Basketball is a sport that consists of two teams of five players, who attempt to throw a round ball through a net hoop. Each time a team gets the ball through the hoop, their team scores two (and on occasion three) points.

The game of Basketball was invented in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith. He worked at the YMCA in Springfield, Massachusetts. Because the winters were so cold there, the athletes in the area were stuck inside. He wanted to create a sport that was extremely athletic so that his players could stay in shape. He made up a few rules for the game and then attached a peach basket to the wall for players to shoot the all into. Every time a player made a basket, game play would have to stop so the ball could be retrieved.

In 1892, the first official basketball game was played and that same year, women's basketball started at Smith College. Basketball was originally played with a soccer ball, but in the late 1950s, an orange ball was created especially for the sport.

The Date Activity

There are a few ways you can enjoy basketball on a date. First, you can go watch a basketball game. You don't have to go to an NBA game to enjoy the sport. A local high school or college game can be just as exciting. You can always join a co-ed basketball team with your boyfriend or girlfriend. These mixed leagues usually run for a month or two during the winter and can be a good way to stay in shape and make some new friends.

You don't have to stick to the rules or join a team to enjoy basketball. You can find a basketball court at a park or gym and play some one-on-one with your date. You don't need to be good at basketball or even know what you are doing. Just seeing who can score the most free throws can be fun.

On Your Own / With Friends

Of course, you can always get a group of friends together to play a basketball game. Again, you don't need to belong to a league in order to have fun. If you are interested in competing, there are many groups such as the YMCA and the Parks and Recreation Department that offer teams for all skill levels. Many gyms have basketball courts that offer designated game times where you can just show up and play. This is a good option for those who don't want to make a time commitment to a team. You can also just set up a basketball hoop in your driveway and have some fun with your friends or family.