Basketball

Basketball is a team sport played on a rectangular court where 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 with a round, inflated ball, and the objective is to score more points than the opposing team by making field goals (worth two or three points, depending on the distance from the hoop) or free throws (worth one point). Players advance the ball by dribbling (bouncing the ball while moving) or passing it to teammates. The game is characterized by its fast pace, strategic plays, and a variety of skills, including shooting, dribbling, passing, and defense. Basketball is governed by a set of rules, which include violations like traveling, double dribbling, and fouls. The sport is popular worldwide, with professional leagues such as the NBA (National Basketball Association) in the United States, and international competitions like the FIBA World Cup and the Olympic Games.