How, Where and When Basketball Was Invented

Everywhere you turn in the US you will find youths playing basketball. so universal is it that you could be forgiven for thinking that its origins must be steeped in history. Yet, unlike most balls sports, it did not gradually evolved from some ancient roots. In fact, it was a certain Dr. James Naismith who, quite deliberately, invented the game in 1881. And from there it has grown to be one of the most popular sports in the United States. Dr. Naismith was actually born in Canada, and if he hadn't been living in Massachusetts when he created it, it's possible it wouldn't have made such a huge hit.

Prior to shifting to Massachusetts Dr Naismith worked as the athletics director at the University of McGill in Montreal for several years. In Massachusetts he worked with the YMCA Training School. Here Dr Naismith was looking for a game that the students would be able to play indoors. For during the winter months it was difficult to play outdoors. The first game of basketball was played with a soccer ball and two peach baskets. They used a broom stick to push the ball back out of the basket. It was later that holes were cut in the bottom of the basket to look like the hoop and net that we see today.

The YMCA promoted basketball worldwide and many people in a variety of countries play it as a hobby or a profession today. No other country has embraced it as widely as North America.

The game continued to grow until in 1936 basketball was one of the sports showcased at the Olympics in Berlin. The National Basketball League today is one of the most popular sports events on television. Before the NBA came the Basketball Association of America. Since then, NBA players boast some of the highest salaries in the professional sports.

On November 7, 1896 the first professional game was played between the Trenton Basketball team and the Brooklyn YMCA. It was the first time that players were paid. In time the sport left the YMCA to enter the National Basketball League.

Today great basket ball players like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Wilt Chamberlain, Shaquille O'Neal and many more have made headlines not only in basketball, but in movies, tabloids, and even music. They even are role models for many kids as the game of basket ball is really very popular.

Every year the NBA finals are one of the most widely viewed sporting events in the United States. Audiences really get into the spirit and root for their favorite players and teams. Michael (Air) Jordan was one of the first players to be known for his product endorsements. Air Jordan jerseys, shirts, hats, shorts, and especially the shoes were coveted by many.

Today basket ball is one of the most popular games in the US and the NBA is a multi-million dollar association that earns revenue from ticket sales, televised games, and of course the equally popular merchandise. It is perhaps the favorite pass time and extra curricular activity with many children. Dr James Naismith must never have thought that his simple game with a ball and two peach baskets would become such a mega success.