Basketball is an exciting, fast-paced sport loved by millions of people around the world. The game is played on a rectangular court by two teams of five players each. The main goal is simple: score points by throwing a bouncy orange ball through the opponent’s hoop, which hangs ten feet high in the air, while defending your own basket.

The action never stops because players must constantly run up and down the court. To move with the ball, a player must bounce it continuously on the floor with one hand, a skill called dribbling. Players also pass the ball to teammates to find an open shot.

Scoring depends on where a player shoots from. A standard basket inside the main area is worth two points. However, if a player sinks a shot from far away—behind the large curved three-point line—it earns three points.

Basketball is incredibly popular because it is so easy to play. You do not need a lot of expensive gear. With just a ball and a hoop at a local park or school playground, anyone can practice, stay active, and enjoy the game with friends.