Each quarter can be 10 minutes long for international games and 12 minutes for the NBA. A half-time break is given 15 minutes. If the scores are equal by the end of the fourth quarter, an overtime will be issued that is five minutes long. Whenever the game is not active, the time is stopped. A game usually lasts for two hours, depending on various technical aspects that may occur while it is on. As the game becomes more improved and efficient, the ball was also changed. The first ones were made from panels of leather. These were sewn together after a rubber bladder was placed inside. To attain uniformity, a cloth lining was added to the leather. This also becomes a good support to the overall structure of the ball. Aside from improving the social interaction of people, playing basketball also helps instill the value of unity and cooperation. One of the major advantages of team sports such is that is teaches each member the value of being one while playing the sport. Since everybody wants to win, all members will be forced to cooperate with one another to achieve a common goal of winning. One of the famous forwards are Scottie Pippen with his award-winning defensive skills, Charles Barkley with his extreme use of the Round Mound of Rebound, and Paul Arizin who has an extraordinarily unmatched jump-shot. Meanwhile, you may be most familiar with basketball centers. The list of notable players in basketball history consists of mostly centers. To prevent or lessen risks of having an accident, it is important to perform warm-up and stretching exercises before playing. It may also be necessary to protect yourself from the risk by using knee, elbow and ankle support. But this is still not a guarantee that you will be safe from injuries. Here are some of the common basketball-related injuries and their treatment. The best thing that you can do to stay safe is to research about the basketball first so you will have an idea how it is played. Knowing things about the sport can help you asses if you are fit for it or not. It can also give you a brief background on the sport and what you can do once an emergency situation arises while playing the game.