Basketball History Quiz: From Origins to Modern Era

In what year were field goals changed to be worth 2 points and free throws to be worth 1 point?

When was the first game of basketball ever played?

What is the size of current-day basketball courts in feet?

Who founded FIBA (International Basketball Federation)?

What principle did Dr. James Naismith base the scoring system on in his original rules for basketball?

What are the dimensions of a basketball court according to the text?

What color are the lines on a basketball court supposed to be according to the text?

What is the radius of the semi-circle underneath the basket?

Which basketball equipment is specified for girls according to the text?

According to Dr. James Naismith's Original 13 Rules, what is allowed with the ball?

How should the goal (basket) be placed in relation to the floor of the court?

What was the crucial moment in Dr. James Naismith's life that inspired him to create basketball?

What inspired Dr. James Naismith to focus on skill rather than strength when creating basketball?

Why did Dr. James Naismith choose 2 wooden peach baskets for the game?

How did Dr. James Naismith decide on using a soccer ball for basketball?

Which aspect of 'Duck on a Rock' did Dr. James Naismith incorporate into the game of basketball?

Court and Equipment

A basketball court has a flat, hard surface with dimensions of 28m in length and 15m in width.
The court has lines drawn in white, 5 cm in width, and clearly visible.
A no-charge semi-circle is drawn underneath the basket with a radius of 1.25m.

Game Essentials

The game is played with a round ball and hands.
A player cannot run with the ball.
Any player can take up any position on the playing court at any time.
There shall be no physical contact between players.
The goal (basket) shall be placed vertically above the floor of the court.

Dr. James Naismith's Original 13 Rules

The ball may be thrown in any direction with one or both hands.
The ball may be batted in any direction with one or both hands.
A player cannot run with the ball.

History of Basketball

The first game of basketball was played on December 21, 1891, at the YMCA training school in Springfield, Massachusetts.
The gym was incredibly small, measuring 50 feet x 35 feet.
The first publicly played game of basketball between students and teachers was on March 2, 1892, at Springfield College.
The ball was replaced with an official ball in 1894.
The first women's match took place on March 22, 1893, in Northampton, with no men allowed to watch.
FIBA (International Basketball Federation) was founded on June 18, 1932.

Dr. James Naismith

Dr. James Naismith invented basketball in 1891 in Springfield, Massachusetts.
He created the game to focus on skill rather than strength.
He was a Canadian physical education instructor and coach of the school football team.
He was tasked with creating an interesting indoor game to occupy students during the winter months.

Test your knowledge about the historical origins and early rules of basketball, including the first game played in 1891 at the YMA training school. Learn about the small gym size and the principles behind Naismith's 13th rule.