Basketball is a dynamic team sport played between two teams of five players each on a rectangular court. The objective is to score points by shooting a ball through the opponent's hoop, which is mounted 10 feet high on a backboard at each end of the court. Here are some key aspects of basketball:

1. Court: The standard basketball court is 94 feet long and 50 feet wide, with markings for boundaries, a center circle, and a three-point line.

2. Teams: Each team consists of five players who play positions such as point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, and center.

3. Scoring: Teams score by shooting the ball through the opponent's hoop. A field goal made from outside the three-point line earns three points, while shots made from inside the arc are worth two points. Free throws, awarded for certain fouls, are worth one point each.

4. Gameplay: The game is divided into quarters (typically four quarters in professional play), each lasting a specific amount of time. The team with the most points at the end of regulation time wins the game.

5. Rules: Basketball has various rules regarding dribbling (bouncing the ball while moving), passing, shooting, fouls, and violations like traveling or double dribbling.

6. Skills: Players require a combination of skills including dribbling, passing, shooting, rebounding (collecting missed shots), and defense to be effective.

7. Strategy: Coaches develop strategies for offense and defense, often utilizing tactics like fast breaks, pick-and-rolls, zone defense, and man-to-man defense.

8. Popularity: Basketball is one of the most popular sports globally, with professional leagues like the NBA (National Basketball Association) in the United States and EuroLeague in Europe attracting large audiences.

Overall, basketball is known for its fast pace, skillful maneuvers, and dramatic moments, making it a beloved sport both for players and spectators worldwide.