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, which is elevated 10 feet above the playing surface. The game is played on a rectangular court with a hoop at each end. Players can maneuver the ball by dribbling (bouncing the ball while running) or passing it to teammates. Points are scored based on where the shot is taken; a field goal made from beyond the three-point line is worth three points, while a shot made from inside that line is worth two points. Free throws, awarded after certain fouls, are worth one point each. Basketball is governed by specific rules regarding fouls, violations, and the structure of the game, which includes four quarters or two halves, depending on the league. The objective of the game is to outscore the opposing team, and it emphasizes skills such as shooting, dribbling, passing, and teamwork. Basketball has gained immense popularity worldwide and is played at various levels, from amateur to professional competitions, including leagues like the NBA.