Basketball is a popular team sport that originated in the United States in the late 19th century. Its inventor is considered to be James Naismith, a Canadian teacher and physical education coach. In 1891, Naismith, while working at the YMCA in Springfield, Massachusetts, conceived the idea of ​​creating a game that could keep students physically active during the winter, when outdoor activities were difficult.

To develop the rules of basketball, Naismith used his ideas about a variety of games that included elements of both team and individual competition. The main components of the game were fruit baskets, which were used as targets, and a ball, which had to be thrown into these baskets. The first games were played using simple rules and a limited area.

Since then, basketball has developed rapidly. In 1893, the first organized college tournaments began, and in 1895, the first official women's game was played. In 1936, this sport was included in the Olympic Games, which contributed to its further popularization.

In 1946, the National Basketball Association (NBA) was founded, which later became the premier professional basketball league in the world. From that moment on, basketball began to grow in popularity, winning the hearts of millions of fans around the world. The rules, playing styles and equipment changed, making the game more spectacular and attractive.

Today basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world. He actively plays not only at the professional level, but also in amateur leagues, school competitions and clubs. The game inspires people of different ages and cultures, becoming an important part of sports life. With the advancement of technology, basketball has also found its way into video games and popular culture, which only increases its interest and popularity.