Basketball
Basketball is a team sport which is immensely popularity and played with the help of a ball that is shot into a basket positioned horizontally. It is commonly played in rural as well as urban schools and colleges. The objective of shooting the ball is to score points by following certain rules of the game. The game is played by two teams constituting five players. It is played on a marked rectangular floor with baskets on both the ends. Basketball is one of the most popular games of America. To be a good basketball player, one must have good aim to shoot, good skills to jump, be quick and have good ball handling skills.
A referee tosses the ball at the center of the court between the two players from each team. The player who gets hands on the ball passes it to his teammate. To score a goal, a team has to shoot the ball through the basket. If a basket is scored from a distance closer to the three-point line, 2 points are awarded to the team. If a basket is scored from a distance behind the three-point line than 3 points are awarded to the team. The team with maximum number of points by the end of the game is the winner. However, in case of a draw, additional time may be allotted.
A player advances towards the basket while running, dribbling or passing the ball to another teammate. A player is not allowed to move holding the ball without dribbling it. Similarly, a physical contact that disrupts the member or members of other team is counted as a foul. The fouled player is awarded a free throw.
Basketball is a game of techniques and positioning. Passing, shooting and dribbling have to be done in appropriate manner. Players have to be in their right position to offend and defend to achieve or prevent a goal. Height of the team members gives an advantage in shooting. Such members are positioned appropriately at the ‘center’, ‘power forward’ and ‘small forward’ positions. The shorter players or those who have the best ball handling skills and speed are positioned at ‘point ground’ or ‘shooting guard’.
The National Baseball Association has featured many famous players including George Mikan, the first dominating big man’, ball-handling wizard Bob Cousy and defensive genius Bill Russell. These three men are always credited for uplifting the professional game of basketball to its highest level of popularity.
