Basketball began in 1891, it was invented by James Naismith, as being a less injury-prone sport than football. He was a 31-year-old graduate student when he created the sport, keeping players indoors during the winter. The game became established quite quickly, and it grew very popular into the 20th century.

Basketball began with its invention in 1891 in Springfield, Massachusetts, by Canadian physical education instructor James Naismith as a less injury-prone sport than football. Naismith was a 31-year-old graduate student when he created the indoor sport to keep athletes indoors during the winters.