Basketball - an overview and history of the sport
Overview
Basketball brings together a combination of speed, skill, agility, balance, and tactics. The game is contested by two teams of five players and involves one team invading another team's territory, with the aim of shooting a basketball successfully through their opponent's hoop. Basketball is different to most invasion games as, in some versions in North America, it utilises a shot clock to force teams to shoot within 24 seconds of gaining possession. This makes basketball action-packed and very enjoyable for spectators.
The game today has a number of different formats and can be played competitively and recreationally in a range of different disciplines.
History
Unlike most invasion sports, the origins of basketball can be clearly traced to Dr James Naismith. In 1891 the physical education teacher was asked to create an indoor game for energetic students.
The very first game did not have the equipment of today. In fact it used a soccer ball and two peach baskets nailed 10 ft high. Originally the baskets did not have the bottom removed and required a pole to push the ball out each time a team scored.
However, the game has been a resounding success with both children and adults competing ever since its inception.