The Evolution of Basketball

A sport loved by many enthusiasts is basketball. It has become one of the most watched sports in television and the sport usually played by most individuals. It is a sport that is present in all parts of the globe. It has gathered millions of fanatics, and it undoubtedly entertains the public. Every individual would usually aspire to become a member of a basketball team and have the chance to play. Basketball is a sport and a form of exercise because it allows the player to move his body and thus, provide him benefits of a healthy individual. However, how did basketball evolved?

Basketball was quite different a few years back. In 1891, Dr. James Naismith thought of an activity that would provide adequate fitness to his students. It was winter and most activities were held indoor. He then started formulating the game and end up using an ordinary basket that was raised a few feet up in the air and a brown ball that would be thrown to the basket. What’s unusual about the basket is, it doesn't have a portal of exit, which means, the ball is stuck in the basket and the players would have to climb up and manually get the ball back themselves. They found this to be so impractical that is why a few years later they bored a hole on the basket allowing the ball to pass freely. After certain plans of modification, the old ordinary basket was replaced by a metallic ring which is the one commonly used today. Then, it was followed by the introduction of a backboard where the metallic ring is attached to allow the ball to bounce back closer to the player upon shooting. It then started to become popular, and it spread like a virus all throughout the United States of America and near countries. In the past, women also engaged in the sport, and they were eager to join, but they have different set of rules for their game. After a few decades, the National Basketball League was formed, and they redeemed the controversies of the old basketball game. In the 20th century, it has widely become a practiced sport of many colleges.

By this time, another development was made with the equipments used in the game. The old brown ball used during the first games was replaced by an orange ball that was more visible and this is the ball used by most professional games today. There were tournaments in high schools and colleges both men and women playing separately, and it was well celebrated. It then became a national sport in the U.S. wherein players from different parts of the country are to compete with neighboring places. In 1946, the Basketball Association of America was established. Then there was a greater move during the following years, wherein the National Basketball League merged with the Basketball Association of America forming the famous and elite basketball league in the world, the National Basketball Association. The rules and regulations of the game were restructured into a more appealing one. It was not too different in comparison to the first basketball. There were just few additions like dribbling, rebounding and blocking; which was not part of the original game. The equipments and also the court where the game shall be held are accurately measured with specific measurements. Violations are strictly noted and penalties were incorporated. The league started producing great players and was idolized by most individuals. After its success in the US, it started spreading in all parts of the world. Other enthusiasts wanted to experience the game, and it became a worldwide phenomenon. There were even instances wherein players from a certain country get to compete with other players from a different country.

Until this very moment, basketball still exists and has become more popular. Even small children are into the sport. It is included in most competitions and tournaments. The National Basketball Association, which still exists today, continues to produce great players that become icons whom, people continue to praise and idolize. Basketball has definitely come a long way, and it will forever be a sport loved by many.