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Basketball

Canadian James Naismith invented basketball in 1891. The original game used peach baskets as goals. The sport was added to the Olympic roster in 1904. It was considered an exhibition sport until it made its official debut as a medal sport at the 1936 games in Berlin, Germany.

The Rules of the Games

Olympic basketball rules differ slightly from the National Basketball Association's (NBA) rules. Instead of four periods, lasting 12 minutes each, there are two periods lasting 20 minutes each. The shot clock is set at 30 seconds not 24. And if needed, there is only five minutes allotted for an overtime period. In Olympic bball, the rim and net are about three inches lower, and the 3-point line is shorter, making it easier for players to score 3-point shots.

Twelve international teams compete in the Olympic Games. The teams are divided into two groups of six players. Each team is labeled either "A" or "B". They play against each other until only eight teams are left for the quarterfinal round. In this round, team A1 goes up against team B4, team A2 against team B3, team A3 against team B2 and team A4 against team B1. The winning teams move on to the semifinal round. The two winning teams from the semifinal round shoot for the gold medal.

--Claudia Atticot