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, and the objective is to score more points than the opposing team by making field goals worth two or three points, depending on the distance from which the ball is shot, and free throws worth one point each.

Basketball emphasizes skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting, and teamwork. The game is divided into quarters or halves, and teams can use various strategies and plays to outmaneuver their opponents. The sport is governed by a set of rules known as the official basketball rules, which dictate the gameplay, scoring, fouls, and other regulatory aspects.

Basketball is popular worldwide and is played at various levels, including youth leagues, high school, college, and professional leagues, with the National Basketball Association (NBA) being the most prominent professional league in the United States. The sport also features a strong culture of fan engagement, community involvement, and athleticism, contributing to its status as one of the major sports globally.