Basketball was invented in December 1891 by Dr. James Naismith, a physical education instructor in Springfield, Massachusetts. Tasked with creating a new indoor sport to keep his students active during the winter, Naismith developed a game that emphasized skill, strategy, and teamwork rather than brute strength. He wrote down 13 basic rules and used a soccer ball and two peach baskets as goals, which were nailed to the lower rail of the gym balcony. The game quickly gained popularity due to its fast pace and minimal equipment requirements. Over the years, basketball evolved, introducing dribbling, standardized hoops, and organized leagues, eventually spreading internationally. The sport’s focus on athleticism, coordination, and teamwork helped shape not only a new recreational activity but also a global cultural phenomenon. Today, basketball continues to inspire millions, emphasizing both competition and camaraderie, with roots that trace directly back to Naismith’s innovative creation.