Basketball is a fast-paced team sport played between two teams of five players each. The objective is to score points by shooting the ball through the opponent's hoop, a 10-foot-high basket mounted on a backboard. Players advance the ball by dribbling or passing, aiming to outmaneuver defenders. The game is played on a rectangular court with marked lines for boundaries, three-point arcs, and free-throw lines. Matches consist of four quarters, each lasting 12 minutes in professional leagues, with variations in other levels. Key skills include shooting, defending, rebounding, and teamwork. Popular worldwide, basketball is governed by organizations like the NBA and FIBA, featuring high-flying dunks, strategic plays, and intense competition. It promotes agility, endurance, and coordination, making it both an exciting spectator sport and a rewarding physical activity.