They Changed the Game By ndrogin22 Dec 1, 1891 James Naismith invented basketball. Period: Dec 1, 1891 to Dec 31, 1992 History of Basketball Dec 21, 1891 The first basketball game was played. Dec 31, 1894 A basketball was used to play a game. Dec 31, 1895 A 15 foot free throw line was used to play a game. Dec 31, 1896 Baskets were worth 2 points. Dec 31, 1897 The number of players per team was set at 5. Dec 31, 1898 Juggling and double dribbling the ball were outlawed. Dec 31, 1903 Out of bounds lines were ruled straight. Dec 31, 1907 A set timed overtime period was introduced. Dec 31, 1908 Glass backboards were put on the baskets. Dec 31, 1909 Dribbling the ball was allowed. Dec 31, 1912 Open bottom nets were introduced. Dec 31, 1913 The team that touched the ball last before it went out of bounds loses possession. Dec 31, 1936 Basketball became an olympic sport. Dec 31, 1937 The team that allowed the basket gained possession after the basket was scored. Dec 31, 1948 Basketballs without laces were used. Dec 31, 1949 Coaches where allowed to coach during the game. Dec 31, 1954 A 24 second shot clock was introduced. Dec 31, 1979 The NCAA tournament became very popular. Dec 31, 1992 American professional basketball players were allowed to play in the Olympics.