James A. Naismith: Creator of Basketball

Millions of players of basketball which was created by one man by the name of Dr. James A. Naismith. James Naismith was born around the 1860s. James Naismith created the game of basketball in 1891. Dr. James A. Naismith was truly influential to the sports world through the creation of basketball, building Kansas University basketball tradition, and changing lives of millions of people through the game of basketball.

Before the game of basketball James Naismith was truly influential to the sports world. According to James A. Naismith “as a young man, Naismith studied Theology and excelled in various sports. Naismith was always drawn to religion because he knew he wanted to help others, but his life's mission became clear to him one day during a football game: a football teammate began cursing after a blown play, but then stopped and apologized to Naismith, who was known for his morals. Naismith realized that "there might be other ways of doing well besides preaching" and got the idea that he could practice his ministry through sports” (1). James Naismith was always thought of as a man known for his morals. According to an article entitled James A. Naismith, “Naismith also is credited with inventing the helmet for football players. Which gives better safety to football players"(1). The football helmet is truly beneficial to football and sports world. The creation of basketball and before the creation of basketball was truly influential to the sports world.

Basketball has a huge impact on the sports world. Naismith began to think about a new game that could be played indoors during the winter. In two weeks, he’d come up with the basic concepts that would define the game basket ball: to discourage tackling, players would not be able to run with the ball, but made the game of basketball would was made to pass it; the players would have to loft the ball instead of shoot it. In 1891, Naismith was appointed an instructor by Luther Halsey Gulick, Jr. Head of Physical Education at Springfield. Naismith put sports together such as soccer, American Football, Field Hockey and other sports. “Naismith created the game of basket ball for players to play during football and baseball. The game started with two peach baskets, a soccer ball and 13 rules.”(Original Rules of Basketball 1) Rains and Carpenter said “Naismith loved the idea that a minimum of a basketball, a basket, and a place to play (52).