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, which is mounted 10 feet high on a backboard. It is played on a rectangular court with a designated area for shooting, known as the three-point line, and an area near the hoop called the paint or key. The game emphasizes skillful ball handling, passing, and accurate shooting. Players can score points in varying amounts: two points for shots made from within the three-point line, and three points for shots made beyond it. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins. Basketball is known for its fast-paced nature, athleticism, and strategic gameplay. It originated in the United States in the late 19th century and has grown in popularity globally, leading to the establishment of professional leagues, most notably the National Basketball Association (NBA). The sport is also a part of the Olympic Games and has various forms, including street basketball and women's basketball.