Basketball

Basketball is a 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, known as the basket. The game is played on a rectangular court, with a hoop elevated at a height of 10 feet (3.05 meters) at each end. Points are scored when a player successfully makes a shot, with different scoring values assigned to shots made from various distances: two points for field goals made inside the three-point line and three points for shots made from beyond it.

Players advance the ball by dribbling, which involves bouncing the ball while moving, or by passing it to teammates. Basketball places a strong emphasis on teamwork, strategy, and individual skills such as shooting, dribbling, and defending. The game is regulated by a set of rules, known as the official basketball rules, which govern aspects such as fouls, violations, and the game’s structure, including quarters and time limits. Basketball is popular worldwide, both at the recreational and professional levels, and is recognized for its dynamic gameplay and athleticism. The National Basketball Association (NBA) is one of the most prominent professional leagues in the sport.