Basketball, from the NBA to the playground

Springfield's Peach Baskets to the NBA Court

Basketball was invented in December 1891 in Springfield, Massachusetts, by Canadian teacher James Naismith, who was seeking an indoor game to occupy his students during the winter: the first baskets were peach baskets fixed to the railing of a gym. The North American league, the NBA, founded in 1946 under a different name, has turned it into a global spectacle, and its franchises, from the Celtics to the Lakers to the Knicks and Bulls, have become emblems that fans wear every day, both on the court and in town.

The World of Basketball

Basketball comes in:

• Shoes.
• Clothing.
• NBA.
• Balls.
• Equipment.
• Hoops.

Also, find all sports on the other sports page.

Wilson, New Era and Franchise Colours

Since 2021, Wilson has once again been supplying the official NBA ball, just like at the beginning. Its NBA Tribute line dresses the ball in the colours of a franchise, like that of the Knicks, and its NBA Dribbler, small bouncy balls, delight young fans. New Era, born in Buffalo in 1920, designs the league's official caps: faded Bulls logo or neutral shades of the Lakers. Larry Bird's jersey, champion with Boston in 1981, 1984, and 1986, along with the faded Lakers shorts, completes this tribute to great teams.

Size, Material and Hoop: Choosing to Play

To play, the size of the ball depends on age and category: size seven for men, size six for women and teenagers, size five for mini-basket for those under about twelve years old. The material depends on the court: leather or composite offers the best feel indoors, while rubber is tough enough for outdoor courts. The official hoop is set at three metres five from the ground, but adjustable hoops allow children to start lower and raise the rim as they improve.

Good Deals

Good deals can also be found in good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals feature the latest collections, and items shipped within 24h are prepared and sent out in 24 hours. The key times of the year follow a steady order: Black Friday in late autumn, the end-of-year holidays, winter sales, French Days in spring, followed by summer sales and the back-to-school period.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you learn to dribble a basketball?

Start stationary by pushing the ball with your fingertips, without hitting it with your palm, and keeping your eyes up. Then work on your weaker hand, hand changes in front of you, and then dribbling while moving.

Does the NBA Dribbler ball serve for playing basketball?

It's a small bouncy ball in the colours of a franchise, made for fun at home and pleasing young fans. For a real game, you need a basketball that is the right size for the player's age.

Who was Larry Bird?

Forward for the Boston Celtics from 1979 to 1992, Larry Bird was named NBA season MVP three years in a row, from 1984 to 1986. An exceptional shooter, he wore number thirty-three and embodied the rivalry of the eighties with the Lakers.

How do you choose the size of a New Era cap?

Adjustable models, whether snapback or strapback, fit most head sizes. For fitted caps, measure your head circumference above your eyebrows and ears; if you're between sizes, choose the larger one.

How many players are on a basketball team?

Five players from each team are on the court, and substitutions are unlimited. In competitions, the match sheet can have up to twelve players, and a match is played in four quarters of ten minutes according to international rules.