Basketball

Basketball is a team sport in which two teams, typically of five players each, compete to score points by throwing a ball through the opposing team’s hoop or basket. The game is played on a rectangular court with a hoop elevated 10 feet above the ground at each end. Players can advance the ball by dribbling (bouncing the ball while moving) or passing it to teammates. The objective is to score more points than the opposing team within a set time period, usually consisting of four quarters or two halves, depending on the league or level of play.

Basketball involves various skills including shooting, passing, dribbling, and defense. Scoring can occur through field goals, worth two points or three points when made from beyond the three-point line, and free throws, worth one point each. The sport is known for its fast pace and strategic play, combining elements of athleticism, teamwork, and coordination. Basketball is widely played recreationally and professionally around the world, with leagues such as the NBA (National Basketball Association) being among the most prominent organizations in the sport.