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Get your sneakers ready to go and celebrate Play Basketball Day on December 2! This day was created in the mid-1980s as a way to honor the sport and encourage people of all ages to get out there, have some fun, and play a game of hoops. Whether you're shooting around with friends or playing on a competitive team, it's always an exciting experience. So grab your ball and head outside for some slam dunks!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1891</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Basketball Invention</div><div class='timeline-text'>Dr. James Naismith invented basketball in December 1891 as an indoor game to keep his students occupied during the winter season.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1936</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Basketball in Olympics</div><div class='timeline-text'>Basketball was included in the Summer Olympics and has been played in every Summer Olympics since then.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1946</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Birth of NBA</div><div class='timeline-text'>The National Basketball Association (NBA) was founded on June 6, significantly advancing the popularity and professionalism of the game.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Play Basketball Day Establishment</div><div class='timeline-text'>Play Basketball Day was created to encourage participation in the sport and honor the sport's contributions to fitness and team spirit.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1997</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>WNBA's Inception</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) was launched, elevating the presence of female athletes in professional basketball.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a pickup game</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get your friends together and organize a pickup game at your local court. Make sure to bring plenty of water, basketballs, and the right attitude.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Play a one on one tournament</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>If you don't have enough people for a full game, set up a one on one tournament in your driveway or at the park. The winner of each round gets a point, and the first person to five points wins!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Play HORSE</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>HORSE is always a fun way to get a little competition going with whoever is around at the time. Challenge each other to make shots from different parts of the court and see who can make the most shots.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Go to an NBA game</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Treat yourself and go watch some pro basketball on Play Basketball Day! Nothing beats seeing some of the best players in the world compete against each other.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Shoot around outside</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take it back to basics and shoot around in your driveway or at your local park. Don't forget about doing drills too—it's a great way to hone your skills.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Basketball is fun</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Whether you're playing a game of pickup with friends or joining an organized league, basketball is an incredibly entertaining and enjoyable sport. It's fast-paced and action-packed, and there's never a dull moment when you shoot hoops!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Basketball is great exercise</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Not only does basketball provide nonstop entertainment, but it also helps keep you in shape! With all of the running, jumping, and shooting involved, basketball will help improve your reflexes, coordination and overall physical fitness.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Basketball builds teamwork skills</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>In addition to being a great form of exercise, basketball also teaches valuable teamwork skills as players must work together to achieve their common goals. By learning how to effectively communicate and cooperate with each other on the court, players learn how to become stronger team members.</p></div></div>
Play Basketball Day is celebrated on December 2 every year. In 2024, Play Basketball Day will fall on a Monday.
2023
Dec 2
Saturday
2024
Dec 2
Monday
2025
Dec 2
Tuesday
2026
Dec 2
Wednesday
2027
Dec 2
Thursday
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