James Naismith, a Canadian physical educator, created the first set of rules for basketball as part of a project to keep his students engaged during the cold winter months at the YMCA in Springfield, Massachusetts. Faced with the challenge of finding an indoor game that was less violent than football, Naismith devised a new sport that would promote teamwork and skill, while also offering an excellent cardio workout. He wrote down 13 basic rules that defined how the game should be played and emphasized passing, shooting, and teamwork.

The inaugural basketball game, played on January 20, 1892, utilized a soccer ball and two peach baskets as goals, marking the humble beginnings of a sport that would grow to immense popularity in the years to follow. Players were required to avoid running with the ball and to use passing and strategy to score points, setting the stage for the evolution of the game. The rules emphasized not only athletic ability but also sportsmanship and cooperation among players.

As basketball gained traction in various colleges and communities, Naismith's initial rules underwent modifications, but the essence of the game he created remained intact. The establishment of basketball led to the formation of leagues, the first professional teams, and ultimately the NBA. Naismith’s innovative approach to sports education and the incorporation of basketball into physical education programs were instrumental in spreading the game’s popularity across the globe.