The game of basketball started in 1891 in Springfield, Massachusetts. A Canadian gym teacher named James Naismith, thought of this game during the winter as a safer alternative than football. He also thought the game would keep them in shape and conditioned for football or another sports season. It all started with peach baskets and a soccer style ball. The objective was to throw thee basketball inside the fruit baskets. These baskets were nailed to the lower railing of the gym balcony and every time a point was scored, the game had to be stopped so the janitor could get a ladder and grab the ball from the basket. However, not much after the bottoms of the fruit baskets were removed so that the ball can go right through. The first official basketball game took place on March 11, 1982, in Springfield, Massachusetts (“History of Basketball”; “James Naismith”).
Rules
People couldn’t just run all over the place without rules so James created a basic 13 rules for the game. Some of the rules included: the ball may be thrown or batted in any direction, can’t run with the ball, ball must be held in the hands, no fouling or kicked out of the game, three consecutive fouls result in a goal for the other side, can’t move the basket, a referee must keep track of time and goals, the time must be 15 minute halves with 5 minute rests in between, and the side that makes the most goals in the given amount of time is declared the winner. These were some of the rules that were first created. The rules have changed a lot over the years and became more complex, while others remained the same. (“History of Basketball”; “James Naismith”)
Name
The name of the game came pretty easily. At first, someone proposed to call it “Naismith Game”, but Naismith denied the request. He suggested an even simpler name. James simply called the game basketball because "We have a ball and a basket: why don’t we call it basketball?" (“History of Basketball”)
History
These basic rules and items used for the game layed out the future improvements that made the game even better. The first professional league was founded in 1898, and the tickets sold for 1 dollar. Also, in 1906 metal hoops were invented with a net and a backboard, as well as the soccer ball being replaced with a Spalding ball, which is sometimes even used today. The original basketball league was founded on June 6, 1946, in New York City and was called the Basketball Association of America. Then in 1949 the league took the name National Basketball Association (NBA), which is popularly known and recognized today. The three point line in this league was first adopted in 1979, which has significantly changed the game today. The line is just a farther shot that is worth more points. People who originally played the game were taught to take the ball strong to the basket, but when the 3 point line was invented players started to continually shoot the ball from far away. The NBA is currently the most significant league in the world because of the talent, competition, and popularity. (“The History of the Three Pointer”; “History of Basketball”)
NBA
The NBA has made basketball more popular around the world due to the phenomenal athletes that have played in the league over the years. Two of the most commonly talked about players are Michael Jordan and Lebron James. Those two people are definitely the most outstanding stars that has ever played the game. (“History of Basketball”)
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