basketball

Basketball is a popular team sport played by two teams, each consisting of five players. The objective is to score points by shooting a ball through the opponent's hoop, which is elevated 10 feet (3.05 meters) above the ground. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.

The game is played on a rectangular court with a hardwood surface. The main equipment used in basketball includes a round ball and two hoops attached to backboards at opposite ends of the court. The teams compete by dribbling, passing, and shooting the ball in an attempt to score.

The basic rules of basketball involve moving the ball by dribbling (bouncing the ball with one hand while walking or running), passing (throwing the ball to a teammate), and shooting (throwing the ball into the opponent's hoop). The team on offense tries to score points by shooting the ball, while the team on defense aims to prevent the opposing team from scoring.

Basketball is known for its fast-paced, high-scoring nature and requires a combination of individual skills, teamwork, strategy, and athleticism. The sport is played at various levels, ranging from recreational and amateur leagues to professional leagues like the National Basketball Association (NBA) in the United States.

Basketball has gained significant popularity worldwide and is played in many countries. It has become a global sport with international competitions like the FIBA Basketball World Cup and the Olympic Games, where national teams from different countries compete against each other.