Women's basketball
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Women's basketball is one of the few sports which developed in tandem with men's. It became popular, from the east coast of the United States, to the west coast, in large part via women's colleges.
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[edit] History
[edit] Early women's basketball
Women's basketball began in 1892, at Smith (a women's college), when Senda Berenson, a physical education teacher, modified the rules to a game James Naismith made up and taught it in her classes. Basketball's early adherents were affiliated with YMCAs and colleges throughout the United States, and the game quickly spread through the country. By 1896, it was well established at several other women's colleges.
[edit] College basketball and early leagues
Berenson's freshmen played the sophomore class in the first women's collegiate basketball game, March 21, 1893. The doors were locked at the Smith College gym and men were not allowed to watch Berenson's students compete. University of California and Miss Head's School, had played the first women's extramural game in 1892. Also in 1893, Mount Holyoke and Sophie Newcomb College (coached by Clara Gregory Baer) women began playing basketball. By 1895, the game had spread to colleges across the country, including Wellesley, Vassar and Bryn Mawr. The first intercollegiate women's game was on April 4, 1896. Stanford women played Berkeley, 9-on-9, ending in a 2-1 Stanford victory.
[edit] U.S. high school basketball
The 2006 national championship in women's high school basketball was won by Holy Family Catholic High School, Victoria, Minnesota. The runner up was Mt. Vernon High School, Mt. Vernon, Indiana. Leading scorers in the competition were Chris Unseth 35, Nicky Dellwo 22, and Katie Burke 13.
[edit] Women's National Basketball Association
[edit] International basketball
Though it was originally an American sport, it quickly spread internationally and outstanding players and teams are found today all over the world.
FIBA, the world governing body for the sport, has organized a World Championship for Women since 1953. It is currently held every four years in even-numbered non-Olympic years.
Women's basketball has been contested in the Summer Olympics since 1976.
[edit] Rules and regulations
[edit] History and Development
The modern rules for women's basketball become more similar to men's each year. Though, many women have used the same rules as men from the beginning. In 1892, Berenson was taking risks simply in teaching the game to women. And, in order to keep it "acceptable" for women to play at all, she taught modified rules. This included a court divided into three areas and six players per team. Two players were assigned to each area (guard, center, forward) and could not cross the line into another area. The ball was moved from section to section by passing or dribbling. Players were limited to three dribbles and could hold the ball for three seconds. No snatching or batting the ball away from a player was allowed. A center jump was required after each score. Peach baskets and the soccer ball were the equipment. Variations of Berenson’s rules spread across the country via YMCAs and colleges.
[edit] Playing regulations
Women's basketball is played with the same court and rules as men, with a few exceptions. The standard court size is 94 feet long by 50 feet wide. The three-point line is 20 feet and 6.25 inches (6.25 m) from the middle of the basket in WNBA and FIBA competition. The regulation WNBA ball is a minimum 28.5 inches (72.4 cm) in circumference, 1.00 inch (2.54 cm) smaller than the NBA ball. As of 2004, this size is used for all senior-level women's competitions worldwide. Also, there is no block/charge arc under the basket. The WNBA shot clock was recently changed from 30 to 24 seconds. Women's NCAA college basketball uses a 30 second shot clock. Most high school and college games are played in two separate 20 minute halves, while WNBA and FIBA games are played in four 10 minute quarters.
[edit] Equipment
The standard equipment for a women's basketball game, that already has a hoop, is the regulation sized 28.5 basketball.
