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 elevated 10 feet off the ground. The game is played on a rectangular court with specific markings, including a three-point line and free-throw line. Players can advance the ball by dribbling or passing it to teammates with the objective of creating scoring opportunities while defending against their opponents. Points are scored in varying amounts: two points for field goals made inside the three-point line, three points for shots made beyond it, and one point for free throws awarded following certain fouls. The game is governed by a set of rules that dictate player conduct, scoring, and gameplay mechanics, and it is usually played in four quarters or two halves depending on the level of competition. Basketball is popular worldwide, both as a competitive sport and as a recreational activity, and it promotes physical fitness, teamwork, and strategic thinking.