Basketball is a global sport that has become extremely popular since its invention in 1891. Today, Basketball is played by over 300 million people in over 200 countries and is the most popular team sport in the world. The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) regulates the game internationally, while national organizations such as USA Basketball govern it within each country. 

Basketball is one of the most televised sports in the world and one of the most famous team sports in high schools and colleges throughout North America. 

How is it played? 

Basketball is a team sport played by two teams on a rectangular-shaped court. The real goal is to shoot a ball through a hoop high-mounted to a backboard at each end. Basketball was invented in December 1891 by Canadian-American James Naismith. 

The most common position on the court is point guard, where a player controls the offense by bringing the ball upcourt and passing it to teammates. Other players in a basketball game include shooting guard, small forward, power forward, and center. Basketball is a highly fast-paced sport that requires speed, agility, quickness, and endurance from all of its players to be successful on the court.

Basic rules of the game for newbies 

There are several basic rules that basketball players must abide by to be successful on the court. 

First, all players must have both feet behind the three-point line when they shoot or pass the ball. Also, no player may touch the ball after it has been dribbled once - this is known as "double dribbling" and is considered an illegal move.

Additionally, the offensive team has ten seconds to advance the ball past its half of the court, or else they will be called for a violation known as a "backcourt violation." The most common violations in Basketball include traveling (taking more than two steps while dribbling the ball) and shooting after time has expired. 

To prevent any contact between players, the defensive team must maintain a certain distance from offensive players, known as "the three-second rule." To score points in Basketball, teams must shoot the ball into their opponent's basket. The most common way of scoring points is by throwing the ball through the opponent's basket from within the three-point line. A successful shot is worth two points, while a shot taken from behind the three-point line is taken as a three-pointer. 

The teams may also attempt to shoot free throws by shooting the ball through an opponent's defensive ring without the benefit of being defended by an opposing player. If successful, these attempts are worth one point each. 

Finally, a team may also score points by throwing the ball into their opponent's basket after rebounding off the backboard or rim - this is known as a "field goal."

Conclusion 

Basketball is an exhilarating sport requiring speed, endurance, agility, and skill from all players on offense and defense. Regardless of your skill level, learning and practicing the game's basic rules is essential to be successful on the court. By following these simple guidelines, you can become a skilled ball player and enjoy this exciting sport for years to come!