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, elevated 10 feet above the ground. The game is played on a rectangular court with a three-point line marking the boundaries for longer shots. Players can move the ball by dribbling (bouncing it while running) or passing it to teammates. Points are awarded for field goals, with different values assigned based on the distance from which the shot is made: two points for shots inside the three-point line and three points for shots beyond it, while free throws are worth one point each. Basketball emphasizes skills such as shooting, passing, dribbling, and defending. It is governed by specific rules, including fouls and violations, and is played at various levels, from amateur to professional leagues, including the National Basketball Association (NBA). The sport is known for its fast pace, high scores, and athletic demands on players, making it one of the most popular sports worldwide.