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Basketball

In basketball two teams of five try to throw a ball through a hoop 10 feet high. A shot is worth 2 points, 3 from beyond the arc and 1 for a free throw.

๐Ÿ’ก Fun fact

Basketball was invented in 1891 by James Naismith.

All about Basketball

Basketball is played by two teams of five players who try to throw a ball through a hoop 10 feet (about 3 metres) above the floor. Points are scored with field goals worth two or three points, and free throws worth one point.

Players dribble, pass and shoot, and they must not run with the ball without bouncing it. Basketball improves coordination, speed and teamwork, and it was invented in 1891 by James Naismith.

๐ŸŽฎ Try it yourself!

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Real-life uses of Basketball

  • Shooting hoops at the local park
  • Playing as a team in a school league
  • Practising passing and footwork

Frequently asked questions about Basketball

What is the three-point line?

A curved line on the court. Shots taken from behind it are worth three points.

What does dribbling mean?

Bouncing the ball while moving. A player who stops dribbling cannot start again without passing or shooting.

Who invented basketball?

Canadian-American teacher James Naismith invented it in 1891 as an indoor game for winter.