Basketball is a popular team sport played indoors on a rectangular court, or occasionally outdoors on a street or playground. It involves two teams, usually consisting of five players each, who compete to score points by shooting a ball through the opponent's hoop, which is mounted 10 feet (3.05 meters) high on a backboard at each end of the court.

The game is characterized by continuous play, fast-paced movement, and skillful ball handling. Players advance the ball by dribbling (bouncing the ball while moving) or passing to teammates. Points are scored by making field goals, worth two points if made from within the three-point line (outside the free-throw line) and three points if made from beyond the three-point line. Free throws, worth one point each, are awarded for certain fouls.