Figure 1.--A reader suggests that this was a 1980 photgraph from Batley Boys High School, but another reader who attended at the time does not recognize the team members so it might be Batley Grammar School. Note the two kind of kneesocks and the still rather long hair cuts on some of the boys. |
Basketball as it originated in America was for years primarily an American sport. Nowhere has basketball been as popular as in America. While it was particularlu popular in Midwest, the YMCA and highschool sports program help spread it throughout America. The initial rural focus changed as basketball eventually became America's preminent urban sport--because of the small area and limited equipment required. We have noted it being played in Britain in the 1950s, although it has never been a major sport there. Many more girls played netball than boys played basketball. Throughout Europe, the obsession with football (soccer) has limited participation in other sports. After basketball was made an olympic sport it was taken up seriously in many different countries. Uniforms are fairly standard among countries, but some differences can be noted.
We have noted it being played in Britain in the 1950s, although it has never been a major sport there. Many more girls played netball than boys played basketball. Boys generally weore the standard singlets that are usually worn for basket ball. the short were the short cut gym shorts. The uniforms usually consisted of kneesocks worn until the 1970s with black plimsols. By the 1980s more stylish running shoes had become common. Note the two kind of kneesocks and the still rather long hair cuts on some of the boys in the 1980s image here.
Basketball as it originated in America was for years primarily an American sport. Nowhere has basketball been as popular as in America. While it was particularly popular in Midwest, the YMCA and highschool sports program help spread it throughout America. The initial rural focus changed as basketball eventually became America's preminent urban sport--because of the small area and limited equipment required. A good example is the Holderness School in 1923. Boys generally wore high top shoes through the 1950s. Low cut shoes became more common in thr 1960s and knee-length tube socks in the 1970s. Ankle socks were back in fashion by the 1990s when long baggy shorts began to be worn.
Throughout Europe, the obsession with football (soccer) has limited participation in other sports.
After basketball was made an olympic sport it was taken up seriously in many different countries.
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