With the exception of the formation of the game where Naismith had nine players vs. nine players, the game, within only a few years, had become entirely 5v5 — except for the Iowan high school girls. Featuring a unique 6v6 style of play, each team had three forwards and three guards. The forwards played solely in the front court and the guards solely in the back. Neither group was allowed to cross the halfcourt line, and although it was sexistly designed so as to not overexert the girls, this idea may have singlehandedly saved Iowan girls’ basketball.
Click here to see the 1973 Iowa State Girls’ Basketball Championship with 6v6 teams!
CREDITS
Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice
Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher
MUSIC
“Mediterranean” by Lyn Murray
“Horizons” by Roa
SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK
sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/
m.facebook.com/Basketball-History-101-103801581493027/
BUSINESS CONTACT
