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Dr. James Naismith was charged with keeping the youth physically fit during the winter months. He used a soccer style ball and a peach basket. He made 13 rules for the game, and split the group of 18 into two teams of 9.
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At first, the sport was going to be called Naismith's Game, but one of the players remarked that all the game needed was a basket and a ball. Thus the name Basketball was associated with the game, and it is what we've called it unto this day.
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First game is actually watched by about 200 people, although they did not pay to watch the game. It was played in the gymnasium of Springfield University. Coached by Naismith, and widely accepted as an indoor sport.
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A gymnastics instructor explains the rules of the sport to women, and they regularly play the game. This was the first instance of the sport being played by women and not just men,
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Up until then, the rules stated that the sport was played nine on nine. Now a game was played with a smaller amount of people, and this demonstrated ability to adapt the rules of the game. Today, a few of the rules such as the forbidding of what is now called dribbling have been removed.
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Played between Trenton and Brooklyn YMCAs. The game was played in the local Masonic Temple, and there was a small fee for admittance. This was one of many games played where people would willingly pay to view this game.
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The first year that the games were sponsered. People would pay to see the games, and players were given money to play for each game. Teams were supported.
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The soccer balls that were used were not the best suited for this sport. It needed a signature look for this specific sport. Thus, Rawlings began making the 10 paneled and orange basketballs. Today, other companies have taken on the profession of making balls and equipment.
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The sport made an appearance in the Games as a demonstration sport. It represented the growth in popularity and acceptance in a variety of countries.
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The original peach baskets without their bottoms were becoming too outdated. They were replaced with metal hoops and backboards in order that they would last longer and not break so easily.
