| As we all know, Basketball is one of the most favored and viewed sports in the world which draws in millions of crowds for the games played each year. However, the game has changed gradually since its inception and this article explains the changes that have taken place in the game. In other words, it elucidates basketball of then and now.
Rules and Regulations in the sport
Basketball, just like in any other sport, had a few fundamental rules, which were modified and changed as the game became more and more popular and widespread.
For E.g.:- Dribbling was considered a defense measure initially, however it changed as the potential of a dribble was perceived to be good. Earlier, it was prohibited to use both hands more than once when dribbling, but this was changed later. Similarly, it was a rule that when the ball went out-of-bounds, the player who had the last contact with the ball gets the opportunity to throw it in, but due to the hazards it created, it was changed that the opposition will be given the ball, and since that too delayed the game, it was said that the nearest opponent be given the ball for a throw-in.
Changes in the courts, equipment and facilities
Everything from the basketball court to the hoops to the backboards to the uniforms has changed as the game evolved. Earlier there was only one type of court but now it has changed and the sizes and shapes of the basketball court changes according to various Associations and Federations.
For E.g.:- NBA – 28.65m by 15.24m
FIBA – 28m by 15m
Even the equipment and facilities have changed, with the introduction and modification of the Shot Clock, Fibre Glass Backbaords, and even the basketball itself has changed over time. Basketballs are not laced or sewn any longer and the backboards have been made in such a way to avoid the audience from leaning over balconies close to where baskets were attached and interfering with scoring of shots. Even the court markings have changed over time.
The Spread of the sport
This sport was not very famous during its initial stages and was played only by a few teams in few countries, but now it is a major sport and is played at all levels by over 300 million people. It is being played at school and college levels in all parts of the world, even in countries such as South Asia, Africa, Australia and Europe.
Change in the nature of the game
It is believed by some that players now come into the field not to play or for enjoyment, but simply for the hefty amounts that they are being paid. This is true, because basketball athletes in the present day show more concern in getting themselves into advertisements, rather than focusing on improving their performance potential. It is also believed that today’s players’ show less sportsmanship compared to the good old days.
Changes in the skills of the players
Back then, basketball players had only 3-4 years of training, practice and experience when they came into pro-matches, but nowadays, basketball players receive over 10 years training, which makes them more proficient and improved than the old basketball players.
Changes in the pay for the players
The salaries of the players have also increased by huge amounts. In the early days, the game was played for fun, but now it has become a profession and a business and most skilled basketball athletes are very well paid.
For E.g.:- They were paid nearly $200,000 ten to twenty years back, but this has more than doubled and players now receive over $425,000 in pay. |
