Which sport did J.K. Rowling invent for the Harry Potter stories?

J.K. Rowling invented Quidditch for the Harry Potter stories.

Quidditch is a fictional wizarding sport played on broomsticks with four balls: one Quaffle, two Bludgers, and one Golden Snitch. Teams normally have seven players, including three Chasers, two Beaters, a Keeper, and a Seeker. Scoring and the Snitch give the sport its distinctive structure.

Rowling has said that the word “Quidditch” was invented for the books. The sport appears prominently from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone onward and becomes part of Hogwarts social life, house rivalry, and character development.

Quidditch should not be confused with a real-world sport played by people on foot, which was later developed by fans and adapted under different names. In Rowling’s fiction, the game is defined by broomsticks, magical balls, and a 150-point Golden Snitch catch.