Basketball
Basketball is a very popular sport enjoyed by millions of people around the world. From professional players to young kids just starting out, a basketball game offers a fun and exciting way to stay active and competitive.
Basketball was invented by Dr. James Naismith in December 1891 in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA. The first game was played with a soccer ball and two peach baskets as goals.
The concept of dribbling wasn’t originally a part of basketball. When the game was first created, players could only pass the ball, and it was only later that dribbling became a fundamental skill.
The National Basketball Association (NBA) was founded in 1946. There are currently 30 teams in the NBA, with famous teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls.
The three-point line:- This was introduced to the NBA in the 1979-1980 season. The first player to make a three-point shot in an NBA game was Chris Ford of the Boston Celtics.
The free-throw line is 15 feet away from the basket in the NBA. Players get awarded free throws after certain fouls, and the opposing team must stay behind the three-point line during these shots.
The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, commonly known as March Madness, is one of the most exciting events in college basketball. It features a single-elimination format, and the championship game is held in April.
Basketball has been part of the Summer Olympics since 1936. The United States has been highly successful in Olympic basketball, winning numerous gold medals.
The official ball used in NBA games is manufactured by Spalding. It has a distinctive orange colour and is made of leather.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all times, Michael Jordan won six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and earned five MVP awards.
The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) is the premier professional women’s basketball league in the world. It was established in 1996.
Basketball players need to be quick on their feet – the average NBA player runs about 2-3 miles per game!
The 2022 Tokyo Olympics marked the 30th anniversary of the debut of basketball as an official Olympic sport!
