By: Sricharan Reddy Vempalli
Grade 10B

The rhythmic beat of a ball bouncing on the hard tarmac. The continuous shuffling and squeaking of shoes as they change directions. The whoosh of the ball as it speeds through air, accompanied by the sound of leather scratching rope, all happening in an instant.

This is basketball!
Basketball is a team sport prevalent in the United States of America and gaining traction all over the world. It is a sport in which two teams of five players compete with one another to get the most number of points in a period of 48 minutes. These points are earned by shooting the ball into hoops that are on opposite sides of the court. Teams must do this while simultaneously try to prevent the opposing team from shooting in their own.
The appeal of basketball comes from the type of game it is. It’s a fast-paced, action-packed experience whether it is played the first time or the thousandth. Even when watching professionals like Kyrie Irving, Stephen Curry or Michael Jordan compete in the NBA during their prime, there is an overwhelming amount of nervousness as no one know what will happen next. Games can be won or lost as easily as a flick of the fingers.
Basketball also improves certain aspects of a person not just physically, but also socially. I can easily say that basketball has improved my on-the-fly decision making as I’ve played the sport more frequently over time. It has also allowed me to build trust with people as I play with them even if I have just met them. This is because of one of the core fundamentals of basketball, teamwork. Basketball has also been known to improve the accuracy and power behind each and every shot or pass made in every game.
To conclude, the sport of basketball is one that rewards those who not only trust their teammates and coaches, but also themselves.