When Dr. James Naismith invented the game of basketball at Springfield College in 1891, he incorporated aspects of existing games such as rugby, soccer, and lacrosse and
established thirteen rules for play. None of these thirteen rules entailed keeping both feet
on the ground; still, for the next several decades, basketball was a sedate game with few
fast moves or high jumps. In fact, in the 1930s, when University of Missouri player John
Cooper tried an innovative play-jumping while shooting-his coach pulled him out of the
game. However, after watching Cooper perform the move in practices, the coach
eventually had a change of heart and allowed Cooper to use the jump shot at games.
Meanwhile, similar situations were taking place at other colleges. As a result of the
tradition-breaking moves of a few unorthodox players, the jump shot caught on and
became an integral part of the game.
What is the main idea of the passage?
Because innovators like John Cooper Wallenged the conventions of basketball,
the jump shot became a popular move.
Because John Cooper's jump shot was an eye-catching move, his coach
eventually allowed him to use it during games.