In this sports related word analogy, Goal is associated with Football. Using the same pattern, which word should complete the analogy Goal : Football :: Basket : ?

Introduction / Context:
This analogy problem is based on common sports terminology. A goal is a unit of scoring and a defining feature in the game of football. In the same way, a basket is a unit of scoring and an essential feature in another sport. The task is to identify that sport by recognising how specific scoring terms relate to the games in which they occur.

Given Data / Assumptions:
First pair: Goal : Football. Second pair: Basket : ?. All given words are names of sports or scoring terms used in familiar games. The relation in both pairs must be of the same type, ideally scoring method to sport.

Concept / Approach:
In the first pair, Goal refers to the score that is made when the ball completely crosses the goal line between the posts in football. Thus, Goal is a scoring term and Football is the sport in which this scoring term is central. To maintain a parallel relationship, Basket should relate to the sport where scoring is normally achieved by shooting the ball into a basket mounted on a backboard. Recognising this common pairing allows us to choose the correct option.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Analyse the first pair. In football, players score by kicking or heading the ball into the opponent's goal. Therefore, Goal is the specific scoring term, and Football is the sport. Step 2: Understand the meaning of Basket. Basket refers to a goal scored by throwing a ball through an elevated hoop or ring with a net, usually attached to a backboard. Step 3: Connect Basket to its sport. This scoring action is characteristic of the game of Basketball. Step 4: Examine the options. Polo, Cricket, Volleyball, and Hockey are all different sports, but their standard scoring terms are not called Baskets. Only Basketball uses the term Basket as a natural and central scoring concept.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can restate both pairs in sentence form: A player scores a goal in football. A player scores a basket in basketball. The structure of these two sentences is parallel and highlights the direct relationship between scoring unit and sport. None of the other options produce such a clean and universally recognised pairing, which confirms that Basketball is the correct choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Polo uses goals, not baskets, for scoring. Cricket uses runs and wickets, not baskets, as the central scoring and dismissal terms. Volleyball uses points won through rallies, not baskets. Hockey also uses the term goal, similar to football, but not basket.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may focus only on the presence of a ball and casually associate Basket with any ball game. However, analogy questions usually rely on a very specific and standard association, not a vague connection. The best strategy is to recall the exact scoring terminology used in major sports. When you see the word Basket, it should immediately suggest Basketball, just as Goal typically suggests Football or Hockey. Matching that clear association is the key to answering correctly.

Final Answer:
The word that correctly completes the analogy is Basketball.