Sport 0302

Basketball

Canonical metadata for Basketball. All data originates from portal contributions and moderator approvals. Keep the taxonomy growing via thecontribute workspace.

Slug

basketball

Status

ACTIVE

Key facts

  • OriginUnited States, 1891 (Dr. James Naismith)
  • Court dimensions94 × 50 ft (NBA), 28 × 15 m (FIBA)
  • Governing bodyInternational Basketball Federation (FIBA)

Snapshot

Fast-paced, five-on-five competition defined by fluid possessions, above-the-rim athleticism, and global superstar talent.

Gameplay

Teams alternate possessions aiming to convert shots inside and beyond the arc. Modern offenses emphasize spacing, pick-and-roll actions, and pace, while defenses rotate through switches, zones, and aggressive trapping schemes.

Overview

Invented as an indoor winter conditioning activity, basketball has evolved into a global sport embraced by grassroots programs and professional circuits alike. Its blend of coordination, spacing, and skill has kept barriers to entry relatively low.

Culture

Sneaker culture, international tournaments, and analytics-driven roster construction define the modern era. Streetball scenes inform professional flair, and the Summer Olympics spotlight national rivalries on a four-year cadence.