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Basketball

Basketball is a game played by two teams of usually five players each on a rectangular court having a raised basket or goal at each end, points being scored by tossing the ball through the opponent's basket.

See Also:
Wheelchair Basketball

An Overview of Basketball

Basketball can be played by people of any age, size or ability and with thousands of outdoor courts across the country - where you can play for free - there's plenty of places to practice if you don't fancy competing with a team.

Benefits

  • The mixture of running, jumping, pivoting and twisting helps improve balance and build endurance.
  • Excellent way to boost coordination and balance through dribbling, passing and shooting the basketball
  • Team game nature means it is an excellent way to develop communication skills and learn to work effectively with other people.

Costs

It is a cheap game to set-up, with only a hoop and basketball required for a match. Thousands of outdoor courts can be found across the country in parks and recreation areas where you can play for free.

Involvement

For people looking to receive coaching, play as part of a team and compete in a league, there are approximately 1,000 clubs in the UK which can be found in sport centres, schools, colleges, universities and gyms. Local clubs can be found by visiting the Basketball England website.

Adaptations and Equipment

  • Only a hoop and basketball required for a match
  • Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing

Facts

  • Men's basketball was introduced to the Olympics in 1936, with women given their own competition in 1976.

Find Basketball Clubs/Groups Near You

Use the search below to find local organisations near you.

National Governing Bodies

Basketball England

Contact Name
General Information
Contact Email
info@basketballengland.co.uk.
Contact Telephone
0114 284 1060
Basketball

Sports Connect

We Inspire, Motivate, Educate all by giving opportunities to individuals within their communities to improve their lives. It is our strategic objective to work in collaboration and true partnership with other key organisations to provide greater opportuni

Maidstone Panthers Basketball Club

Maidstone Panthers Basketball Club

Maidstone Panthers are an expanding basketball club based at the YMCA in Maidstone (Loose).
Training Under 12's - Wednesday 1730-1630
Training Under 14 -16's - Wednesday 1830-1930
Training Under 14's- U16's Saturday 09:00-11:)0
Mens Open Play - Sunday

Sevenoaks Sport & Wellbeing

Sevenoaks Sport & Wellbeing

Sevenoaks Sport & Wellbeing is a free magazine in the Sevenoaks District in Kent which hosts an annual Showcase Event for local sports clubs.

Kent Crusaders Basketball Club

Kent Crusaders Basketball Club

Basketball Club offering sessions for U8 all the way up to U16. We have sessions in Medway, Northfleet and Canterbury.

Guru Nanak Sports Club

Guru Nanak Sports Club

We aim to provide quality basketball development for youths and adults in Gravesham and the surrounding area. We have been an affiliated member of basketballEnglans since 1991 and have won trophies at national and local level on a consistent basis over th

Darford Tigers Basketball Club

Darford Tigers Basketball Club

Dartford Tigers Basketball Club is a community-focused basketball club dedicated to promoting basketball across Dartford. We offer a comprehensive range of programs for all ages and abilities. Our activities include after school clubs, community sessions,

Dartford Basketball Club

Dartford Basketball Club

Local basketball club with men's, women's and junior basketball sessions entering into the Medway League

Swale Basketball Club

Swale Basketball Club

We hold basketball sessions for :
Under 8's ( School Year 2 & 3 ) , under 10’s (School Years 4 & 5 ) , under 12’s (School Years 6 & 7 ) , under 14`s (School Years 8 & 9) , under 16`s (School Years 10 & 11) .

British Basketball Federation

British Basketball Federation

Initially tasked with the objective of steering the Great Britain men's and women's basketball teams through to the London 2012 Olympic Games, British Basketball in its modern form has been in existence since December 2006.

BRITISH UNIVERSITIES & COLLEGES SPORT

BRITISH UNIVERSITIES & COLLEGES SPORT

British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) is the national governing body for Higher Education (HE) sport in the UK, a membership organisation, and a company limited by guarantee with charitable status, and our vision is simple, to enhance the student e

Special Olympics Great Britain

Special Olympics Great Britain

Special Olympics offers a lifetime of learning through sport and benefits individuals of all ages and ability levels – from those with low motor abilities to highly skilled athletes.

Basketball England: #ProjectSwish

Basketball England: #ProjectSwish

#ProjectSwish is Basketball England’s mission to improve outdoor basketball courts across England.