Invented in 1891 by James Naismith in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA, basketball has a long and rich history. Fast-paced, dynamic and exciting, it is one of the most popular and widely followed sports globally, with over 3.3 billion fans globally. The number of people playing basketball and engaging digitally with the sport continues to soar.
A DYNAMIC TEAM SPORT PLAYED IN ALL CORNERS OF THE WORLD
Basketball is a sport played by millions of people around the world – from the local grassroots and community level to the elite global stars who step out at the prestigious FIBA Basketball World Cups and the Olympics.
Basketball is typically played with two teams of five players each, selected from a roster of up to 12, on a rectangular court. The main objective is to score by shooting the basketball through the opponent's hoop at each end of the court while preventing the opposing team from scoring.
Players advance the ball by dribbling or passing to teammates, with violations occurring if they lift or drag their pivot foot without dribbling, carry the ball, or resume dribbling after holding it with both hands. Offensive players use various shots like layups, jump shots, and dunks to score, with a field goal worth two points unless made from beyond the three-point line. After a foul, the fouled player may take free throws worth one point each.
Defensively, players attempt to intercept passes, steal the ball, or block shots without fouling, and either team can collect rebounds from missed shots that bounce off the rim or backboard. The game is usually played in four 10-minute quarters, and the team with the most points at the end wins; if tied, a 5-minute overtime is added.
While modern basketball is fluid, with players often assuming multiple roles, taller players typically play forward or center near the basket, guards are smaller and quicker, handling the ball more, and wing players are versatile, switching between guard and forward positions.
FIBA sanctions and organizes international competitions at national team level for basketball, 3x3 and eFIBA.