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. The game is played on a rectangular court with a hoop at each end, elevated at a height of 10 feet (3.05 meters). Players advance the ball by dribbling (bouncing the ball while moving) or passing it to teammates.

The objective of the game is to score more points than the opposing team within a set time period, usually divided into quarters or halves. Points are awarded based on the distance from which the basket is successfully made: two points for shots made from inside the three-point line, three points for shots made from beyond that line, and one point for free throws awarded after certain fouls.

Basketball emphasizes skills such as shooting, dribbling, passing, and defensive strategies. The sport has a global following, with professional leagues like the NBA (National Basketball Association) in the United States, and is also a popular Olympic sport. It promotes teamwork, athleticism, and strategic thinking among players.