Basketball started with a peach basket and a soccer ball. Luckily, it has come a long way since then, turning into one of the world's most popular sports!

These are the basic basketball terms that beginners should know.

Here is the basic equipment needed to practice, as well as some optional training items for beginning players.

Use this chart to determine what size of ball you should use.

An overview of areas and terms for the basketball court.

Basic terms a coach might use regarding areas on the court.

This video shows the different signals a referee might use during a game and what they mean.

Description of various violations, procedures, and calls a referee might make during a game.

These are the basic rules you need to know when playing basketball.

Coach Mike explains why ball handling is the most important "first skill" beginning players should learn.

This video demonstrates several stationary ball handling drills to dramatically improve dribbling skills.

A downloadable chart you can print to keep track of your progress in stationary ball handling drills.

This video demonstrates several running ball handling drills to dramatically improve dribbling skills.

A downloadable chart you can print to keep track of your progress in running ball handling drills.

Once you are pretty good at regular stationary drills, substitute these heavy ball dribbling drills two to three times a week. Add these to your regular stationary drills chart to keep track of your progress.

Use this tip to protect the ball as you make your way to the basket.

Too much fancy dribbling leads to turnovers. This video shows you how to use your skills to beat your defender and get to the basket.

Find out what the triple threat position is and why it is so important in basketball.

This video demonstrates several foundational drills to dramatically improve passing skills.

A downloadable chart you can print to keep track of your progress in passing drills.

When you are pretty good at regular passing drills, substitute these heavy ball drills in two to three times a week. Add these drills to your regular passing drills chart to keep track of your progress.

Once you are pretty good at the other weighted ball passing drills, try these. Be sure you are strong enough to do them using proper form. Don't do them if they are too hard. Wait until you are stronger and then try again.

Coach Rick identifies the most important facets of shooting as well as the important things to avoid when working on shooting form. Coach Ryan shares what he wishes his players would do when they first start playing basketball that would save time and a lot of hard work when they get older.

Coach Ryan walks you through proper shooting technique so you can practice with perfect form.

Perfect shooting form takes practice. Try this to help you develop proper form.

Try these beginning shooting drills. The first one helps you practice great form. The second one helps you learn to shoot in rhythm.

This video demonstrates several basic shooting drills to help beginning players improve their shooting percentage.

A downloadable chart you can print to keep track of your progress in shooting drills.

Coach Rick explains the most important part of a great defensive foundation.

In this video, Coach Mike teaches the basic defensive stance and defensive slide that will help you keep the opposition from dribbling past you.

This video demonstrates a defensive drill to help you practice the defensive stance and the defensive slide.

These speed ladder drills can be done anytime to help you develop quicker foot speed, balance, and agility on the court.

This downloadable chart you can print to keep track your progress in speed ladder drills.

Jump roping will help with your foot speed, agility, and vertical leap. These drills also can be done anytime or as an addition to another workout.

A downloadable chart you can print to keep track of your progress in jump rope drills.

Here are a few more ideas to help you build strength, speed, and agility.

Coach Mike explains the basics of good defense, and why finding your guy is the first step in boxing out and crashing the boards.

Here is a game you can try if you have a friend or two who want to practice keeping others from getting the ball.