Basketball

Basketball is a team sport played on a rectangular court, where two teams, typically consisting of five players each, aim to score points by shooting a ball through the opposing team’s hoop or basket. The primary objective is to accumulate more points than the opponent by successfully making field goals (worth two or three points depending on the distance) and free throws (worth one point).

The game involves various skills such as dribbling, shooting, passing, and defending. Players can move the ball by dribbling (bouncing the ball while running) or passing it to teammates. The sport is governed by a set of rules, known as the official basketball rules, which outline fouls, violations (such as traveling or double dribbling), and game structure (such as quarters and shot clock).

Basketball is played at many levels, from informal street games to professional leagues like the NBA (National Basketball Association) and FIBA (International Basketball Federation) competitions, and is popular worldwide. The sport is known for its fast pace, athleticism, and strategy, making it a highly engaging spectator sport.