Page 21 - Reading Success B9

When Dr. James Naismith first came up with the idea of basketball in 1891, he
most probably did not imagine that the vigorous indoor game he invented, which
originally used a peach basket nailed to an elevated track as the goal and a soccer
ball for shooting, would be adapted in many ways and played by many nations.
Through time, basketball has developed to include standard techniques of shooting,
passing and dribbling, as well as positions in the court, and both offensive and
defensive strategies. Competitive basketball such as the United States’ National
Basketball Association (NBA) has introduced and utilized many revolutionary ideas
and strategies to the sport to make it more challenging and exciting. Not surprisingly,
competitive basketball has become one of the most watched sports in the country
today. Moreover, the NBA’s growing roster of international players or players from
other countries also attests to the fact that basketball has also become a recognized
sport in many other nations though the rules may be slightly different.

On the other hand, several variations of basketball, which are less regulated than
competitive basketball and mainly used for casual play are also becoming popular.
While competitive basketball is primarily an indoor sport, less regulated variations are
usually played outdoors without referees or strict rules. Most of them require the same
basketball skills and equipment. The most popular variation is the half-court game.
Unlike the competitive sport, the half court game uses only one basket and the ball
must be passed or dribbled outside the half-court whenever possession of the ball
changes from one team to the other. Half-court games require less cardiovascular
stamina since players do not have to run back and forth a full court. Half-court games
also enable more players to use a court, a common need in areas where these
games are played.
Other variations include “streetball” and one-on-one in which two players will use
only a small section of the court and compete to play the ball into a single hoop. Such
games tend to emphasize individual dribbling and ball stealing skills over shooting
and team play. Outdoor basketball courts are commonly called “blacktop” to refer to
the asphalt surface used on many outdoor recreation grounds. Moreover, basketball
has been modified in order to cater to people who are physically challenged and
allow them to enjoy the benefits of the sport as well. Indeed, basketball has become a
sport that can be played anywhere and by anyone. With its flexibility, it has gone a
long way from the school gym to distant corners of the world.

Main Idea

What is the main idea of this story?

a. the rise in popularity of basketball

b. the different ways basketball is played around the globe
c. how basketball was developed and has changed over the years

d. the basic rules and strategies of basketball

24_Reading Success B 9