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 in four quarters, and the team with the most points at the end wins.
The objective is to score by making field goals worth two or three points, depending on the player’s distance from the basket, or by shooting free throws worth one point each after certain fouls. Players advance the ball by dribbling (bouncing the ball while running) or passing it to teammates.
Key components of the game include dribbling, shooting, passing, and defending. The sport emphasizes teamwork, strategy, and individual skills such as agility, coordination, and endurance.
Basketball is played at various levels, including youth leagues, high school, college teams, and professional leagues, most notably the NBA (National Basketball Association). It is popular worldwide and has a significant cultural impact, with numerous competitions, events like the Olympics, and a large following of fans.