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 hoop or basket elevated 10 feet above the ground. The game is played on a rectangular court with a hoop at each end, and points are scored in various ways: two points for field goals made from inside the three-point line, three points for shots made from beyond it, and one point for each free throw awarded after certain fouls.

The sport combines physical skills such as dribbling, shooting, and passing with strategic elements including teamwork, positioning, and defense. Basketball is governed by a set of rules that dictate gameplay, fouls, violations, and scoring. Originating in the late 19th century in the United States, basketball has grown to become one of the most popular sports globally, with professional leagues like the NBA and international competitions such as the FIBA World Cup and the Olympic Games.