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Are you a player who’s looking to get into the game of basketball but doesn’t know where to start? Are you a newbie basketball enthusiast who wants to learn new facts and data about the sport?

If yes, then you’ve made the right decision in choosing this article. We will be presenting you with some basketball facts, fascinating pieces of information, and everything else which makes it an exciting and interesting game.

Knowledge of the Game: Basketball Facts to Remember

Are you in search of basketball facts? Then look no further and delve into these interesting pieces of information that will expand your knowledge and give you a better understanding of the sport.

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James Naismith invented Basketball

One of the most well-known basketball facts is the person who paved the way for the sport. Basketball was invented in 1891 by James Naismith, a Canadian-American sports coach, and innovator. He also designed the first football helmet. In addition, he wrote the very first basketball rulebook and established the basketball program at the University of Kansas. 

The NBA is the premier basketball league in the world 

The National Basketball Association, commonly known as the NBA, is the premier basketball league in the world. All 30 NBA teams are based in the United States and Canada with 23 located in the United States and seven in Canada. 

The league has many popular teams including Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder, Toronto Raptors, Portland Trailblazers, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, and Minnesota Timberwolves.

The first basketball hoop was made from a peach basket 

Basketball hoops, those baskets that seem to magically suck the ball into them and score 3 point shots, have been around for a long time. The first basketball hoop was made from a peach basket. That’s right, a peach basket. The players had to put their arms through the sides of the baskets and grab onto the ball to prevent it from going in!

A soccer ball is the first basketball used back in the day

Originally, basketball was played with a soccer ball. The first ball made specifically for basketball was brown, and this remained standard until the late 1950s. Tony Hinkle, looked for a ball that would be more visible to players and spectators alike, and so the orange-colored version of the ball came to be. 

Dribbling used to be a basketball violation

In the days before basketball was popularized, dribbling the ball was regarded as a violation of the rules. In the early days of basketball, players would dribble the ball with their hands, bouncing it off their thighs, knees, and faces in an attempt to make it move faster.

Learn more about basketball!

Basketball is a team sport

One of the basketball facts every fan and player knows is that basketball is a team sport. A basketball player has to focus all the attention he can on his teammates and the ball. In basketball, where the defense can push the ball back easily, there is no place for individual brilliance. 

The better the teammates, the more the basketball player has to focus on them, and the less he has to worry about himself. The skill of the teammates is the secret that makes basketball work. 

There are five positions in basketball

Point Guard

A point guard (PG), also known as the one or point, is an individual who primarily provides ball handling and controlling the tempo of a team, thereby facilitating playmaking and scoring. A point guard should have high stamina, be able to facilitate the team during a fast-paced game, and should have strong decision-making skills.

Shooting Guard

In basketball, a shooting guard is a player position on the basketball team who usually plays as part of the team’s backcourt. A shooting guard’s main objective is to score points for his team and can often play quickly and with great accuracy. 

Some shooting guards, known as combo guards, have good ball-handling skills and are able to bring up their teammates – setting up shots for them. They also tend to be the best defender on the team and will often guard the opposing team’s best perimeter player.

Small Forward

The small forward in basketball is a position of a player on the team. This position is most often referred to as the three or the four. The duties of a smaller forward include playing close to the basket, where most often a player is effective from short range, and seldom play outside of 5 feet from the basket.

Power Forward

Power forward is one of the most exciting positions in basketball. Power forwards are given the task of rebounding, blocking shots, and getting baskets.

Center 

The center position in basketball is typically the tallest player on the team. Centers are required to be able to score close to the basket, make passes to teammates, and rebound. They traditionally should also have a good defensive move to stop opponents’ shots. 

In certain situations, a center may be asked to penetrate into the opponents’ defense and dribble or pass before scoring (known as “pivoting”). Great centers often play well with their backs towards the basket, allowing them to protect the goal while facing the opposing team.

Knowledge is Power

The game of basketball is a very popular sport on so many levels. Not only is it a recreational activity on the amateur and professional level for millions of people worldwide, but it is also an exciting spectator sport on so many levels.

When you add in the history, dramatics, and basketball facts on top of great competition, you have one of America’s favorite sports.

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