Wellness Wednesday; Basketball - Health Benefits

Health benefits of basketball

Basketball involves a lot of starting and stopping. While not renowned as an aerobic sport, it is still a great workout that can help you:

• burn calories (an hour of basketball can burn 630–750 calories)
• build endurance
• improve balance and coordination
• develop concentration and self-discipline
• build up muscle.

Other benefits of basketball

As well as being a great way to stay fit, basketball can also:

• help you to make new friends and see them regularly teach you about being a good team player
• be played by people of all ages and all abilities
• be played all year round because it’s usually an indoor sport
• be a fun game that kids of all levels and ages can enjoy
• be practiced alone – all you need is a ball and a hoop (and you can find a hoop in most local parks and school grounds)
• be played and enjoyed with as few as two people (although official games require 10 players).

Some general tips

Suggestions include:

• Adults should check with their doctor before taking up basketball.
• Be aware that basketball is a fast-action game with lots of running, jumping, pivoting and twisting, so injuries and accidents can happen easily.
• Basketball puts a lot of stress on the legs, especially the knees and ankles, and puts pressure on tight shoulders.
• Protect yourself by becoming strong and flexible, as basketball is a very physically demanding game.
• Warm up and stretch your muscles and joints before hitting the court. Also cool down and stretch after playing.
• Make sure you have plenty of fluids on hand and rehydrate regularly.
• Don’t overdo it (this will depend on your age and condition). Mix it up with other low-impact sports.
• While playing in a full team competition is great, you can also have fun and benefit from a small space, a basket and a game of one on one.

Things to remember

• Basketball teaches you about being a good team player and can be a great social sport.
• Adults should check with their doctor before taking up basketball.
• Basketball puts a lot of stress on the body and injuries can happen, so warming up, stretching your muscles and joints, and cooling down is important.
• Make sure you have plenty of fluids on hand and rehydrate regularly.