The history and current popularity of basketball
You’ve probably heard of basketball – and of legends like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson. Jordan’s name is now inseparably linked to the iconic Air Jordan basketball shoes. But what exactly is the history of basketball? How did this popular sport come about, and why is basketball still on the rise worldwide in 2025?
The origins of basketball
The sport of basketball was invented in the winter of 1891 by James Naismith in Massachusetts. He developed a game for his students that could be played indoors – it was too cold to play sports outside. It all started with two peach baskets, a ball and simple rules. That marked the birth of basketball.
Over the years, the game grew into an international sport, played in thousands of leagues worldwide. And all thanks to a teacher who wanted to keep his students moving.
Basketball in the Netherlands
The introduction of basketball in the Netherlands came about thanks to a former student from Springfield, who began giving lessons himself in the 1920s. It eventually led to the founding of the NBB (Dutch Basketball Association). Since then, the sport has grown, both in infrastructure and popularity. Today you can play basketball in almost every town or village in the Netherlands – indoors or outdoors.
Basketball in America – the NBA and its global influence
In the United States, basketball has grown into one of the biggest sports, partly thanks to the enormous impact of the NBA. Millions of kids play the sport, and games featuring stars like Stephen Curry, LeBron James or Giannis Antetokounmpo draw millions of viewers worldwide.
When it comes to buying basketball shoes, the influence of the NBA is huge as well. Many fans wear the shoes of their favorite player – so-called signature basketball shoes. Some popular models:
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Stephen Curry – with his Under Armour Curry Flow shoes
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Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson and Gordon Hayward – with their own models of ANTA basketball shoes
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Aaron Gordon, Spencer Dinwiddie, Jared Sullinger and Zhou Qi – all active in basketball shoes from the up-and-coming brand 361 Degrees
These shoes are not only functional but also stylish – which is why they are popular off the court too.
How does basketball work? (the game explained)
For anyone starting to play or who simply enjoys learning more, we briefly explain the basketball rules below.
The basketball court
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Length: 28 meters
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Width: 15 meters
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The basket hangs at: 3.05 meters
The basketball
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Weight: approx. 600 grams
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Circumference: 75 cm (size 7 for men)
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Made of rubber or leather
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There are adapted sizes for young players
Scoring and rules
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2 points: regular basket inside the three-point line
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3 points: shot from beyond the three-point line
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1 point: free throw
Violations
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Traveling: more than one step without dribbling
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Double dribble: dribbling again after stopping
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5-second rule: pass within 5 seconds when you are standing still
Players and game length
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2 teams of 5 players
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Unlimited substitutions allowed
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Game length: 4 x 10 minutes
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If tied: overtime of 5 minutes
Conclusion
From a peach basket to a multimillion-dollar business: basketball is a sport with a rich history and a dynamic future. Whether you are a fan of the NBA 2025, have your own team, or are simply looking for the latest basketball shoes from famous players – basketball keeps growing.
So: put on your shoes, grab a ball and discover why basketball is not just a sport, but a lifestyle.
Bonus tip
Looking for the best basketball shoes for adults or kids? Then browse our range with models from Nike, Jordan, Peak, Puma, ANTA, Under Armour and 361º – and others worn by the pros, tested for every player.
