It is widely acknowledged that sport has a positive effect on a child’s development. The popularity of basketball is surging worldwide, and there are several key reasons why basketball especially, is a great sport for children.
The Mental Health Perspective
Nowadays mental health issues are being more widely acknowledged and talked about. Maybe basketball could be a great sport for your children to try to prevent mental health being an issue for them. Unlike solo sports like golf or tennis, basketball is a team sport which could help your children develop their self-confidence. This can happen more gradually and naturally than in high-contact sports like Australian football, whose large teams could easily be overwhelming for young children. Some children simply aren’t comfortable operating in large groups, so kids basketball could offer a perfect starting point in sport with only 5 players from each team on the court at any one time.
Basketball is also a fun game to play, which suggests it may have mental health benefits for your children. There is certainly a strong link between participating in sports and the production of endorphins, the hormone that makes us happy. Basketball can also help to lower stress levels by being an outlet for pent-up emotions.
Social Growth, Respect and Communication
Another reason why basketball is a good sport for your children is that increased levels of social interactivity can improve communication skills. When taking part in a game, all the players must work together as one team, which will provide your children with the chance to learn suitable ways of communicating with their peers. They will develop an understanding of teamwork and gradually recognise the role they play within a group. This is another great transferable skill. This experience will be beneficial throughout their lives and will help your children understand how to better express their emotions and how to respond in an appropriate way when others are down, helping them to develop empathy.
Practical Development
Practical development is also important. Basketball is a strategic sport, so your children will be able to develop their critical thinking skills and learn how to use tactics for their benefit and the benefit of teammates. The cognitive nature of playing basketball will develop problem-solving skills that will be beneficial throughout your children’s lives.
Physical Development
Basketball offers a range of physical benefits for your children such as hand-eye coordination. It relies greatly on hand-eye coordination for passing the ball between players and shooting at the hoop. This can have benefits for your children’s developing eyesight and more general athletic abilities, leading to improved overall health.
Health Benefits
Basketball is a fast-paced sport, which involves a lot of running. So, stamina and agility, amongst all the other skills, are critical. Stamina is built through regular, balanced and prolonged physical activity; therefore, it can be developed in children through playing regular games. This will lead to the development of great physical and health benefits, allowing your children to build up both muscular and cardiovascular strength.
