The game of basketball was invented by an American physical education teacher in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1891. It was designed to provide an organized way for students in the YMCA school to participate in physical activity during the winter months.

It was played in YMCAs across the country and spread rapidly abroad as students introduced it to their schools, colleges, and other sports clubs. International basketball tournaments were held worldwide by 1905, and players from most inhabited continents now compete in the NBA.

In the 1980s, with a new era of spectacular players and TV exposure, basketball became a national sport in the United States, alongside football and baseball. Its popularity grew at all levels of play, and the sport was a fixture on the television screen, with Larry Bird and Magic Johnson leading the charge in the NBA.

Today, basketball is one of the world's most popular sports, with international competitions for children and adults at every age level. It is played in more than 180 countries and has become the world's leading spectator sport.

How the game has changed over the years
The style of play in basketball has also evolved considerably over the decades, from traditional ball-oriented play to modern styles that emphasize jumping and playing above the rim. It has also moved more toward team play, and the pace of play has increased significantly.

Over the years, coaches have contributed to the development of different strategies and tactics that have helped the game evolve.