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 elevated hoop, known as a basket. The game is played on a rectangular court, and teams score by making field goals worth two or three points, depending on the distance from which the shot is taken, or free throws worth one point following certain fouls.

Basketball combines elements of agility, coordination, and strategy, requiring players to dribble (bounce) the ball while moving, pass to teammates, and defend against the opposing team’s attempts to score. The objective is to outscore the other team within a set time frame, usually divided into four quarters in professional play.

The sport is governed by a set of rules that define gameplay, including violations like traveling, double dribbling, and fouls. Basketball can be played indoors or outdoors and has variations such as streetball, which often has fewer rules and a more informal setting. It is popular worldwide and is featured in the Summer Olympics and various professional leagues, including the National Basketball Association (NBA).