Basketball

Basketball is a team sport in which two teams, typically consisting of five players each, compete to score points by shooting a ball through the opponent’s elevated hoop and backboard. The game is played on a rectangular court, and players can move the ball towards the hoop by dribbling (bouncing the ball while running) or passing it to teammates. Points are scored in various ways, including field goals (worth two or three points, depending on the distance from the hoop) and free throws (worth one point), awarded after certain fouls.

Basketball emphasizes skills such as shooting, dribbling, and passing, as well as teamwork and strategy. The sport has a rich history, originating in the late 19th century, and is governed by various rules established by organizations like the National Basketball Association (NBA) or Fédération Internationale de Basketball (FIBA). It is played professionally, at amateur levels, and recreationally worldwide, making it one of the most popular and widely viewed sports globally.