The History of Basketball : Origins

It Begins

The origins of Basketball can be traced over 100 years back to a town in Massachusetts known as Springfield (Is it just me or is that similar to the "Simpsons"?) anyways, formally known as YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association), and now regarded as Springfield College, the game of basketball was first initialized by a standard P.E Professor simply looking to keep his class active on a rainy day in early December, 1891.

But don't think the Canadian American Doctor was a genius at it himself seeing as he used a peach basket for a hoop & the only way you could move the ball around the court, was if you passed it... Now that's fundamentals! Did I mention he apparently got the idea from a children's game? It's called Duck on a rock... Don't believe me? Look it up.

Fundamentals

But seriously fundamental basketball didn't really truly take off till the early 1900's when the very first basketball game was actually played in Albany, New York. The concept was very broad though being that the rules and regulations weren't completely developed yet; it didn't stop the game from traveling and becoming an instant success throughout the United States and Canada.

From there it was picked up by Colleges, and then high schools, grew into a professional sport by the 20's, and finally went International by the 30's. Though the YMCA were responsible for developing and spreading the game, they quickly discouraged it after about a decade due to the roughness and extra rowdiness of the crowds that it drew. Can't blame them though, it just wasn't their intention when first promoted; luckily we had other sports clubs that quickly filled the void that the YMCA left.

Then in the late 1950's Tony Hinkle emerged with the first ball ever made specifically for basketball, really he only made it so everyone could be able to follow the ball, guess that's why he chose bright orange as the color. Throughout the ages the game of basketball grew in abundance from mere peach basket shooting and no-dribble passing into back-boards, metal-rims, orange basketballs, 5 player competitions, lay-ups, jump shots, Slam-Dunks, Alley-Oops!! Sorry got a little excited there.

Amazing what the world can accomplish in just 100 years, and to think it all started from a simple rainy day in a small town and a parent game "Duck on a Rock".

Just Amazing.