Invented in 1891 in USA, basketball quickly spread all around the country. Exported in France two years later, it is only practiced by a few associations close to the International YMCA (Young Men Christian Association) movement. In order to understand this failure, this paper crosses history of the technics and cultural studies. It is grounded on empirical work. First, Springfield College Archives are consulted. Then, publications from French associations are studied: FGSPF (Fédération gymnastique et sportive des patronages de France), USFSA (Union des sociétés françaises de sports athlétiques) and French Alliance of YMCA.
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