Basketball is a competitive sport where two teams, usually of five players each against the opponent, compete against each other on a flat rectangular court with the objective of Shooting a basketball with the ball through the hoop of the other team while thwarting the opponent’s goal through their own hoop. The sport evolved from the Ancient Greek Sports ( Played in the Olympics ). The earliest history of basketball can be traced as far back as the third century BC where it was initially used as a source of entertainment for crowds at the games held by the Greeks in the Olympics. From there to its present day use as a professional sport, the history of basketball has been one that has played out over decades of competition. There are many different teams that compete against one another in a series of games played throughout the season.
A typical game of basketball involves a set of three-on-three action. Two teams sit on the outside of the court while the other team makes plays along the painted area on the court. Each player on each team has a turn trying to make baskets with the ball while using the hoop provided. This is usually made up of up to nine players on each team. Typically the game is played at a slow paced pace and begins with a play made by each player that begins the play with a jump shot then making lay-ups and free throws before moving onto the offensive end of the court.
Basketball is currently the most popular sport in America, second only to football. In terms of television coverage, basketball ranks fourth behind baseball and the NFL. As basketball develops it has developed several different styles based upon the rules of the game and the layout of the court. One of the most popular and long lasting styles of basketball is known as “circular motion”. This style of basketball requires that all the players take turns distributing the basketball equally on the perimeter of the court before switching to a new play.
A variation of the “circular motion” basketball is known as “perimeter play” where each team tries to control the center of the court with the ball. In this type of basketball a set of four players are on each ends of the foul line. The basketball is circulated through each set of four players, who try to hit a three pointer from the corners of the court. Each team tries to make five points from their basket using either their three pointer or their free throw.
The game of basketball can be played indoor or outdoors, the most common setting for a game of basketball being an indoor complex with a court and various basketball equipment such as basketball hoops and adjustable lighting. Indoor basketball courts tend to be smaller than outdoor court settings because the rules of the game require a smaller playing area. The sport of basketball can be played by any age group because the game requires players to be alert and on the move. In order for players to be alert they need to properly move and follow the instructions of the coach. Even children who are very young can play the sport.
Basketball provides a healthy activity for kids of all ages, making it a very popular sport for schools to introduce to students. Basketball helps students to develop a good team attitude because it pits two people against each other in a race to be the winner. With this mental attitude and a healthy diet, basketball puts kids on the right track to a happy and fulfilled life.
