In 1891, while he was teaching at the YMCA training school in Springfield, Massachusetts, James Naismith received instructions from his boss. Naismith was given 14 days to come up with an indoor game that students could play during the harsh New England winters. So, he invented the game of basketball.

After spending a few days thinking about other popular sports (like soccer, hockey, and football) Naismith hung two peach baskets at opposite ends of the gymnasium floor. Then, he informed his students that the object of the game was to toss the ball into the other team’s peach basket. Naismith posted 13 rules on the bulletin board and used a soccer ball to play with. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Naismith Postage Stamp

The game of basketball has changed a lot since the day James Naismith invented it. But the whole history of the game can be traced back

to one man’s attempt to solve a simple problem: how to help his students have fun exercising indoors. Naismith’s invention made the world a better place. And, if you keep your eyes open, you’ll probably find ways to make your world a better place, too.

Words of Wisdom from the World of Basketball

“Be strong in body, clean in mind, lofty in ideas.”
James Naismith

“I can accept failure. Everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.”
Michael Jordan

“You can’t be afraid to make mistakes. You have to be able to accept failure to get better.”
Lebron James

“Attitude is a choice. Whatever you think you can do — whether it’s positive or negative — is probably what’s going to happen.”
Pat Summitt

“Be the best version of yourself you can be. You don’t have to live anybody else’s story.”
Steph Curry