The original beginning of the popular game of basketball has always been open to debate. Possibly missionaries in China invented it or the game could have just evolved from other ball orientated games. In the late 19th Century basketball had many similarities to team handball. Team handball required two teams of seven players to attempt to score by trying to throw a ball into a goal on the ground.
Around 1891 a Canadian minister working as one of the staff in a college for young professionals began to develop the sport of basketball. He was wondering what indoor sporting activity the students could practice to keep themselves fit and healthy in the wintertime. After researching various indoor sports that were around at the time suitable for a gymnasium he came to the conclusion he would be better off devising his own sporting activity.
He gathered together two peach baskets and wrote down a few basic rules. The peach baskets were nailed 10 feet high on opposite ends of the gym and he used sacks for nets. The students originally played with soccer balls and had to poke the ball out of the peach basket every time the ball went in.
On January 20th 1892 the players walked out onto court for the first official basketball game. The game was played in a YMCA gym on a court that was half the size of a regular modern day basketball court. Women also began to play the sport in the same year, as the sport was gaining popularity. As the early years went by the game rules were changed and refined into modern day rules. Initially the YMCA popularised the game of basketball but as it became more popular it attracted more rowdy crowds and occasional rough behaviour from the players, so it was slightly discouraged from the missions.
A brown ball was later used to replace the longstanding soccer ball. It was not until the 1950s that an orange ball was introduced to the game. This was designed with more bounce, and an increased visibility to the players and spectators. The game was now becoming very popular with its enthusiastic supporters. The art of dribbling the ball was then introduced, almost as a by-product of having an extra bouncy ball. Today basketball can be added to the list of games played world wide. It is also a game invented by North Americans, and to many an integral part of American culture.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Who gave Thomas Jefferson his fur lined coat
By: evenyearboys03 | 17-08-2008
Who gave Thomas Jefferson his fur lined coat
Lake Pend Oreille Schoolbus drownings
By: JoAnn | 17-08-2008
I would like to know about the schoolbus that accidentally drove off of the long bridge crossing Lake Pend Oreille many years ago. I don't know when. All of the children and driver drowned. The bus was never recovered, and only some of the childrens clothing floated to the top.
I am looking for the rules for Bolivia, a Canasta ...
By: ebrow5077 | 17-08-2008
I am looking for the rules for Bolivia, a Canasta type card game.
Betty
AM
By: Ldyrhonda | 17-08-2008
What was the signifancants of the western conquest after the civil war?
comparing and contrasting the two models for the ...
By: heidi | 17-08-2008
comparing and contrasting the two models for the
American criminal justice system: the crime control model and the due process model.
Which aspect of the system do you believe is more effective? Why?
Who was first owner?
By: judah5769 | 17-08-2008
2650 Perrysville Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15214
Q&A Powered by:
More from Bryan Pilkington
Top Essential Tips For a Successful Acting Career
By: Bryan Pilkington | 06/08/2008 | Careers
There are many types of acting jobs you could make a career out of. Most af these acting jobs require some form of preparation. By reading this article you will know some essential guidelines to help you in your quest for that acting job.
The Benefits of Using a Hot Tub, Spa or Whirlpool
By: Bryan Pilkington | 17/06/2008 | Wellness
One of the most effective forms of relaxation takes the form of a hot tub. After a busy and stressful day you can relax and de-stress in a hot tub, which is sometimes also referred to as a spa or a whirlpool.
Top Essential Features to Look For in a Web Hosting Company
By: Bryan Pilkington | 13/06/2008 | Web Hosting
Web Hosting is the process of storing a website on a server (computer) to make it accessible on the Internet. This article outlines essential items to consider when choosing a web host.
Grand Theft Auto 4: A Step Into Greatness Or One Step To Far?
By: Bryan Pilkington | 26/05/2008 | Computer Games
Its been four years since the eagerly awaited new installation of the Grand Theft Auto series has come into succession, but is it worth the wait? This new type of gaming brings in a whole new realism and looks in many places like you are watching a movie, with each area of scenery having a unique character, and also some unique characters!
Have Computer Video Games Any Educational Properties?
By: Bryan Pilkington | 25/05/2008 | Computer Games
If we look at video games with a view to find out if any of the games have any educational benefits, we find that amidst all the fancy graphics, the loud music and the outrageous plots are some interesting educational opportunities.
Great Ways To Free Up Our Precious Time
By: Bryan Pilkington | 18/05/2008 | ECommerce
In an ideal world you will eventually come to the point as a business owner when you will have the time to choose what you want to do in your days. You may want to hand the business over to someone else to manage while you still retain a percentage of the profits or you may want to take more time off to be with your family.