1. By Alex Shelby

2.  Dr. James Naismith invented the game in 1891.  He was trying to find something that would keep his P.E class at the Y.M.C.A busy during the long new england winters. He got two peach baskets and nailed them to the wall 10 feet above the ground.  In 1906 they began to use metal rims mounted to a backboard.

3. Basketball has grown to be one of the most popular games in the United States and it is also gaining popularity all over the world. In Europe it is becoming one of the most popular sports behind football. Some of the Best players in the NBA today are from other countries. Most notably Dirk Nowitzki, Manu Ginobli, and Yao Ming.

4.  Basketball is a team sport.  Ball movement, Ability to shoot the ball, And the ability to defend against the other team is key.  In basketball there are five positions. All with a specific responsibility.

5.  The point guards primary responsibilities are ball handling and running the offense. He is expected to know exactly what the coach wants and how to execute it.  Point guards have certain characteristics which include being a coach on the floor, Being a vocal leader, Good Ball Handling Skills, Court Vision and a good assist to turnover ratio. These are the basic makings of a good point guard.

6.  If a point guard has a consistent jump shot, is faster or bigger than the average point guard it is considered a plus.  Here are some of the greatest point guards of all time. John Stockton, Magic Johnson, Jason Kidd, Bob Cousy, Steve Nash, And Jerry West.  The NBA logo Features Jerry West.

7.  The shooting guards primary responsibility is to score. But they should also be above average Passers, ball handlers and defenders.  Some Shooting guards can also handle the ball and play the point guard. These are called Off-Guards.  Some of the all time great shooing guards include Michael Jordan, Reggie Miller, Ray Allen, Kobe Bryant, Clyde Drexler and Penny Hardaway.

8.  The small forward is responsible for scoring and to get a few rebounds.  They are typically the most versatile of the five starting positions. They rely on this versatility to be great defenders.  Some small forwards can play shooting guard also. They are referred to as Swing-Men.  They are normally shorter, quicker and leaner than the power forward and centers.

9.  Power Forwards main responsibilities are to Rebound and Defend the basket.  On Offense power forwards typically have their back to the basket but some can also shoot the midrange jumpshot.  Some examples of power forward include Karl Malone, Tim Duncan, Dennis Rodman, Charles Barkley, and Dirk Nowitzki.

10.  The Center is normally the tallest person on the team. He often has a great deal of strength and mass too. A typical NBA center is 7 feet tall.  The Center utilizes their size to score close to the basket and Defend the basket.  Some of the best Centers include, Shaq, Wilt Chamberlain, Dwight Howard, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, And Patrick Ewing.

11.  Basketball is a good Bonding experience.  It is a good way to keep in shape.  Going to basketball games is a fun experience that anyone can enjoy.

12.  Watch College or NBA games on Tv.  Coach a youth team.  Sign up for community leagues at Rec Centers.