What does BASKET mean in BASKETBALL

Basketball is a team sport where two teams of five players compete against each other to try and score the most points. It is played on a rectangular court, with a hoop attached to the backboard at each end. Points are scored by shooting the ball through the hoop.

To play basketball, one team will have possession of the ball and attempt to move it down the court towards their basket by passing and dribbling. The opposing team will defend by attempting to stop them from scoring. When one team scores, they get possession of the ball and start their offensive possession again.

Some of the basic rules for playing basketball include no traveling (taking more than two steps without dribbling), no double-dribbling (dribbling twice in succession), no goaltending (touching the ball when it is above the rim), and no palming or carrying (holding or bouncing a ball while running).

The type of equipment needed to play basketball includes a regulation size basketball, an appropriate playing surface, a hoop and net attached to backboard, plus any other safety equipment necessary such as knee pads or protective eyewear. Depending on which level you are playing, additional items may be required.

The amount of time it takes someone to learn how to play basketball depends largely upon individual ability and experience with sports in general. A beginner may require several months before being able to compete properly with others at an intermediate level. Those who have more experience playing similar sports may require less time as many of the skills can be transferred over easily.

A 3-point shot in basketball is when a player successfully makes a basket from beyond the 3-point line — a semi-circular arc marked off around the key that adds three points instead of two when a basket is made from within it's perimeter. It requires excellent aim and accuracy as well as practice in order for players to improve their 3-point shooting skills.

An official NBA game consists of four 12 minute quarters with breaks between each period as well as halftime after 2 quarters; all totaled, an official NBA game lasts 48 minutes plus stoppage time due to fouls or other events that require timeouts being taken during gameplay.

Free throws involve shooting unhindered shots from behind an imaginary line 15 feet away from the basket whilst standing stationary — no steps can be taken whilst shooting these shots without them incurring penalty — often used during endgame situations where one point could make all difference between victory or defeat for either team involved in competition.

Dunking — jumping up and stuffing your hand through either side of rim on any basket related activity (field goals, free throws etc) — is allowed during professional games so long as no unsportsmanlike behavior occurs alongside said attempts - this mainly entails hanging on rim or taunting opponents following successful dunks being prohibited during matches/games taking place under NBA jurisdiction/ruleset (