutions are allowed include:
- After a made basket: When a team scores, the opposing team takes the ball out of bounds, and the scoring team can substitute players before the ball is put back into play.
- After a timeout: When a team calls a timeout, they can substitute players during the break in the action.
- After a foul: When a player commits a foul, the opposing team shoots free throws, and the fouling team can substitute players before the free throws are attempted.
- During a quarter break or halftime: When a quarter ends or at halftime, teams can substitute players before the next quarter begins.
It’s important to note that substitutions can only be made when the ball is dead, and play has stopped. If a player is injured during live play, the game is stopped, and the injured player must be substituted. Additionally, there are rules regarding the number of substitutions allowed per game, depending on the league or level of play.
How Many Substitute Players In Basketball?
The number of substitute players in basketball varies depending on the league or level of play. In most professional leagues like the NBA, teams can have up to 12 substitute players on their bench. However, not all of these players may be active for a particular game, as teams are typically only allowed to dress a certain number of players for each game.
In college basketball in the United States, teams can have up to 13 scholarship players on their roster, but only five players can be on the court at any given time. Teams are also allowed to have walk-on players who do not receive scholarships.
In FIBA international play, teams can have up to 12 players on their roster, with five players on the court at any given time.
It’s important to note that the number of substitute players allowed to enter the game during a dead-ball situation also varies by league. In the NBA, for example, teams can make up to 12 substitutions per game, while in FIBA international play, teams are allowed up to 5 substitutions per game.
