Basketball

Basketball is a fast-paced 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, which is elevated ten feet above the floor. The game is played on a rectangular court, featuring two hoops at each end. The objective is to score more points than the opponent within a designated time frame, often divided into quarters or halves.

Players advance the ball by dribbling—bouncing it on the floor while running—passing to teammates, or shooting for baskets. Points are awarded based on the distance from which the basket is made: a shot inside the three-point line counts for two points, while a shot beyond it is worth three points. Free throws, awarded after certain fouls, are worth one point each.

Basketball combines physical skill, strategy, and teamwork, requiring players to work together to outmaneuver opponents. It is governed by a set of rules that dictate play, fouls, and scoring. The sport is popular worldwide, with professional leagues, international competitions, and significant youth participation. It has also produced iconic athletes and is a prominent feature in global sporting culture.