Basketball

Basketball is a team sport played on a rectangular court, typically indoors, where two teams, usually consisting of five players each, compete to score points by shooting a ball through the opposing team’s hoop, which is elevated and mounted to a backboard. The objective is to score more points than the opposing team within a defined time frame, usually divided into quarters or halves. Players advance the ball by dribbling (bouncing the ball while moving) or passing it to teammates, and they can score through field goals or free throws. The sport emphasizes agility, coordination, teamwork, and strategy, with a focus on both offensive and defensive play. Basketball is governed by a set of rules that dictate gameplay, fouls, and scoring. It is widely played recreationally and professionally, with leagues such as the NBA (National Basketball Association) in the United States being among the most recognized in the world.