Basketball

Basketball is a team sport that involves two teams, typically consisting of five players each, who 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 elevated at each end. Players advance the ball by dribbling (bouncing it while moving) or passing it to teammates. The objective is to score more points than the opposing team within a set time limit, usually divided into quarters. Points are awarded for field goals made from different distances, with three points granted for shots taken beyond a designated three-point line and two points for shorter shots. Free throws, awarded after certain fouls, are worth one point each. Basketball emphasizes skills such as shooting, dribbling, passing, and defensive strategies. Originating in the United States in the late 19th century, it has grown into one of the most popular sports worldwide, governed by organizations such as the NBA (National Basketball Association) at the professional level.