Basketball is loved all around the world, and you may have heard that by playing this sport, you can grow taller, be faster, and be stronger, but there are many more things that can be improved by playing it. Usually, basketball is a game played between five players on each side, but you can play it alone too. As you know, the main objective of the game is to score points by shooting the ball into the hoop. Basketball can be played with either a competitive spirit or in a playful manner. In this article, we will tell you about the health benefits of playing this sport.
Physical benefits of playing basketball
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Burns Calories
Whenever you want to lose some extra kilos, play basketball, as your quick movements, jumping, running, and stretching will give you a workout that can help you burn a lot of calories. If a person weighing 165 pounds plays basketball for even just one hour, they can burn approximately 600 calories, while a person weighing 250 can burn around 900 calories.
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Improves balance and coordination
Playing the sport requires hand-eye and foot coordination, and you have to maintain your balance throughout the movements. When you play basketball, the body needs to move rapidly with jumping, turning, and changing directions. It also requires motor skills such as shooting, passing, and dribbling. The more you play basketball, the more you’ll become proficient at rebounding and defensive moves. You can do all these activities more effectively if you maintain a strong body.
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Develops fundamental movement skills
Basketball enhances the basic movement skills that young children need to learn. Playing the sport helps improve coordination, flexibility, and stamina. It also stimulates your speed and agility. These skills have a positive effect on body weight and physical activity, which can enhance a person’s cardiorespiratory fitness.
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Helps in building bones
Playing the sport requires physical activities, so it helps to improve and build bone strength and bone density as well. Any activity that involves weight-bearing helps in the formation of new bone tissues, which makes your bones even stronger. Basketball strengthens both the muscles and bones of your body because playing it requires pulling and pushing of muscles against bones.
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Gives strength training
Playing basketball gives your body a great full-body workout. It also helps in the development of lean muscles. It helps to develop the lower back, neck, traps, deltoids, and core muscles. This sport also strengthens your legs, and activities such as shooting and dribbling the ball help to strengthen the arms, hand muscles, and wrist flexors.
Mental benefits of playing basketball
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Develops Self-Discipline And Concentration
Every sport has its own set of rules, and so does basketball, which need to be followed. When a player breaks the rules, it can lead to penalties for them and their teams. The game requires dedication, motivation, and commitment. Basketball helps to develop self-discipline, which is very important as it encourages you to play the game fairly. It also keeps the mind alert and highly focused, which makes it even more competitive.
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Boosts self-confidence
When you play basketball with a team, each and every member encourages you to do better and motivates you. They point out the areas where improvement is needed, which can lead to a positive development. When you become a good player for the team, it boosts your self-esteem and confidence. With this, your confidence in your skills also increases. Being full of confidence not only helps you in the game but also in every aspect of your life.
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Relieves stress
When a person is engaged in physical activities, there is a release of endorphins, which are the happy hormones. It makes your mood good, reduces pain, and makes you feel relaxed. Playing the sport can also help reduce depression and enhance your performance. It improves your concentration skills, which will help you focus on the game better. Basketball also helps to develop awareness, and all these things can help you deal with anxiety not only during the game but in other aspects of life as well.
Social benefits
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Encourages teamwork
Playing basketball gives one a sense of teamwork. When you are on a team, you interact with different players who have different backgrounds; this helps broaden the perspective. When you are playing the sport competitively, you play it to win with all the team effort. With your team, you also learn to play with dignity, regardless of your performance. Teammates are always there to support you, and they can be positive role models for you.
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Develops communication skills
When a person interacts with their peers. They learn new ways to communicate with everyone. When you talk and listen to your teammates during practices or games, even after the game, you get a chance to share your thoughts and learn about theirs. When you learn to speak up or stay silent, positive communication skills will bring benefits to your personal as well as professional lives.
Also Read:- List of Basketball Players who are banned from NBA
