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 elevated 10 feet above the floor. The game is played on a rectangular court with a center circle and a three-point arc. Players advance the ball by dribbling (bouncing the ball while moving) or passing it to teammates. Points are scored in varying amounts depending on where the shot is taken: two points for shots made inside the three-point arc and three points for shots beyond it. The objective is to outscore the opponent by the end of the game, which is divided into four quarters or two halves, depending on the league rules. Basketball emphasizes skills such as shooting, dribbling, passing, and defense, and is governed by a set of rules established by organizations like the National Basketball Association (NBA) or international bodies. The sport is played at various levels, from amateur and youth leagues to professional competitions, and is popular worldwide for its fast-paced nature and dynamic athleticism.