What is it?

• This is a team game, generally played indoors, in which the aim is to throw a large ball into a high level basket or goal.  

• Basketball is a highly popular game world wide and has been extensively developed for young people and also as a wheelchair sport.  

• Basketball teams are usually single sex, but there are related games of korfball and handball that are played by mixed teams (see organisations below).   Netball is a somewhat similar game, played largely by women. 

• Competitions are an important part of the sport.

Find out more

Organisations

English Basketball Association  www.basketballengland.org.uk/
British Handball Association  www.britsport.com/
British Korfball Association  www.british-korfball.org.uk/bka.htm

Magazines

Getting started

• Find a local basketball group or club (see organisations above).

• See if there are introductory sessions at your local hall or sports centre.

• Consult books or magazines on different types of basketball games.

• Check in your local library/paper or sports centre for more information.

What you need

Skills and people

• The sport of basketball involves much physical activity and younger men form the majority of, though not the only, players. 

• While you can practice shooting and other basketball moves on your own, your need two teams in order to play properly.  

• Most people join local groups or clubs for this purpose.  It is better if the people you play with are of roughly the same standard and physical ability as yourself.

Equipment or clothing

• Basic sports shoes and clothing like shorts and top are needed for anything other than very informal games.  

• Local teams may wear special strip for matches.

A place or facilities

• The basic requirement is a marked court of adequate area and height, and the baskets.  

• There are facilities in many schools and  community centres, as well as most sports centres.