Basketball

Read the passage and then answer the questions below.

Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world,

played by millions of people of all ages and skill levels. But
where did basketball come from, and how has it evolved
over time?

Basketball was invented in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith, a

Canadian physical education instructor. Naismith was
looking for a new game to keep his students active during
the winter months, and he came up with basketball as a way
to combine elements of existing sports like soccer and
American football.

The first basketball game was played with a soccer ball and
two peach baskets as goals. The baskets were mounted on
opposite walls of a gymnasium, and the goal was to throw
the ball into the opposing team’s basket. The game quickly
caught on, and the first intercollegiate basketball game was
played in 1895 between Hamline University and the
University of Minnesota.

Today, basketball is played at all levels, from youth leagues

to the NBA. The game has also become a global
phenomenon, with players and fans from all over the world.
In addition to the NBA, there are several international
leagues, including the EuroLeague and the Chinese
Basketball Association.
 ESPN - FOX SPORTS

Welcome to ESPN SPORTS, will be hosted by Scott Van Pelt and in addition to the
special guests will feature an inside look at some of the special sports in USA. The
program also will include features and interviews as well as live look-ins and in-
progress highlights of the most important Tournaments in this beautiful nation.

There are many sports and leisure activities but these are the most common so as
you go through the list, think about the ones that you do, play and practice.

# 1 : Tell me about your favorite sport.

“My favorite sport is basketball. I like it because it is a team sport, it is exciting to

play and watch, and it also requires a lot of skill.  Basketball has been my favorite
sport ever since my father bought me my first basketball when I was 10 years old.
One of my most memorable basketball games happened when I was in high
school. I won the game for my team by shooting a 3-pointer at the last second. It
was great.”

# 2 : Tell me about your favorite team.

“My favorite soccer team is Manchester United. It is a professional soccer team

that is based in England. I like them because their athletes play hard and smart.
Their coach is also really good. In the past, two of their best players were Rooney
and Cristiano Ronaldo. Last year they won about 18 games.”

# 3 : Tell me about your favorite athlete.

“My favorite athlete is Stephen Curry. He is a professional basketball player for the
Golden State Warriors of the NBA. He is the point guard for their team. I like him
because he is a passionate player and many people consider him to the be the
best basketball player in the world.”

4 : Tell me about your favorite game or event.

“My favorite sporting event happened on August 15, 2014 in Pennsylvania at the
Little League World Series. The two teams that played in the game were the Taney
Dragons and Nashville. The Taney Dragons beat Nashville in a 4 – 0 victory. The
amazing thing was that the pitcher was the first female to pitch 6 innings, strike out
8 batters, and to pitch a shutout in Little League postseason history. It was
amazing.”