Basketball is a team sport where players compete to get the ball through a hoop on offense and stop the opposing team from scoring on their hoop on defense. It is played on a rectangular floor called a court with a basket at each end and a midcourt line. Players must dribble, or bounce, the ball on their feet as they move down the court. They may also pass or shoot the ball into the basket. Successful shots score two points, while very long shots from behind a line called the three-point line score three points.
The game can be practiced by individuals or groups of players and can be played indoors or outdoors. It is often played on an asphalt court with a goal at each end, but it can also be played on grass, concrete or other smooth surfaces. The ball used in the game is a round leather ball with a circumference of 29.5 inches. The game was invented in 1891 by a Canadian named James Naismith. It was first played in the United States in 1892 and later became popular worldwide.
Most beginners to basketball have trouble controlling the ball because they are accustomed to touching objects with their palms. The best players use their fingertips and peripheral vision to keep control of the ball. They don’t look at it as they dribble, but if they do lose sight of the ball, they stick their elbows out to block someone trying to steal the ball from them.
In addition to shooting, dribbling, passing and defending are essential skills. Many beginners focus solely on shooting, but to excel at the game, players must learn to dribble and pass well. They also need to know how to defend effectively by using man-to-man, zone or fullcourt defense strategies.
Shorter players have a distinct advantage in basketball because they can easily navigate crowded areas of the court and can reach low to defend shots from the low post. They can also use their shorter height to their advantage by passing the ball over taller defenders.
It is important for basketball players to develop a good vertical leap so they can jump high when shooting and make difficult rebounds. They should also focus on stretching and conditioning their legs before playing, and they should warm up and cool down after playing. They should also hydrate frequently to avoid dehydration and heat exhaustion. A good rule of thumb is to drink about a cup of water every 15 minutes while playing basketball. Finally, players should check with their doctors before playing any sports to ensure they are healthy enough for the game. They should also wear protective gear when practicing and playing the game. This can help prevent injuries. They should also check with their doctor if they experience any pain or discomfort while playing. The doctor can recommend exercises to strengthen the muscles and joints in the legs. This will prevent injury and increase the player’s ability to perform at a high level.