Basketball

Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players each compete to score points by shooting a ball through the opponent’s hoop or net, which is mounted 10 feet (3.05 meters) high on a court. The game is played on a rectangular floor known as the court, with a three-point arc marking the boundary for longer shots. Players can advance the ball by dribbling (bouncing it while running) or passing it to teammates. Points are awarded for field goals, with two points scored for shots made inside the three-point line, and three points for shots made beyond it. Free throws are awarded following certain fouls and are worth one point each.

Basketball emphasizes skills such as shooting, passing, dribbling, and defense, and the game is governed by a set of rules that specify the regulations for play, fouls, and scoring. It is popular worldwide and is played at both amateur and professional levels, with the National Basketball Association (NBA) being one of the most well-known professional leagues. The sport has a rich history, having been invented in the late 19th century, and it promotes teamwork, strategy, and physical fitness.