Basketball

Basketball is a team sport in which two teams, typically composed 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 10 feet off the ground. Points are scored by field goals, which are worth two or three points depending on the player’s distance from the hoop, and free throws, which are worth one point each.

Basketball emphasizes individual skill as well as team dynamics, incorporating elements of dribbling, passing, shooting, and defense. The object of the game is to accumulate more points than the opposing team within a set time frame, typically divided into quarters. The sport originated in the late 19th century and has since evolved into a highly popular global activity, with professional leagues, collegiate competitions, and amateur play. Major events include the NBA (National Basketball Association) in the United States and international tournaments like the FIBA World Cup and the Olympic Games.