Basketball

Basketball is a team sport in which two teams, typically consisting of five players each, compete to score points by shooting a basketball through the opposing team’s hoop or net, which is elevated 10 feet above the ground. The game is played on a rectangular court with specific markings that designate areas for different actions, such as free throws and three-point shots.

The primary objective is to score more points than the opposing team by making field goals worth two or three points and free throws worth one point. Players advance the ball by dribbling (bouncing the ball while running) or passing it to teammates. The sport emphasizes skills such as shooting, ball handling, defense, and teamwork.

Basketball originated in the late 19th century and has since grown into one of the most popular sports globally, with a professional league system, particularly in the United States, where the National Basketball Association (NBA) is widely regarded as the premier league. The sport is played recreationally and professionally at various levels around the world, and it is also included in the Olympic Games.