The Invention of Basketball
In 1891, Springfield College instructor and graduate student James Naismith invented the game, which has since grown into the worldwide athletic phenomenon that it is today. Students at Springfield College continue to be innovators and leaders in their fields.
Naismith recalled a childhood game of ro ck-tossing. The school commissioned Naismith tocreate a new indoor sport. The team with the most balls in the target would be the winner. Consider a game in which players throw a ball at a target. Naismith named his new game “basketball”and devised 13 rules for it.
The equipment consisted of two peach baskets and a soccerball. Naismith nailed the baskets 10 feet above the floor at each end of the gym. Each team had nine players. For the first tipoff,Naismith tossed the ball into the air. Basketball was invented on December 21,1891 in Springfield, Massachusetts.
The new sport quickly grew in popularity. Naismith’s students went on to become teachers and coaches, spreading the game. Teams sprung up at high schools and colleges. Boys and girls across the nation began playing basketball.
Rules changes made the game more fun. Dribbling was allowed. Backboards were added to make scoring easier. The peach basket was replaced with a net that allowed the ball to go through, speeding up play. A new ball was introduced, one that was easier to dribble and shoot.
Rules changes made the amusement more fun. Spilling was permitted. Backboards were included to create scoring simpler. The peach wicker container was supplanted with a net that permitted the ball to go through, speeding up play. A unused ball was presented, one that was less demanding to spill and shoot.
Fans flocked to get a glimpse of this exciting new sport Soon the professional league was created. In the 1920s, professional teams such as the original Celtics and Harlem drew huge crowds on tours across the country. The game has spread to all corners of the worldFans flocked to get a glimpse of this exciting new sport Soon the professional league was created. In the 1920s, professional teams such as the original Celtics and Harlem drew huge crowds on tours across the country. The game has spread to all corners of the world
Basketball became an Olympic sport in 1936 In the first basketball game at the Olympics, Naismith put the ball in the basket. After the championship game, he presented medals to the players The game invented by James Naismith as a winter “hobby” has become a global sport.
Hooper 