What Is Basketball
Basketball is a team sport where two teams of five players try to score by shooting a ball through the opponent's hoop. It is played on a rectangular court with a raised basket at each end. The game is governed internationally by FIBA and professionally by leagues such as the NBA.
Basic Rules and Gameplay
Teams score by making field goals or free throws. A field goal from inside the three-point line is worth two points, while a shot from beyond the arc is worth three. Free throws are worth one point each. Players advance the ball by dribbling or passing, and the team with the most points at the end wins.
History and Global Reach
Basketball was invented in 1891 by James Naismith in Springfield, Massachusetts, as an indoor winter sport. It quickly spread worldwide, becoming an Olympic sport in 1936. Today, professional leagues and competitions exist across continents, and the sport is a major driver of media, merchandise, and youth participation programs.
For detailed rules and official statistics, visit FIBA Basketball.
