Basketball is a team sport in which five players compete to score points by throwing (shooting) a ball into an opposing team’s basket. The game was invented in 1891 by Canadian-American gym teacher James Naismith in Springfield, Massachusetts, and is now one of the world’s most popular sports. The sport has become a worldwide phenomenon, attracting fans from around the globe and generating millions in revenue through sponsorships, broadcasting rights, and merchandise.
The game involves rapid movement, strategic passing, and a high degree of skill. The offensive team, called the offense, moves the ball down the court by dribbling and passing or by moving without the ball in order to open teammates up for shots. The defense attempts to steal the ball, deflect passes, and secure rebounds. If a player shoots the ball successfully inside or beyond the three-point arc, his or her team scores two points. If the shot is made after a foul, the team is awarded free throws, which are worth one point.
There are 13 official rules of basketball, designed to ensure fair play for both teams during a match. Naismith based the rules on his experience teaching physical education in his school, where he found that students needed a mentally and physically stimulating activity to keep them engaged. The game of basketball also has the potential to foster concentration and self-discipline, as it requires a high level of mental focus and a steady rhythm of movement that must be maintained throughout a match.
Each player is assigned a position, typically falling into five categories: the tallest and strongest players are known as center or power forwards; a slightly shorter but more agile player is the small forward; and the shortest or best ball handlers are the shooting guard and point guard. The point guard implements the coach’s game plan by managing the execution of defensive and offensive plays.
The most common methods of moving the ball between players are by bouncing it while walking or running (dribbling), and by passing it to a teammate. A successful pass must be completed without letting the ball hit the ground, and it is illegal to kick or use the fist to move the ball. A skilled player may dribble without looking at the ball, using the motion of his or her feet and peripheral vision to keep track of the ball’s location.
The area directly in front of the basket is sometimes referred to as “the paint,” and it is important for the defense not to camp out there waiting for an offensive rebound. Defenders may spend up to three seconds in this space, but after that, they must leave and wait for a new opportunity. Failure to do so results in a penalty, such as a three-second violation. A shot that misses both the rim and the backboard is often called an air ball or a brick, and a player’s hang time after jumping for a jump shot or slam dunk is known as a euro step.
