BASKETBALL The game of basketball is unique among popular Sports. The world (enjoy) it for a century. But not all of us (know) the history of the game. It (invent) by a Canadian, first (play) in the USA and specially (plan) to meet a definite need. In 1891 Dr James A. Naismith (be) a physical director of the international Y.M.C.A.* training school in Springfield, Mass.** For some years the interest of young Canadians and Americans in the customary programme of Calisthenics*** and Gymnastics (weaken). Dr Naismith (ask) to invent a competitive game that (hold) the enthusiasm of the students. It (suggest) that the game (have) simple rules that (can learn) easily; it (be) free from bodily contact; good for players over a wide range of ages and it (have) inexpensive equipment. The game (be to, play) by day and by night in small gymnasiums. Dr Naismith (solve) all these problems in his game. He (call) it basketball, because the players (be to; throw) a round ball into a basket-shaped net hung at either end of the gymnasium. At first the game (play) with as many as nine players on a side. It soon (realize) that five to a team (result) in cleaner and faster play. The inventor (suggest) 13 basic rules, and most of them (be) still in effect; there (be) some changes in playing conditions and rules of the game.
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