Background
Invented by Dr James Naismith at Springfield College, Massachusetts,
then known as the International YMCA Training School, for trainee YMCA Leaders.
Interest in apparatus and freestanding exercise during the winter months
was flagging and Association Football presented problems in confined spaces.
He combined features from all games and invented basketball. The first game
was in December 1891 using peach baskets fixed to the balcony at each end
of the gym with two teams nine aside.
Brief History
1891 Invented by Dr James Naismith at Springfield College, Massachusetts
1892 Rules published
Birkenhead YMCA first UK club - President Mr C J Proctor
1892 Madam Berman Osterberg, Dartford College introduced students First
professional league in USA - won by Trenton
1911 Played in Birmingham
1924 Paris Olympic Games - London Central YMCA won title
1927 Globe Trotters formed by Abe Saperstein
1932 FIBA formed - Geneva - Secretary William Jones
1936 EBBA formed at London Central YMCA
Men's basketball tournament in Olympic Games - USA won
1949 NBA formed
1957 English Schools Association formed
1972 English National League for men
Benefits of Participating
Basketball is a team sport and can be played competitively or as a leisure
pursuit, as an indoor sport or outdoor. There are over 700
local league clubs in England, senior and junior; men, women, boys and
girls. Open to all ages and of mixed ability it is also a game played
as part of the curriculum in schools with participation in schools' competitions.
The game develops fitness and social skills.
If you are interested to receive further information about this growing
sport or want to know where you can play in your area, please contact
the following:
England Basketball
48 Bradford Road
Stanningley
Leeds
LS17 6JG