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, which is elevated 10 feet above the ground. The game is played on a rectangular court with a variety of markings, including the three-point line, free-throw line, and key or paint area.

The objective is to score more points than the opponent by successfully making field goals (worth two or three points, depending on the distance from the hoop) and free throws (worth one point). Players advance the ball down the court by dribbling (bouncing the ball while running) or passing it to teammates.

Basketball emphasizes skills such as shooting, dribbling, passing, and defense, and requires teamwork and strategy. The sport is played at various levels, from amateur to professional, and is governed by official rules set by organizations such as the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the National Basketball Association (NBA). Basketball is popular worldwide and is a key component of many cultures, often associated with physical fitness, competition, and community engagement.