Safekipedia

Basketball

Adapted from Wikipedia · Explorer experience

Two high school students playing basketball during a game in the United States.

Basketball

Basketball is a fun game played by two teams. Each team has five players. The goal is to throw a ball through a hoop to score points. The team with the most points at the end wins!

Basketball was invented in 1891 by James Naismith in Springfield, Massachusetts. He wanted to keep his students active indoors during winter. He used a peach basket and a soccer ball. Today, basketball is played all over the world.

There are different positions on a basketball team, like the center, power forward, small forward, shooting guard, and point guard. Each position has special jobs in playing and defending.

Basketball is very popular. The top professional league is the National Basketball Association (NBA). Big international tournaments like the FIBA Basketball World Cup and the Men's Olympic Basketball Tournament bring together the best teams from many countries. There are also important competitions for women, such as the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup and the women's Olympic basketball tournament, along with leagues like the WNBA.

People enjoy playing simpler versions of basketball, like three-on-three or one-on-one. These are great ways to practice and have fun with friends!

Images

Portrait of Dr. James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, taken around 1920 at Springfield College.
The first basketball team at the University of Kansas in 1899, including Coach James Naismith on the far right.
Basketball players in action during a game between the Minnesota Lynx and Chicago Sky.
US and Mexican basketball teams competing in the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
A historic photo of the Smith College class of 1902 basketball team, showing women in early athletic clothing called bloomers.
Australian women's basketball team celebrating their gold medal win at the 2006 World Championship.
Brittney Griner receiving the Wade Trophy at the WBCA Awards show in Denver, Colorado.
A basketball hoop with a backboard and a countdown timer showing the end of a game.
The first basketball court at Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Related articles

Game
James Naismith
Springfield, Massachusetts
Center (basketball)
Power forward
Small forward

This article is a child-friendly adaptation of the Wikipedia article on Basketball, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Images from Wikimedia Commons. Tap any image to view credits and license.