Basketball

Basketball is a team sport in which two teams, typically consisting of five players each, compete to score points by shooting a spherical ball through the opposing team’s elevated hoop, known as a basket. The game is played on a rectangular court with a hoop at each end. Points are scored in various ways: a field goal (a shot made from anywhere on the court) is worth two or three points, depending on the player’s distance from the basket, while free throws, awarded after certain fouls, are worth one point each. Basketball emphasizes skills such as dribbling, shooting, passing, and defense, and is known for its fast pace and dynamic gameplay. The sport originated in the United States in the late 19th century and has since grown into a global phenomenon, with professional leagues like the NBA, international competitions, and a significant presence in educational institutions.