Basketball

Basketball is a team sport in which two teams, typically consisting of five players each, compete to score points by shooting a spherical ball through the opposing team’s hoop or net, which is elevated 10 feet above the playing surface. The game is played on a rectangular court with a three-point line, free-throw line, and various designations for different areas of play. Points are awarded based on where the shot is taken: two points for shots made inside the three-point line, three points for shots made beyond it, and one point for free throws awarded after certain fouls. The objective of the game is to accumulate more points than the opposing team within a set time limit, usually divided into quarters. Basketball emphasizes skills such as dribbling, shooting, passing, and defense. It is governed by rules that define gameplay, including fouls, violations, and scoring methods. The sport is widely popular around the world and is played at various levels, from amateur recreational leagues to professional competitions, such as the NBA (National Basketball Association) in the United States.