Basketball is a popular team sport played on a rectangular court. The objective is to score points by shooting a ball through the opponent's basket, which is elevated 10 feet above the ground. Each team consists of five players, and the game is played in four quarters. Players can dribble, pass, and shoot the ball while trying to outscore the opposing team. The game was invented in 1891 by James Naismith, a physical education instructor. It has since grown into a major global sport, with professional leagues like the NBA in the United States. Basketball promotes teamwork, coordination, and physical fitness.