Cheating has been part of online PC gaming for as long as there have been online games. Aimbots, wallhacks and speed hacks ruin matches for everyone else, and they push developers into an arms race with cheat makers. Players cannot stop cheating alone, but they can make a difference, and protect themselves in the process. … Read more
The right game for a group depends less on what is popular and more on three practical questions: how many of you there are, whether everyone is willing to buy a copy, and how much time you have per session. A game that is perfect for two people on a Sunday afternoon can fall apart … Read more
Massively multiplayer online games ask for something most games do not: hundreds of hours. Before choosing one, it helps to know how they charge, how they treat solo players and what the endgame looks like, because these differences matter far more than graphics once you are a month in. Final Fantasy XIV Square Enix’s MMO … Read more
The basic idea of basketball is simple: score more points than the other team by shooting the ball through the hoop. The details vary between leagues, so this guide covers the core rules and the main differences between the NBA, international (FIBA) and US college (NCAA) basketball. Scoring The three-point line is 23 feet 9 … Read more
Footwork is the least glamorous skill in basketball and one of the most decisive. It determines whether you can get open, stay in front of your player, finish around the rim and avoid traveling calls. Jump stops and pivots A jump stop is landing on both feet at the same time after receiving the ball … Read more
Every team uses a system on offense and defense, even if it is simple. Knowing the main ones helps players understand their role and helps fans read what is happening on the court. Offensive systems Defensive systems In the NBA, the defensive three-second rule limits how long a defender can stay in the paint without … Read more
Defense is the part of basketball where effort and attention matter as much as talent. Coaches value players who defend because good defense travels: it works on nights when your shot does not. Stance Feet wider than your shoulders, knees bent, back fairly straight, weight on the balls of the feet. Hands active: one hand … Read more
A good ball-handler can get anywhere on the court without looking down and without losing the ball under pressure. That comes from a few fundamentals and a lot of short, daily repetitions. The fundamentals Stationary drills Ten minutes a day makes a real difference: Moving drills Dribble the length of the court using a different … Read more
Understanding tactics, coaching a youth team or simply enjoying matches more all start with good material, and there is plenty of it. The trick is choosing reliable sources and applying what you learn to what you watch. The rules Start with the source: the Laws of the Game, published free online by the IFAB, with … Read more
The transfer market decides where the best players go, and money decides much of the transfer market. Understanding how it works explains why a handful of clubs win most titles, and how smaller clubs still find ways to compete. How transfers work Players under contract can move only during registration periods, the transfer windows, set … Read more
