Basketball is a fast-paced team sport played on a rectangular court with the objective of shooting a ball through a hoop (the basket) to score points. Two teams of five players each compete by dribbling and passing the ball to advance down the court and attempt to score. Points are awarded based on the location of the shot: one point for a free throw, two points for a shot inside the three-point line, and three points for a shot outside the three-point line. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins. Basketball requires a combination of athleticism, strategy, teamwork, and skill, making it a popular sport enjoyed worldwide.