How, Where and When Basketball Was Invented
by Carlos Lintons
It would seem that Basketball has been with us forever. Yet it was only in 1881 that Dr. James Naismith created the game that now is one of the most popular games in the United States. What you may not also realise is that Naismith was actually born in Canada, and some wonder if the sport would be so popular in the US had he not been living in Massachusetts at the time he invented it.
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 of Basketball continued to gain popularity and it was showcased in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. And today the National Basketball League is one of the most popular sports events. Prior to the formation of NBA the controlling body for the game of basketball in America was the Basketball Association of America. Today the NBA players boast some of the highest salaries in the professional sports.
The first paid basketball players can be traced back to 1896 on November 7. This was the date of a game between the Trenton Basketball Team and the Brooklyn YMCA. Basketball eventually broke away from the YMCA and moved into 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 the NBA is a multi-million dollar association that makes money off of ticket sales, televised games, and merchandise. Many children are kept out of trouble by playing basketball not only in school teams, but with their friends as well. Basketball seems to keep growing in popularity, and the trend doesn't show any signs of slowing down. James Naismith probably had no idea the mega-success his simple game with a ball and two peach baskets would become.
About the Author
Carlos Lintons is the chief writer for, and editor of FSU Basketball, visit there today for the latest Basketball advice, and while you're there sign up for the free newsletter. If you want to read more Basketball articles go to: http://www.fsubasketball.com/articles