Top 7 Benefits of Playing Basketball

Whether you’re a long-time player of the sport or someone who has just picked up the “rock”, playing Basketball has lasting health, social and mental benefits that can help produce a happy and healthy life. Have a read of just 7 benefits of playing basketball!

1.   Burns Calories

The game of basketball revolves around the movement of the players on the court. The motions of running, jumping and rapid lateral cuts all can deliver the player a great deal of exercise where calories can be burnt. Although having calories is not necessarily bad for you, having too much and not burning enough can lead to weight gain and consequently, other health problems.

2.   Helps Improve Cardiovascular Health

Playing Basketball is equivalent to an aerobic workout. Running up and down the court during possessions and other movements get the heart pumping and is a vital way to decrease your chances of the risk of heart disease. Along with this, eating well (such as foods with low cholesterol) also lowers the chances.

3.   Boosts The Immune System

The immune system is the body’s internal defence system and playing basketball strengthens this. Having a strong and healthy immune system protects our bodies from bacteria, viruses and toxins – all of which cause us to get sick.

4.   Develops and Improves Bone Strength

Our bones make the frame of our body and protect our internal organs and provide support to our muscles. Playing ball provides minerals to our bones which result in its strengthening. Having healthy bones reduces the risk of breaks and osteoporosis. In addition, playing basketball at a young age can also lead you to become taller, as the motion of jumping stretches the bone and helps promote bone development.

5.   Promotes Muscle Development

Jumping, running, passing and shooting stimulates the corresponding muscles and thus help muscles to grow stronger. For example, ball handling and control activates the wrist flexors in your forearms and shooting the ball requires force from the wrist, forearm, triceps and quadriceps. These and many other muscles in the body can be further developed and strengthened, simply by playing the game.

6.   Benefits Mental Health

Playing Basketball improves overall confidence as the playing skills you develop in the game can provide you with higher self-esteem on and off the court. Training and playing as part of a team with a coach also aids to boost self-discipline and concentration – both of which are valuable traits to have as an adult.

7.   Being Social

Lastly, Basketball is a team sport and so joining a team or a club can give you lasting friendships and connections. No matter how tough the competition is, your team would be your number 1 source of strength.

Basketball Queensland is one big family and has many teams under its association across Queensland. Join a club today and experience playing Basketball with Basketball Queensland.