The Story of Basketball Origin

A game that combines teamwork, camaraderie and healthy competition can be an incredible force for good in any society. That’s certainly the case for basketball, a sport that can unite people of different backgrounds and cultures from all over the world. From NBA programs that bring kids together from all walks of life to inspiring stories about basketball being used as a way to bridge the gap between communities, it’s clear that this beloved sport is a unifying force for our global society.

In December 1891, a Canadian physical education instructor named James Naismith invented the sport of basketball. He came up with the idea for the game as a way to keep his students engaged during the winter while indoors at the YMCA International Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts. Naismith devised a set of 13 rules for the new game using soccer balls and two peach baskets, which were nailed at each end of the gym 10 feet above the floor. Players would throw the ball into the opposing team’s peach basket to score points.

The new game quickly caught on with Naismith’s students, who spread it to other schools and colleges. But it wasn’t until the 1930s that basketball truly went global when it was introduced at the 1936 Olympic Games in Germany.

As the game continued to evolve, new rules were added and backboards were added to allow for more fast-paced action on the court. In addition, a new ball was developed that allowed for dribbling and improved the overall play of the game. The creation of FIBA, which helped coordinate international tournaments and competitions, was another milestone for the growth of basketball.