4 Interesting Facts About the History of Basketball You Might Not Know

Basketball is one of the most popular sports in America, and for good reason! The game is exciting, fast-paced, and gives incredible athletes a chance to showcase their skills. But how much do you know about the history of this great game? Here are some interesting facts that you might not know about the history of basketball, from how it was invented, to the evolution of the game and more:

1. Basketball Was Invented in 1891

Basketball was first invented by Springfield College instructor and graduate student James Naismith in 1891. Naismith was tasked by the college’s superintendent of physical education with coming up with a new type of indoor physical activity to help kids stay active during the New England winters while also avoiding injury, and the result was basketball. Naismith took inspiration from a variety of sports, including rugby and soccer, when creating his new sport. News of the game spread quickly and basketball became an officially recognized sport in 1905.

2. Dribbling Was Not Initially Part of Basketball

Although it may seem like dribbling is a foundational part of basketball (which, in many ways, it is), the move was not part of the sport in its earliest days. Players would instead catch the ball, stand in place, then throw the ball to another player. Yale University was the first team credited with dribbling in a game, which was considered a pass to themselves. Dribbling quickly became widely adopted and has become a core part of playing the game of basketball.

3. The Early NBA Was Created By Hockey Owners

You may not know this, but the organization that would eventually become the NBA was first established by owners of hockey arenas throughout the United States and Canada. This happened after the owner of the Boston Garden, Walter Brown, had the idea of utilizing the nights when the arenas were not hosting hockey games to have basketball games instead. This new league quickly grew in popularity, and eventually became the sport we know and love today!

4. The 3-Point Shot Has an Interesting History

The 3-point shot was first introduced in 1967 by the American Basketball Association, a league that aimed to rival the NBA. After the two leagues eventually merged in 1976, conversations began around adding the 3-point shot to the NBA rulebook, which would eventually happen in 1979. While players and coaches were somewhat slow to embrace the new shot, players today have become extremely efficient at shooting 3-pointers and the shot is now an important part of many teams’ game plans. Some of the best 3-point shooters in the history of basketball have included Stephen Curry, Ray Allen, and James Harden.

Now that you know these interesting facts about the history of basketball, you’ll be ready to impress with your knowledge of the game’s history. And if you’re looking for a place to host an exciting basketball tournament, look no further than Rocky Top Sports World, where we have everything you need to organize the perfect gameday experience. Check out our state-of-the-art sports complex and get ready for a great basketball tournament here in the Smoky Mountains.