Regardless of which age category you fall into, basketball is one of the worlds most enjoyable sports because of its multiple skill levels and ages. Its global popularity isn’t slowing down, as each year, the competitive and playful spirit grows.
European countries love basketball, but the obsession can’t quite be matched by American culture. The United States has encouraged its youth to partake in basketball for hundreds of years, as the first known college basketball game took place in 1984. The college programs in Arizona are a great example of the sport’s positive outcome, an American state that’s delivered numerous championship-worthy teams due to its passion for the game.
Similar to Arizona college programs, Arizona sports betting has flourished in its support for their local talent. Avid sports wagering enthusiasts (some whose basketball playing days may be over) have found a comparable passion in backing their team through the utilization of betting on a local team’s available spread or moneyline. Whether it’s the Arizona Wildcats, Arizona State Sun Devils, or the Grand Canyon Antelopes, the embodiment of basketball is thriving across Arizona and the United States in General.
But the question remains, what can basketball do for us as humans? Besides the enjoyment aspect, physical, social, and mental health benefits are considerably boosted from partaking in the sport.
Basketball’s Health Benefits
Falling into a category of high-intensity sports, you’re going to require muscle, stamina, and an agile set of movement skills to perform well in basketball. But more importantly, the sport itself will build the above attributes when you begin playing. Muscular endurance will be made from basketball and the exercises involved, primarily when most movements focus on core strength.
Playing team sports can result in a greater bone density. Studies have shown, particularly in team sports, that bone mineral density is considerably higher in those who played sports than those who were inactive.
Another critical aspect of succeeding on the court is possessing good hand-eye and foot coordination. Sharp bursts of movement, fast turning, pivoting, and changing direction are supported with good balance and movement. The motor skills involved, like passing, shooting, and dribbling, will heighten a person’s balance and coordination.
In growing children, basketball is proven to fast track vital movement skills. Basketball enhances flexibility, endurance, speed, strength, and coordination. In addition, these positive effects promote a healthy BMI% (Body mass index), resulting in greater cardiorespiratory and overall fitness.
Kick-basketball for 8th grade PE @JHambric_K8pic.twitter.com/3i10FYOb29
— Justine Farmer (@jfarm_HealthPE) January 31, 2022
Basketball also assists adults in their fitness and body composition. Studies have shown that untrained adults who trained in basketball for six months saw a dramatic effect on their body fat percentage.
Lastly, everyone wants a healthier heart. With basketballs increased resting heart rates, cardiorespiratory is raised, which is ultimately linked to a lower chance of heart-related disease occurring.
Basketball’s Emotional Benefits
Self-confidence is inevitable in team games, and basketball is no different. You won’t be short of encouragement, motivation, and support when playing for a team. You’ll also receive criticism, which will eventually lead to confidence growth; when success arrives on the court, your self-belief may broaden to other areas of your life.
Physical activity and exercise will release endorphins, a chemical that our brains produce when playing sports like basketball. The release of endorphins become natural anti-depressants whilst helping your mental state provide overall happiness with the potential to complement self-esteem and sustain a more excellent working performance.
A persons focus and concentration will also rise from basketball, a sport that requires the aforementioned attributes. Keeping your mind aware and mindful can help with anxious thoughts – another positive result for your overall livelihood.
Basketball’s Social Benefits
Basketball is a team game, and with this comes a specific responsibility for your teammates. The encouragement of teamwork will create a bond between yourself and others, the positive interactions with like-minded people will benefit you on a social scale.
In addition to the potential of creating lifelong bonds, the interactions between yourself and others can result in verbal and non-verbal communication skills you didn’t realize were missing. You may talk up more or consider staying silent depending on the situation; either way, the communicated skills obtained will leave a positive impact on your fitness, personal, and professional life alike.
