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, which is suspended 10 feet above the ground. The game is played on a rectangular court with a hoop at each end. Players advance the ball towards the hoop by dribbling (bouncing the ball while running) or passing it to teammates. Points are scored by making field goals, which are worth two or three points depending on the player’s distance from the hoop, or by free throws, awarded after certain fouls.

The game is known for its fast pace, athleticism, and skillful play, involving a combination of shooting, dribbling, passing, and tactical defense. Key objectives include teamwork, strategy, and individual skill to outscore the opposing team within a set time frame, typically divided into quarters. Basketball is popular worldwide, with professional leagues, collegiate competitions, and international tournaments, and is governed by various official rules and regulations.