Many of the rules of basketball have changed or evolved over time, but the basketball hoop height has remained constant since its invention in 1891.

Basketball is played all over the world, and the most talented players have the opportunity to earn millions of dollars playing at the highest levels.

Michael Jordan changed the face of basketball, and sports, with his superior athletic ability and knack for marketing and endorsements. His contributions on and off the court helped catapult the popularity of basketball to a new level -- one that now garners the attention of the world.

Basketball has come a long way since its creation in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith in Springfield, Massachusetts. It has become a global phenomenon with millions of individuals playing the game at the professional, collegiate, high school and recreational levels.

For basketball fans across the country, the No. 23 often conjures up images of Michael Jordan soaring across a basketball court in a Chicago Bulls jersey. Considered one of the NBA’s greatest players, Jordan remains one of the most well-known athletes years after his retirement.

Basketball came about because a doctor and physical education teacher wanted a sport his students could play indoors during the harsh Massachusetts winter. His hopes were the game would help players work on hand-eye coordination, jumping, running, shooting and ball handling, but not a lot of player contact.

Basketball was invented by Dr. James Naismith in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1891. Naismith, who later taught at the University of Kansas, had been searching for a game of skill that could be played indoors in a relatively small space during the harsh New England winters.

In basketball, players cannot run with the ball without dribbling it. Players cannot begin and end an infinite number of dribbles, however. National Basketball Association rules prohibit players from beginning a second dribble after they have voluntarily ended the first.

Not all basketball games are created equal. Depending on the level of basketball you play, the length of the game can vary widely. Whether you're a player, a coach or the official timer at the game, understanding the rules regarding the length of the game will help you be more effective at doing your job.

Basketball is a fast-paced game with few scheduled breaks in the action, but coaches and players can call a time out to stop the clock and confer as a team. Certain rules in high school basketball govern the number of time outs, how they are called and what teams can and cannot do during the timeout.

The net is arguably the most important piece of equipment in basketball -- equaled perhaps only by the ball itself. Without the net, there is no game. While having a net is essential, it's also highly important to have a net of an appropriate height.

The principle is a simple one. By wearing ankle weights, you will force your feet, ankles, lower legs and knees to work harder and build more muscle. By getting stronger in those areas, you will jump higher and run faster. Those two factors will make you a more competitive basketball player.