Basketball

Basketball is a team sport played on a rectangular court, in which two teams, typically consisting of five players each, compete to score points by shooting a ball through the opponent’s elevated hoop. The game is played with a spherical ball and involves various skills, including dribbling, passing, shooting, and defense.

The objective is to score more points than the opposing team within a set time frame, usually divided into quarters or halves. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins. Basketball is known for its fast pace and requires players to have good physical fitness, coordination, and teamwork.

It was invented in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith in Springfield, Massachusetts, as a way to keep students active indoors during winter. Since then, basketball has grown to become one of the most popular sports worldwide, with professional leagues such as the NBA in the United States and FIBA competitions internationally. The sport encourages strategic play, athletic prowess, and skill development.