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Basketball was first invented in the United States around the 1890s. There are two opposing teams consisting of five players each. The game objective is to score points by getting the ball into the opponents basket.

Popularity
There are currently over 400 teams based in the UK with over 6000 members. Basket ball has been an Olympic sport since 1936. A particularly strong sport in the Americas.

Location
Basketball is traditionally played indoors. Outdoor basketball is a fairly recent occurrence in the UK and many clubs now offer casual summer competitions. Basketball can be played on a purpose built court, in a school gym or leisure centre.

Age
The age range for basketball varies from under teams, for the under thirteen year olds, To male and female adult teams, players rarely play competivily after the age of forty years.

Ability
No professional qualifications are required to play basketball. This is a game which requires skill rather than strength.

Description
Basketball is a team game that is easy to learn, and which anyone can play. This is a very good game to improve aerobic ability. There are also variations of basketball such as netball and wheelchair basketball.

Dedication
The basketball season runs from September to April with pre-season training starting in September. Although there are casual summer competitions available so the game can be played all year round. As basketball is a team game it would be advisable to be a regular participant to enable you and your team mates to get the most out of the game.

Potential
Basketball can be started at school with under 18 leagues and progress to senior level. Basketball is also played at the Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games

Closely Related Activities
Basketball not only includes players it involves the participation of a referee, table official and coaches. It can also include administrators, court announcers, statisticians and team managers. Netball and wheelchair basketball are related.

Further Reading
England Basketball have a monthly online magazine which you can subscribe to.

Cost
The cost will vary depending on how much you want to get involved. If you are buying your own equipment basketball hoops can start from around £50.00 for a children's portable hoop to around £260.00 for a heavy duty wall mounted hoop. The cost of joining a club will depend on the level you are joining ie school level or professional level.

Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.

Energy

Arms

Legs

Sight

Hearing

Speech

Learning

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