Basketball is a team sport played on an indoor or outdoor court. It involves two teams, each typically consisting of five players, who aim to score points by shooting a ball through the opposing team’s hoop or basket, which is elevated 10 feet off the ground. The game is played with a round, typically orange ball, and players use various techniques, such as dribbling, passing, and shooting, to move the ball and score.

The sport is characterized by its fast-paced nature, where players must exhibit agility, coordination, and teamwork. Basketball is governed by rules that dictate how the game is played, including regulations regarding dribbling, fouls, and scoring. The team that scores the most points by the end of the game wins.

Originating in the late 19th century in the United States, basketball has since become one of the most popular sports globally, with professional leagues such as the NBA (National Basketball Association) attracting millions of fans. The sport is also played recreationally at various levels, from school to international competition.