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, with a hoop at each end elevated ten feet above the ground. Players score points by making field goals, which are worth two or three points depending on the distance from the basket, or free throws, which are worth one point.

Basketball emphasizes skills such as dribbling, shooting, passing, and teamwork. The game involves various positions with specific roles, including point guards, shooting guards, forwards, and centers. The objective is to outscore the opponent by accumulating the highest number of points by the end of the game, which is typically played in four quarters.

Basketball has a global following and is governed by organizations such as the National Basketball Association (NBA) in the United States and FIBA (the International Basketball Federation) worldwide. The sport is known for its dynamic and fast-paced nature, requiring physical fitness, strategic planning, and mental acuity.