Basketball in Action

Basketball in Action

By John Crossingham and Sarah Dunn

Crabtree Publishing

Copyright 2000

pp.32

Basketball in Action

Nonfiction Informational

     This is a great informational book about the game of basketball. It has all the characteristics of a nonfiction book such as headings, bold words, photographs, illustrations, captions, and a word bank. The book begins with the basic vocabulary, positions, and equipment needed to understand the essentials of the game. I thought the full page diagram of the basketball court along with the captions of each area provided a great visual to a beginning player. The next section explains the basic skills needed to play the game such as dribbling, passing, and shooting. Each section provides tips and step by step instructions on how to perform each skill. There are also several drills the reader can practice to improve his or her skills. The book ends with the directions and rules to a few simple playground games students can try. These are very popular games with elementary students such as H-O-R-S-E, Twenty-one, and Around the World. While many students make up their own rules to these games, it would be nice as a teacher to have the information this book provides as the “official rules”, which would hopefully stop some playground squabbles. As the parent of three basketball players, I was hoping to learn a few essentials that I had missed over the years, and I did gain a new understanding of the basics of what each position is and what it requires. My daughters and husband will be extremely proud of me!