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 opposing team’s hoop or basket. The game is played on a rectangular court, and the objective is to score more points than the opponent by making field goals or free throws. Each field goal is worth two points, or three points if taken from beyond the three-point line, while free throws are worth one point each.

Players advance the ball by dribbling (bouncing the ball while running) or passing to teammates, and the game involves various skills such as shooting, rebounding, and defending. Basketball is governed by a set of rules that dictate how the game is played, including fouls, violations, and the structure of the game itself, typically organized into quarters or halves.

Originating in the late 19th century, basketball has evolved into a popular sport played at various levels, from informal street games to professional leagues like the NBA (National Basketball Association). The sport also has a significant following globally, with many countries participating in international competitions such as the FIBA World Cup and the Olympic Games.