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 elevated 10 feet above the ground at each end. Players advance the ball by dribbling (bouncing it) or passing it to teammates. Points are scored in various ways: a field goal made from inside the three-point line counts for two points, while a shot made from beyond the three-point line counts for three points. Free throws, awarded after certain fouls, are worth one point each.

Basketball emphasizes athleticism, skill, teamwork, and strategy. It includes elements such as dribbling, shooting, passing, and defense. The sport is governed by various official rules, with the National Basketball Association (NBA) and FIBA (International Basketball Federation) being two of the most prominent governing bodies. Basketball is played recreationally and competitively at various levels, from local community games to international championships.