The advent of women's basketball occurred almost at the same time as men's basketball. The sport was invented by Dr. James Naismith, who was a Canadian citizen. As a child, Naismith played a game called "duck-on-a rock" in which you had to knock a "duck" off a large rock using a smaller rock. Naismith claimed that it was that concept that helped him create the game of basketball.
An Indoor Game
In 1891, Naismith came to the United States to work at the YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts. He was faced with the task of finding a game the students from the School for Christian could play inside when it was too cold to play outside. Naismith wanted a skilled game, not just one that took physical strength.
Rules Established
The first concept of basketball that Naismith created was using two peach baskets and a soccer ball. In 1898, Naismith began teaching physical education at the University of Kansas. During his tenure, he perfected the game of basketball by incorporating 13 rules. Some of the rules included the direction in which the ball could be thrown and how the ball could or could not be handled.
Women's Basketball
In 1892, at Smith College, in Northampton, Massachusetts, physical education teacher Senda Berenson adapted the sport for her all-female students. The concept behind her interpretation of the game was physical fitness, teamwork and cooperation rather than just competition.
New Rules
Berenson broke the court into three zones and nine players per team. A player could not leave her zone. In addition, a player had only three seconds to hold the ball. The ball had to be dribbled three times before it was passed. This made it more difficult for just one or two players to become stars and required the efforts of all the players.
First Games
In 1893, the first women's basketball game was played at Smith. Men were not allowed to watch the game. In 1895, the game was played publicly for the first time, and in 1895, a basketball book of rules was written by Clara Gregory Baer. The book was called "Basquette." In 1899, the Women's Basketball Rules Committee was established.
Gold Medal Winners
The Women's Division of the National Amateur Athletic Federation was created in 1923, and in 1976, Team USA went to the Olympics and received its first gold medal in 1984. The team has won a total of four gold medals. In 1999, the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame was opened in Knoxville, Tennessee. The establishment is dedicated to all levels of women's basketball.
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