Basketball

Basketball is a team sport in which two teams, typically consisting of five players each, compete to score points by throwing a ball through the opposing team’s elevated hoop or basket. The game is played on a rectangular court, and players can advance the ball by dribbling (bouncing it while walking or running) or passing it to teammates. Points are scored by making field goals from various distances, with different point values assigned—usually two points for shots made inside the three-point line and three points for shots made beyond it, along with one point for free throws awarded for certain fouls. The objective of the game is to accumulate more points than the opposing team within a fixed period of time, typically divided into quarters. Basketball emphasizes skills such as shooting, dribbling, passing, and defensive strategies, and is characterized by its fast pace and dynamic play. It is governed by official rules established by organizations such as the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).