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What equipment was used in the first basketball game in 1891?

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For the first game of basketball held on December 21, 1891, James Naismith utilized the following equipment:

  • Goals: Two half-bushel peach baskets were used as targets, which provided the sport with its name.12
  • Ball: A soccer ball was used for the game.1
  • Retrieval tool: Because the baskets were closed at the bottom, a stepladder was required to retrieve the ball after a goal was scored.2

In those early days, players typically wore one of three styles of uniforms: jersey tights, knee-length football trousers, or short padded pants, often accompanied by knee guards.1