Who invented basketball?

The origin of basketball can be traced to Springfield, Massachusetts in the USA. Dr James Naismith, a
Canadian physical instructor working at the YMCA International Training School in Springfield,
introduced basketball in 1891.

Instructed to devise an indoor sport to keep the YMCA athletes in shape during the harsh winter
months, Naismith came up with a sport involving two peach baskets and a soccer ball with a set of 13
rules.

13 Rules

1. The ball may be thrown in any direction with one or both hands.
2. The ball may be batted in any direction with one or both hands (never with the fist).
3. A player cannot run with the ball. The player must throw it from the spot on which he catches it,
allowance to be made for a man who catches the ball when running at a good speed if he tries
to stop.
4. The ball must be held in or between the hands; the arms or body must not be used for holding
it.
5. No shouldering, holding, pushing, tripping, or striking in any way the person of an opponent
shall be allowed; the first infringement of this rule by any player shall count as a foul, the second
shall disqualify him until the next goal is made, or, if there was evident intent to injure the
person, for the whole of the game, no substitute allowed.
6. A foul is striking at the ball with the fist, violation of Rules 3,4, and such as described in Rule 5.
7. If either side makes three consecutive fouls, it shall count a goal for the opponents (consecutive
means without the opponents in the mean time making a foul).
8. A goal shall be made when the ball is thrown or batted from the grounds into the basket and
stays there, providing those defending the goal do not touch or disturb the goal. If the ball rests
on the edges, and the opponent moves the basket, it shall count as a goal.
9. When the ball goes out of bounds, it shall be thrown into the field of play by the person first
touching it. In case of a dispute, the umpire shall throw it straight into the field. The thrower-in
is allowed five seconds; if he holds it longer, it shall go to the opponent. If any side persists in
delaying the game, the umpire shall call a foul on that side.
10. The umpire shall be judge of the men and shall note the fouls and notify the referee when three
consecutive fouls have been made. He shall have power to disqualify men according to Rule 5.
11. The referee shall be judge of the ball and shall decide when the ball is in play, in bounds, to
which side it belongs, and shall keep the time. He shall decide when a goal has been made, and
keep account of the goals with any other duties that are usually performed by a referee.
12. The time shall be two 15-minute halves, with five minutes' rest between.
13. The side making the most goals in that time shall be declared the winner. In case of a draw, the
game may, by agreement of the captains, be continued until another goal is made.

The first game of basketball was a 9 vs 9 contest according to Naismith’s rule book but over the years,
the laws have been changed and fine-tuned to make what we know as modern-day basketball.
HISTORY OF BASKETBALL
Basketball was invented in December 1891 by the Canadian clergyman, educator, and physician James
Naismith. Naismith introduced the game when he was an instructor at the Young Men's Christian
Association Training School (now Springfield College) in Springfield, Massachusetts. At the request of his
superior, Dr. Luther H. Gulick, he organized a vigorous recreation suitable for indoor winter play. The
game involved elements of American football, soccer, and hockey, and the first ball used was a soccer
ball. Teams had nine players, and the goals were wooden peach baskets affixed to the walls. By 1897-
1898, teams of five became standard. The game rapidly spread nationwide and to Canada and other
parts of the world, played by both women and men; it also became a popular informal outdoor game.
U.S. servicemen in World War II (1939-1945) popularized the sport in many other countries.

A number of U.S. colleges adopted the game between about 1893 and 1895. In 1934 the first college
games were staged in New York City's Madison Square Garden, and college basketball began to attract
heightened interest. By the 1950s basketball had become a major college sport, thus paving the way for
a growth of interest in professional basketball.

The first pro league, the National Basketball League, was formed in 1898 to protect players from
exploitation and to promote a less rough game. This league only lasted five years before disbanding; its
demise spawned a number of loosely organized leagues throughout the northeastern United States. One
of the first and greatest pro teams was the Original Celtics, organized about 1915 in New York City. They
played as many as 150 games a season and dominated basketball until 1936. The Harlem Globetrotters,
founded in 1927, a notable exhibition team, specializes in amusing court antics and expert ball handling.

In 1949 two subsequent professional leagues, the National Basketball League (formed in 1937) and the
Basketball Association of America (1946) merged to create the National Basketball Association (NBA).
The Boston Celtics, led by their center Bill Russell, dominated the NBA from the late 1950s through the
1960s. By the 1960s, pro teams from coast to coast played before crowds of many millions annually.
Wilt Chamberlain, a center for the Los Angeles Lakers, was another leading player during the era, and his
battles with Russell were eagerly anticipated. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, also a center, came to prominence
during the 1970s. Jabbar perfected his famed "sky hook" shot while playing for the Los Angeles Lakers
and dominated the opposition.

The NBA suffered a drop in popularity during the late 1970s, but was resuscitated, principally through
the growing popularity of its most prominent players. Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics, and Magic
Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers are credited with injecting excitement into the league in the 1980s
through their superior skills and decade-long rivalry. During the late 1980s Michael Jordan of the
Chicago Bulls rose to stardom and helped the Bulls dominate the NBA during the early 1990s. A new
generation of basketball stars, including Shaquille O'Neal of the Orlando Magic and Larry Johnson of the
Charlotte Hornets, have sustained the NBA's growth in popularity.

In 1959 a Basketball Hall of Fame was founded in Springfield, Massachusetts. Its rosters include the
names of great players, coaches, referees, and people who have contributed significantly to the
development of the game. The formation of both the National Basketball League, and the Basketball
Association of America created a strong attraction nationwide, to Canada and other places around the
world. The game of basketball had become a worldwide phenomenon in the matter of a few years. The
development and growth in the NBA since the year 2000 has meant anything from isotonic drink
sponsors, trainer brands, hot dog companies and online casino brands all wanted to grab a slice of the
NBA exposure. This resulted in an increased amount of coverage towards the game, meaning
sponsorship and endorsement deals came flooding through from many avenues.

From financial organizations to tech giants; clothing manufacturers to betting companies, everyone now
wants a piece of the NBA. Betting companies in particular have taken a very keen liking to the
competition in recent years, with the NBA now boasting multiple sponsors from that industry, all looking
to use the league's popularity and reach to push their brand and ensure that their NBA betting
promotions get as much exposure as possible.

The most indispensable part of holding a basketball game is the prize. The most common one is a medal,
which is not only a prize but also a symbol of honor. It can also motivate everyone to participate in the
competition to a certain extent. It is a very exciting moment to award medals to the winners.

RULES OF BASKETBALL

Basketball is a team sport and the game is played between two sides. The core objective in a basketball
game is to score points by putting the ball inside the hoop (basket) and to prevent the opposing team
from doing the same.

A basketball game starts at the centre of the court when the ball is thrown high up by the referee and
one player from each team competing to gain possession. The team that catches the ball, or in
possession, is called the offensive team while the team not on the ball is the defensive team.

The offensive team plays with the intent of getting the ball through the opposition hoop or scoring a
field goal after moving the ball around the court by passing or dribbling the ball, abiding by a fixed set of
basketball rules.

BASKETBALL COURT

The ball is moved down the court toward the basket by passing or dribbling. The team with the ball is
called the offense. The team without the ball is called the defense. The defense tries to steal the ball,
contest shots, deflect passes, and garner rebounds.
POINTS

Two-Point Shot: When a player makes a basket from inside the three-point arc, it is referred to as a two-
point shot. This type of shot earns the team two points.

Three-Point Shot: If a player makes a basket from outside the three-point arc, it is considered a three-
point shot. These shots are often referred to as three-pointers and earn the team three points.

Free Throw: Free throws are awarded to a team when the opposition commits a foul. Each successfully
made free throw is worth one point.

Fouling a Shooter: When a player is fouled while attempting a shot, the number of free throws awarded
depends on where the shot was taken. If the shot was taken beyond the three-point line, the shooter is
awarded three free throws. If the shot was taken inside the three-point line, the shooter is awarded two
free throws.

Accumulated Fouls: If a team commits a certain number of fouls during a half, known as "team fouls,"
the opposing team is awarded free throws. Once the team fouls threshold is reached, the player who
was fouled is given a "1-and-1" opportunity. If they successfully make the first free throw, they get to
attempt a second. If they miss the first shot, the ball is live and can be rebounded by either team.

In accordance with basketball rules, a foul occurs when there is illegal physical contact or obstruction by
a defender against an offensive player who is attempting a shot. The intention of the defender is not
relevant in determining whether a foul has occurred.

A FIBA sanctioned basketball game typically consists of four quarters, each lasting 10 minutes. At
halftime, the teams switch sides on the court. The team with the higher number of points at the end of
the four quarters wins the match. If the score is tied at the end of regulation time, the game can go into
an overtime period to determine the winner.

GAME CLOCK

- A basketball game is divided into sections, and at all levels, it consists of two halves. In college
basketball, each half is twenty minutes long. In high school and below, the halves are divided
into eight (and sometimes six) minute quarters. However, in professional basketball, quarters
are twelve minutes long. There is a gap of several minutes between the two halves of the game,
allowing for teams to rest and regroup. The gaps between quarters are relatively short. If the
score is tied at the end of regulation time, then overtime periods of various lengths are played
until a winner emerges.

SHOT CLOCK

- Shot clock is a separate timer that is used to regulate the amount of time a team has to attempt
a shot. In professional basketball, the shot clock is set at 24 seconds, while in college and high
school basketball, it may be set at a different value (typically 30 or 35 seconds). When a team
gains possession of the ball, they must attempt a shot before the shot clock expires. If they fail
to do so, it results in a turnover and the opposing team gains possession.
NUMBER OF PLAYERS IN BASKETBALL

The number of players in a traditional basketball team is 12, with five players on the court at any given
time. Unlimited substitutions are allowed throughout the game.

The five players on the court can be assigned to different positions:

1. Point Guard: The point guard is typically a player with excellent ball-handling skills and court vision.
They orchestrate offensive and defensive plays and create scoring opportunities for their teammates.

2. Shooting Guard: The shooting guard is usually the team's best long-range and mid-range shooter.
They constantly look for three-pointers and help create space near the basket for their teammates by
drawing defenders out wide.

3. Small Forward: The small forward position requires a versatile skill set. It involves a combination of
strength, height, speed, dribbling abilities, and mid-range to short-range shooting skills.

4. Power Forward: The power forward is similar to a small forward but with a greater emphasis on
physicality. They act as a complement to the center and are the team's reliable scorers from inside the
paint.

5. Center: The center is typically the tallest player on the team. Their role is to occupy the space near the
basket on both ends of the court. Defensively, they are responsible for grabbing rebounds and blocking
opposition shots. Offensively, they finish off short-range moves and create opportunities for their
teammates.

The roles and responsibilities of each position are:

Center: Centers are generally the tallest players and are positioned near the basket. Offensively, their
goal is to get open for a pass, shoot, and block defenders to create opportunities for their teammates.
They are also expected to get offensive rebounds and put-backs. Defensively, their main responsibility is
to block shots and passes in the key area while grabbing rebounds.

Forward: The forwards are the next tallest players on the team. They may play under the hoop or
operate in the wings and corner areas. Offensively, their responsibilities include getting free for a pass,
taking outside shots, driving for goals, and rebounding. Defensively, they focus on preventing drives to
the goal and rebounding.

Guard: Guards are potentially the shortest players on the team but excel in dribbling, court vision, and
passing. Their main role is to bring the ball down the court and set up offensive plays. Offensively, they
are responsible for dribbling, passing, setting up plays, driving to the basket, and shooting from the
perimeter. Defensively, guards are responsible for stealing passes, contesting shots, preventing drives to
the hoop, and boxing out.
BASKET ASSIGNMENT AND TIP-OFF

- Also, each team is assigned a basket or goal to defend. This means that the other basket is their
scoring basket. At halftime, the teams switch goals. The game begins with one player from
either team at center court. A referee will toss the ball up between the two. The player that gets
his hands on the ball will tip it to a teammate. This is called a tip-off.

FOULS AND VIOLATIONS

In addition to stealing the ball from an opposing player, there are other ways for a team to get the ball.
One such way is if the other team commits a foul or violation.

FOULS

Personal fouls: Personal fouls include any type of illegal physical contact.

 Hitting
 Pushing
 Slapping
 Holding
 Illegal pick/screen -- when an offensive player is moving. When an offensive player sticks out a
limb and makes physical contact with a defender in an attempt to block the path of the
defender.

Personal foul penalties: If a player is shooting while a being fouled, then he gets two free throws if his
shot doesn't go in, but only one free throw if his shot does go in.

 Three free throws are awarded if the player is fouled while shooting for a three-point goal and
they miss their shot. If a player is fouled while shooting a three-point shot and makes it anyway,
he is awarded one free throw. Thus, he could score four points on the play.

 Inbounds. If fouled while not shooting, the ball is given to the team the foul was committed
upon. They get the ball at the nearest side or baseline, out of bounds, and have 5 seconds to
pass the ball onto the court.

 One & one. If the team committing the foul has seven or more fouls in the game, then the
player who was fouled is awarded one free throw. If he makes his first shot, then he is awarded
another free throw.

 Ten or more fouls. If the team committing the foul has ten or more fouls, then the fouled player
receives two free throws.

Charging. An offensive foul that is committed when a player pushes or runs over a defensive player. The
ball is given to the team that the foul was committed upon.

Blocking. Blocking is illegal personal contact resulting from a defender not establishing position in time
to prevent an opponent's drive to the basket.
Flagrant foul. Violent contact with an opponent. This includes hitting, kicking, and punching. This type of
foul results in free throws plus the offense retaining possession of the ball after the free throws.

Intentional foul. When a player makes physical contact with another player with no reasonable effort to
steal the ball. It is a judgment call for the officials.

Technical foul. Technical foul. A player or a coach can commit this type of foul. It does not involve player
contact or the ball but is instead about the 'manners' of the game. Foul language, obscenity, obscene
gestures, and even arguing can be considered a technical foul, as can technical details regarding filling in
the scorebook improperly or dunking during warm-ups.

VIOLATIONS

1. Walking/Traveling: Taking more than 'a step and a half' without dribbling the ball is considered
traveling. Additionally, moving your pivot foot once you've stopped dribbling is also traveling.

2. Carrying/Palming: When a player dribbles the ball with his hand too far to the side of or under the
ball, it is considered carrying/palming violation.

3. Double Dribble: Dribbling the ball with both hands on the ball at the same time or picking up the
dribble and then dribbling again is a double dribble violation.

4. Held Ball: When two or more opposing players gain possession of the ball at the same time, the
referee stops the action and awards the ball to one team or the other on a rotating basis to avoid
prolonged tussles.

5. Goaltending: If a defensive player interferes with a shot while it's on the way down toward the basket,
on the way up toward the basket after touching the backboard, or when it's in the cylinder above the
rim, it is goaltending and the shot counts. If committed by an offensive player, it's a violation and the
ball is awarded to the opposing team.

6. Backcourt Violation: Once the offense has brought the ball across the mid-court line, they cannot go
back across the line during possession. If they do, the ball is awarded to the other team to inbound.

7. Time Restrictions: A player passing the ball inbounds has five seconds to pass the ball. Failure to do so
results in the ball being awarded to the other team. Additional time restrictions include the rule that a
player cannot hold the ball for more than five seconds when closely guarded, and in some states and
levels, there are shot-clock restrictions requiring a team to attempt a shot within a given time frame.

8. Three-Second Rule: During an attack, an offensive player isn't allowed to stay in the opposition key for
over three seconds without attempting a shot. This results in a lane violation.

In addition, offensive players need to adhere to the following rules:

- Dribbling: An offensive player can keep the basketball moving around the court by dribbling or
passing the ball to a teammate. A player needs to bounce the ball against the floor continuously
using one hand at a time. Using both hands simultaneously or touching the ball twice before it
bounces once constitutes a double dribble violation.
 - Traveling: If a player stops dribbling and then starts dribbling again, it is considered a double
dribble violation. While receiving a ball on the move, a player is allowed to take a maximum of
two steps before passing, shooting, or starting a dribble. Running with the ball is not allowed
and results in a traveling violation.

- Pivot Foot: When in a stationary position while receiving a ball or after stopping a dribble, a
player needs to establish a pivot foot. They must stay planted in the same spot while swerving
or turning until a pass or shot is made. Players cannot lift or displace the pivot foot until the ball
leaves their hands. Failure to comply results in a traveling violation.

Defensive players also need to be aware of the following violation:

- Goaltending: A defensive player is not allowed to block or touch the ball when it is in a
downward trajectory towards the basket. This is called a goaltending violation.

BASKETBALL EQUIPMENT
1. The Ball
Professional leagues such as the NBA have very precise parameters for the official basketball they
use. This includes color, material, size, air pressure, and bounce. The main thing to know about the
basketball is the size. There are different sizes for different ages as well as for boys and for girls.

 Standard Mens Basketball (Size 7) - This is the size used by the NCAA men, boys high
school, as well as the NBA. It has a circumference between 29.5 and 30 inches and
weighs between 20 and 22 ounces.
 Standard Womens Basketball (Size 6) - This is the basketball used by NCAA women, girls
high school, and the WNBA. It is between 28.5 and 29 inches in circumference and
weighs 18-20 ounces.
 Junior Basketball (Size 5) - The junior size basketball is for boys and girls between the
ages of 8-12. It is between 27.25 to 27.75 inches in circumference and weighs 14-16
ounces.
 Mini Basketball (Size 3) - For young children ages 5-8, the mini ball is 22 to 22.5 inches
in circumference and weighs 10.5 to 11.25 ounces.

2. Basket
The basket is made up of the backboard, rim, and net. The rim is 18 inches in diameter. A regulation
backboard is 72 inches wide by 48 inches tall, although you will find backboards can vary in size.

The rim should be 10 feet from the ground. Typically a 10 foot rim is used from ages 6th grade and
older. For younger kids you can lower the goal so that they can take a proper shot at the goal. For
kindergarten through second grade children you can try a 6-foot goal. Then move it up to 8 feet for
3rd and 4th grade. Try nine feet for 5th grade. Of course, this depends on the size, strength, and skill
of the player.
 The basketball net hooks onto eight rungs on the bottom of the rim. It hangs down around 15 to 18
inches. The net helps to slow the ball coming through the hoop and also to help see whether a basket
was made or not.

3. Uniform
The basketball uniform generally consists of a tank top and shorts. You also need socks and some
good basketball type sneakers. Basketball sneakers are good for all the starting and stopping
required in the game. You can choose high tops, low tops, or three quarter height shoes. If you play
under the basket a lot you may want high tops to help protect you from getting a twisted ankle.

You should not wear a watch or a shirt with buttons while playing basketball. These can scratch or
get caught on other players. Also, you may want to wear a mouthpiece to protect your teeth.

4. Basketball Hoop: A basketball hoop consists of a rim and a net attached to a backboard. It is typically
made of metal and is mounted on a pole or attached to a wall. The standard height for a basketball
hoop is 10 feet from the ground.

5. Backboard: The backboard is a rectangular board behind the basket. It provides a surface for the ball
to bounce off when shooting. Backboards are usually made of tempered glass, acrylic, or
polycarbonate.

6. Basketball Court: A basketball court is where the game is played. It is a rectangular surface with
specific dimensions and markings. The court is typically made of wood or synthetic materials and is
divided into two halves by a midcourt line.

7. Basketball Shoes: Basketball shoes are specifically designed for the sport. They provide support,
cushioning, and traction to athletes while playing. Basketball shoes usually have a high-top or mid-
top design to protect the ankle and reduce the risk of injuries.

8. Shot Clock: The shot clock is a device used to time how long a team has to attempt a shot. It ensures
that teams do not hold onto the ball for an extended period and promotes a faster-paced game.

9. Whistle: The referee uses a whistle to signal various violations, fouls, and the start and stop of play.
The whistle allows for effective communication with the players and the enforcement of the rules.

10. Scoreboard: A scoreboard is used to display the score, game time, and various statistics during a
basketball game. It helps players, coaches, and spectators keep track of the game's progress.

11. Additional accessories may include basketball training aids, shooting sleeves, knee pads, and water
bottles for hydration.