Basket Ball

Basketball is a sport in which two teams of five players each try to score points by shooting a ball through a hoop that is 10 feet high and mounted to a backboard at each end of the playing court. The game is played on a rectangular floor with baskets at both ends and the court is divided into two main sections by the mid-court line.

Time: A standard basketball game is divided into four quarters, each lasting 12 minutes. In some professional leagues, the quarters may be longer. There is a halftime break of 15 minutes after the second quarter. If the game is tied at the end of regulation time, an additional overtime period may be played to determine the winner.

Referees: There are usually three referees in a basketball game. Their job is to enforce the rules, call fouls, and make sure the game is played in a fair and safe manner. Referees also have the power to eject players who engage in unsportsmanlike behavior.

Players: A basketball team consists of five players on the court at one time, and seven or more players on the bench who can substitute into the game. Each player has a specific position and role, including the center, power forward, small forward, shooting guard, and point guard. The center is usually the tallest player and is responsible for playing near the basket and blocking shots. The other players have various roles, such as scoring points, facilitating offense, and playing defense.

Tournaments: There are many basketball tournaments at both the amateur and professional levels, including the National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals, the Euro League Final Four, and the FIBA World Cup. College basketball also has its own tournaments, including the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament, commonly referred to as March Madness. These tournaments determine the best teams and players in the world and are watched by millions of fans.