Basketball is one of the most entertaining sports that fits people of all skill levels and ages. After all, there is a reason why it is famous across the world. A typical basketball team consists of five players per side, but you can also play two-on-two or three-on-three. What’s better, you can also play the game all by yourself. If you have access to an indoor court, you can also play the sport all year round.
The primary objective of the game is to shoot the ball through the hoop to score points. Therefore, a player will typically have to plan defensive strategies to prevent the other team from scoring and score a point themselves.
Lastly, playing basketball doesn’t always have to be competitive. You can play it with a playful and easy-going spirit too. Because regardless of how you play the sport, it will help you gain strength, muscular endurance, and coordination. Additionally, you will also be given the opportunity to become part of a team and, in turn, a larger community.
If you are curious about the benefits of playing basketball at a young age, here are five physical, emotional, and social benefits of the sport on your overall health and well-being.
1. It Is A Full-Body Workout That Is Great For Muscle Development
Being a brisk or high-intensity sport, basketball involves a lot of running, jumping, dribbling and passing the ball, hand-eye coordination skills, and shooting the ball. Meaning, when your kids continuously indulge in the game, it will help them improve their endurance and muscle development. In addition, basketball and similar exercises will also help boost aerobic capacity, metabolism, and energy levels, which translated to enhanced concentration levels at school.
In simple words, basketball is the ideal sport for your kid if they are disinterested in playing sports and suffer will problems like dullness, laziness, or obesity. In addition, all the continuous movement involved in basketball will help burn calories and lose fat, making you more active.
2. It Will Help Them Grow Taller
Throughout generations, basketball is that one game that has been said to help you grow taller. Though the height of every person is something that their natural genes determine, a sport like a basketball will definitely aid growth. Now, you might ask why?
Think about the primary movements in basketball—jumping, sprinting, and dodging. All these body movements have been scientifically shown to aid growth in children, thereby improving their height.
3. Enhances Social Development Skills & Instil Team Work
Basketball is a fantastic sport that will teach your kids how to successfully communicate, work in a team and make lasting friendships. As they play in a group, they will often be surrounded by older players and coaches who can also act as their role models. Participating in a team sport will also teach your kids the importance of working together in a team as they will have to jointly come up with winning plans and tactics to achieve their sporting goals.
Furthermore, working as a team while playing will teach them the importance of adopting a team spirit as they will always have to support one another. Communication skills and the value of listening are added bonuses.
4. It Boosts Self-Esteem & Confidence
Actively participating in a sport is ideal for your kid’s character building, and it can contribute significantly to their self-esteem and confidence. According to the Aussie Hoops program, basketball puts greater stress on the fun and enjoyment associated with the game rather than letting kid’s self-esteem be distinguished by winning, losing, or scoring. Scoring a point or shooting a ball into the hoop will give your child added self-confidence.
Additionally, basketball contributes to your kid’s increased levels of self-confidence by helping them realize their increased skill level and development. This improved confidence will help them significantly improve their control over the ball and reflect in their overall personality. What’s better, you might even be able to see your child make it to the college basketball odds by training them starting at a very young age.
5. It Will Teach Them The Importance Of Respecting Authority
Having your child indulge in a sport is always the ideal way to give them a sense of discipline as it involves them having to stick to game rules and regulations, and receiving direction from coaches, officials, and their fellow teammates. In addition, the constant interactions and communication will help your children understand the importance of listening to others and respecting them both on and off the court.
