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. The game is played on a rectangular court with a hoop elevated at each end, and players can score in various ways, including field goals, which are worth two or three points depending on the distance from the hoop, and free throws, which are worth one point each.

Basketball emphasizes skills such as dribbling, shooting, passing, and defending. The sport is governed by a set of rules that dictate how the game is played, including the duration of play, fouls, and violations. The objective is to outscore the opposing team within a set time frame, typically consisting of four quarters or two halves.

Basketball has a significant cultural impact and is played globally at various levels, from amateur to professional leagues, and it is included in international competitions such as the Olympics.