The game of Basketball started its journey in India during the first half of the twentieth century and is considered as one of the widely played sports in India. Basketball in India is played in most of the high schools, colleges and universities and especially the younger generation like to lay this game. India is one those first few countries in the history of Basketball that adopted the game, within a few years of its inception. This is actually a ball game where two teams consisting of five players each, play against each other. This fast-paced game requires a great quality of fitness and athleticism on behalf of the players. Invested by the famous Athletic Director from Canada, Dr. James Naismith, Basketball is played on a court with standard dimensions. The teams can earn points only by shooting a round inflated ball through a raised metal hoop and net at the opponent`s end of the court. The term `Basketball` actually refers to the large round ball and the basket, used in this game.

The game of Basketball in India is played by both men and women of all ages and ability. According to the basic rules of Basketball, the basketball is played in a court which is usually a rectangular one with regulation rims located 10 feet above the ground. The court is generally located on the playground or in a gymnasium. The game was being played with a soccer ball during the early days of its inception. However, in the modern days, standard basketballs are of orange to brown in colour and have an outer cover of leather or nylon. There is also an indented surface on the ball in order to grip and control it easily. In men`s play, a standard Basketball has a circumference of about 74.9 to 76.2 cm and a weight of about 567 to 624 grams. In case of the women`s version, the ball can be slightly smaller and lighter in weight.

In a Basketball match, both the teams play offensively and defensively at the same time and their main objective is to throw the ball into opponent`s basket. The referee throws the ball in air at the beginning of the match and the game begins with the jump of the ball. Both the teams try to grab the ball and control it right from that moment. Passing, ball handling, shooting, and rebounding are among the basic attacking skills of Basketball. Among the defensive skills, there is guarding the opponents, blocking and positioning to defend own basket, intercept or steal the ball from the opponents very quickly and also rebounding the missed shots. As Basketball is primarily an indoor sport and played in a relatively small playing area or `court`, it is highly suitable for the spectators who are viewing. As there are only ten players in a game and they use a large ball that is easy to follow, the spectators like the game, very much.

There are a large number of terms of Basketball that help the spectator and also the players to understand the game, in a better way. The match officials and players make good use of these terms to play a fair and standard match. Being one of the earliest countries to adopt Basketball, India has so far produced numerous talented Basketball players, who have earned recognition and reputation in the international arena. The Indian Basketball players have also won several trophies for their country. There are several Basketball players in India, who have been honoured by the Government of India through the prestigious Arjuna Award. Hence, the number of Arjuna awardees in Basketball is quite huge. Basketball in India is mainly being run and managed by a large number of national and state level associations, spread all over India. The Indian Basketball associations are working with a common view of spreading the game in all parts of the country. Apart from that, developing the overall condition of the game and bringing up new talents from the grass route level are also some of the other principal objectives of the Indian Basketball associations.