Play Basketball Day is a holiday observed annually on the 2nd day of December. It celebrates a sport that is almost as popular as football in the United States and is one of the most popular sports in the world.

It’s also a sport that’s becoming more popular with the passing of each year. Why are more and more people playing basketball around the globe? Well, it probably has a lot to do with the fact that not a whole lot of equipment is needed to play.

All that’s really needed is a ball and a hoop, and at least two people. It’s a great way for people to spend some time and get some exercise at the same time. All good reasons for everyone to observe this holiday.

The History of Play Basketball Day

In 1891, James Naismith coined the term “basketball” for the game that he invented. He was a physical education instructor at the YMCA International Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts, when his boss challenged him to come up with a non-aggressive winter sport. He attached fruit baskets to the 10-foot high balcony at each end of the YMCA’s gymnasium and split his students into two teams. He then instructed them to throw the ball into the baskets.

He would go on to invent some basic rules for the game, which he published on January 15th, 1892. Basketball became increasingly popular, and in 1894, the first basketball was released. This basketball was a bit larger than the soccer ball that Naismith had originally used for his games. On November 28th, 1939, he would die in Lawrence, Kansas, at the age of 78.

This holiday was created a few years after the birthday of James Naismith, but that’s honestly all that we know about it. We have no idea who invented this holiday or exactly when it was invented. As always, we’ll continue to do our research behind the scenes to see if we can come up with more information on the history of this day. Or maybe, we’ll just shoot a few hoops instead.

Observing Play Basketball Day

Well, if you’re going to celebrate a day called Play Basketball Day, then you’re probably going to want to actually play the game. Go ahead and assemble a team and play a few games of HORSE in the backyard.

Another way to celebrate this holiday is to shoot some hoops by yourself. No matter which way you choose to observe this holiday, just be sure to use the hashtag #PlayBasketballDay on social media.