Basketball

Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players, opposing one another on a rectangular court, compete with the primary objective of shooting a basketball (approximately 9.4 inches (24 cm) in diameter) through the defender’s hoop (a basket 18 inches (46 cm) in diameter mounted 10 feet (3.048 m) high to a backboard at each end of the court). Players advance the ball by bouncing it while walking or running downcourt, passing it to their teammates and attempting shots at the goal. The team that scores more points wins. Basketball is played professionally throughout North America and many other countries around world including Australia, China and most European nations.

The game was created by Dr James Naismith who invented it as an indoor activity for his students during cold winter days indoors at Springfield College located Massachusetts United States December 21st 1891 after being asked by college president Luther Gulick to develop an ‘athletic distraction’. Originally called “indoor baseball”, he wrote rules based on ideas from outdoor games like football and rugby ultimately calling it “basket-ball” due its use baskets nailed ten feet above ground level either side field play instead goals posts nets as per modern day version . Rules were later adapted changes such size ball & time limit minutes matches also addition fouls .

Players now wear specialized shoes designed improve traction help avoid injuries shorts made lightweight material offer comfort freedom movement when playing although long pants can worn long sleeve shirts recommended some cases protect arms elbows bruises falls clothing often reflects colors favorite club support player may identify with show loyalty respective fan base . In professional leagues , uniforms are strictly regulated regarding size length width stripes markings etc maintain certain standard appearance style all participants represent same organisation competition take place arenas stadiums purpose built structures dedicated hosting sporting events seating capacity ranging thousands even tens thousands fans come cheer favourite teams match goes ahead

Many variations have evolved over years 3×3 5×5 half-court full-court wheelchair beach water but original form popularly considered parent discipline along these offshoots all share common set fundamentals however differ terms number players allowed contact permitted duration individual contests tournament formats used decide winners championships titles held various levels local regional national international basis result reaching new heights popularity globally competitive scene both men women continue grow larger numbers each year providing entertainment millions viewers across globe