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 or basket, which is elevated 10 feet above the ground. The game is played on a rectangular court, with a hoop at each end. Points are scored in various ways: a field goal made from inside the three-point line counts for two points, while a shot made from beyond the three-point line counts for three points. Free throws, awarded after certain fouls, are worth one point each.

Basketball emphasizes skills such as dribbling, shooting, passing, and teamwork. The game is played in four quarters, with the objective being to accumulate more points than the opposing team by the end of regulation time. Basketball is governed by a set of rules and can be played at various levels, from informal street games to professional leagues, including the NBA. It is known for its fast-paced action, strategic gameplay, and has a global following, making it one of the most popular sports in the world.