This children’s article, Slam dunk! A kid’s guide to basketball, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children build vocabulary, learn about the origins of basketball, and discover how the sport became a global sensation. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.
The origins of basketball
Basketball was invented in 1891 by a Canadian teacher called James Naismith. He was working at a school in the United States and needed a fun indoor game for his students to play during the cold winter months. Using a football, two peach baskets, and a simple set of rules, basketball was born!
The first game was played with nine players on each team, and the baskets still had their bottoms in, which meant someone had to climb a ladder to retrieve the ball every time someone scored.
The rise of the NBA
Today, the most famous basketball league in the world is the NBA, the National Basketball Association, based in the United States. It began in 1946 and has grown into one of the most watched sports competitions on the Planet.
Some of the greatest players of all time played in the NBA, including:
- Michael Jordan – Often regarded as the greatest of all time, he played for the Chicago Bulls and won six championships.
- LeBron James – The highest point scorer in NBA history, with a total of 42,184 points.
- Stephen Curry – A superstar known for his amazing long-distance shooting.
Popular around the globe
Basketball isn’t just big in the USA. It’s also very popular in China, Spain, France, and Lithuania. Countries also compete in international events like the FIBA World Cup and the Olympics.
How to play
Basketball is usually played by two teams of five players. The goal is to score points by throwing the ball through the opponent’s hoop.
A few key rules:
- You can only move with the ball if you’re dribbling (bouncing it).
- Each basket scored from close range is worth two points.
- Long-distance shots from outside the three-point line are worth three points.
- The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.
The game is fast, exciting, and full of incredible moves like slam dunks, passes, and buzzer-beaters!
The future of basketball
Basketball keeps growing, and one reason for that is the rise of the women’s game.
The WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) started in 1996 and has become hugely popular. Players like A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Caitlin Clark are inspiring the next generation of young athletes.
More girls around the world are picking up a ball and joining teams, schools, and clubs. The future of basketball looks bright.
Article vocabulary list
- Indoor – Inside a building, not outside
- League – A group of teams that play each other in a sport
- Championship – A contest to find the best team or player
- Dribbling – Bouncing the ball while moving
- Slam dunk – A powerful shot where a player jumps and pushes the ball into the basket
- Buzzer-beater – A shot made just before the time runs out
- Opponent – The other team or player you are playing against
- Inspiring – Making people feel excited to do something
- Generation – A group of people born around the same time
- Bright (future) – Positive or full of good things to come
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. Who invented basketball?
A) Michael Jordan
B) James Naismith
C) LeBron James
Answer: B) James Naismith
2. Why was basketball invented?
A) To sell more sports equipment
B) For fun during summer holidays
C) To play indoors during winter
Answer: C) To play indoors during winter
3. What does NBA stand for?
A) National Ball Association
B) North Basketball Agency
C) National Basketball Association
Answer: C) National Basketball Association
4. What is the WNBA?
A) A new team in the NBA
B) A basketball league for women
C) A basketball game for kids
Answer: B) A basketball league for women
5. Which female player is known for inspiring young athletes?
A) Caitlin Clark
B) Michael Jordan
C) Stephen Curry
Answer: A) Caitlin Clark
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
