Basketball is a fast, exciting game and is watched by more people than any other sport.  The game was founded by James A.  Naismith in 1891, who was a physical-education instructor at the International YMCA and devised to be played indoors on winter evenings. 

Two teams of five players each play the high-scoring game (two forwards, two guards, and a center).  The forwards play near the basket their team is attacking, so they can maneuver into good positions for shooting and rebounding.  The center plays near the basket or along the free-throw lane.  He also concentrates on scoring and rebounding.  The guards play closer to their own team’s basket.  They bring the ball down the court for the center and forwards.  The game starts with a jump ball. 

The skills required are shooting, passing, dribbling, ball-handling, and guarding can be developed through practice and coaching.  Natural skills include, reach, speed, coordination, and the ability to think quickly.  Height is important, but many small players succeed because of their speed and skillful ball-handling and shooting.

The officials include a referee, an umpire, two timers, and two scorers.  The referee approves all the equipment before the game starts.  He tosses the ball in the center circle to start the game, and decides all disagreements or problems not covered by the rules.  The umpire notifies the scorers when a team calls “time out.”  Both the referee and umpire call fouls.  The scorers record all scoring and fouls.  The timers use stop watches to record playing time.

I have been watching the games and they seem to be more physical as the years go by.  Do the coaches teach these players to do all of this pushing and shoving that seems to go on?  I thought the rule was no touching each other.  Maybe the referee and umpire need to call more holding, pushing or charging fouls?  I always feel like I need a shower after watching the game because the players look so sweaty.  I know they are worn out and could use a “cool one.”

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