Basketball is a fast-paced team sport played between two teams of five players each, with the objective of scoring points by shooting a ball through the opponent's hoop. The game is played on a rectangular court with a hoop at each end, positioned 10 feet above the ground. Teams advance the ball by dribbling or passing it, aiming to score by shooting from various distances or by driving to the basket for a layup or dunk. A standard game consists of four quarters, each lasting 12 minutes, with stoppages for fouls, timeouts, and other interruptions. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins. Players are assigned positions based on their skills and roles on the court, including guards, forwards, and centers. Offensively, teams use plays and strategies to create scoring opportunities, while defensively, they aim to prevent the opposing team from scoring by blocking shots, stealing the ball, or forcing turnovers. Key rules include dribbling violations, such as double dribbling or carrying the ball, which result in turnovers. Fouls are called for illegal physical contact, such as pushing, holding, or impeding an opponent's progress. Depending on the situation, fouls can result in free throws, where players attempt to score from the foul line without opposition, or inbounding the ball from the sideline or baseline. Points are scored by shooting the ball through the opponent's hoop, with field goals worth two or three points depending on the distance from which they are scored. Free throws, awarded for certain fouls, are worth one point each. Basketball requires skill, teamwork, and athleticism, making it one of the most popular and widely played sports globally.