Basketball

Basketball is a team sport in which two teams, typically consisting of five players each, compete to score points by shooting a ball through the opposing team’s hoop or basket. The game is played on a rectangular court with a hoop at each end, elevated at a height of 10 feet (3.05 meters). Players can advance the ball by dribbling (bouncing it while walking or running) or passing it to teammates. Scoring can occur through field goals (2 or 3 points, depending on the distance from the basket) or free throws (1 point each, awarded after certain fouls).

Basketball combines elements of physical prowess, strategy, and teamwork, requiring players to possess skills such as shooting, passing, dribbling, and defending. The game is governed by a set of rules that dictate play, including fouls, violations, and game timing.

Originating in the late 19th century in the United States, basketball has grown into a globally popular sport, played at various levels from amateur to professional, with significant cultural and social impact, including the establishment of leagues like the NBA (National Basketball Association).