Basketball

Basketball is a team sport in which two teams, typically consisting of five players each, compete to score points by throwing a ball through the opposing team’s hoop, which is elevated 10 feet above the ground. The game is played on a rectangular court, with the main objective being to outscore the opponent by shooting the ball through their basket while preventing the opposing team from doing the same.

Basketball involves various skills, including dribbling, shooting, passing, and defending. The game is played in quarters or halves, depending on the level of play, and incorporates strategies that involve both offensive and defensive maneuvers. Scoring can occur through field goals, which are worth two or three points depending on the distance from the basket, or free throws, which are awarded following certain fouls.

Basketball originated in the late 19th century and has since become a popular sport worldwide, with professional leagues, collegiate competitions, and a global following, making it one of the most widely played and viewed sports.