Did you know that an estimated 450 million people play basketball worldwide each year? There are many benefits of basketball when you start playing on a consistent basis with friends. Playing basketball keeps you active and helps you burn calories while also having a fun time.
Having the best basketball shoes and basketball gear might not turn you into Michael Jordan, but these things will help you enjoy playing a game that you love no matter if you’re on the pavement or in the gym. The good news is that you’re in the right place to learn all about the many reasons to play basketball.
Keep reading this article to learn about the nine incredible benefits of basketball today!
1. Burns Calories
Many people are searching for effective ways to burn calories that aren’t completely dreadful. Playing basketball will get you running and sliding your feet and you’ll have fun doing so. It is a much more enjoyable way to get exercise than going for a jog on a treadmill. You’ll run, jump, and make explosive movements throughout the game, which burns a ton of calories.
Playing an hour of competitive basketball will help you burn close to 900 calories. You can get great exercise by playing basketball with friends.
2. Boosts Heart Health
Another one of the many benefits of basketball is the ability to keep your heart and your cardiovascular system healthy as you get older. Playing full-court basketball will keep you on your feet and moving, which keeps your heart pumping at a rapid rate. Building cardiovascular endurance is one of the best ways to keep your heart young and healthy.
Who knew that playing such a fun game could extend your life and keep your heart pumping for years to come? It is one of the many basketball benefits that you should know about. Strap up your Nike Air Force 1s and head to your favorite spot to shoot some hoops.
3. Grows Concentration
There are rules that you’ll need to follow when you’re playing basketball, and following those rules requires great concentration. YOu don’t want to foul the person that you’re guarding since that gives them the ball back or it could put them on the free-throw line.
Breaking the rules of basketball could punish you as well as the rest of your team. You’ll need to maintain your focus while you’re playing if you want to achieve success and get the win.
4. Helps Bone Strength
Many people think that drinking milk is the best way to boost bone strength, but playing basketball is quite effective as well. Jumping and sliding your feet is a great way to develop your bone strength and prevent injuries. The stronger you make your bones, the less likely you are to experience a broken bone in your future.
5. Better Motor Skills
Your motor skills are what allow you to move your body in the ways that you need to in order to be successful at sports. Things like shooting free throws and jump shots will help you improve your motor skills each time that you pick up a basketball. You’ll also need great motor skills in order to jump and grab a rebound after someone misses a shot attempt.
Dribbling is another great way to improve your motor skills and boost your hand-eye coordination. It is arguably the most difficult part of basketball to learn and master, and it requires a great deal of concentration and motor skills. Practice your dribbling and you’ll get to the point where you no longer need to look at the ball to know what you’re doing.
6. Strength Training
You’ll need a great deal of strength when playing basketball if you don’t want to get bullied or pushed around the court by bigger players. One of the big basketball benefits is that you’ll get a great full-body workout each time you step out on the court. You’ll develop lean muscle that is beneficial in other aspects of life.
It might not seem like it, but basketball is a physical contact sport, so you’ll need strength in order to maintain your position and protect the ball from defenders. Playing good defense will also help you develop your muscles and gain more strength.
7. Better Spatial Awareness
Another big benefit of basketball is improved spatial awareness. Spatial awareness is having an understanding of where your body is positioned in space and time. Body awareness is what allows you to land on your feet when you jump off of a ledge.
You’ll need this skill when you’re dribbling the ball around defenders and into the paint. It is also big for contorting your body to get a difficult shot off.
8. Boosts Immune System
Playing basketball and remaining active is a great way to reduce the stress in your life. The less stress that you have, the stronger your immune system is. You’ll find that you have a lot more energy to get through each day and complete everything that you’re supposed to do. (zgardensantamonica.com)
It is also a great way to interact with friends and remain social. Playing basketball will help not only your physical health but your mental health as well.
9. Improves Confidence
Everyone could use a bit of a confidence boost here and there, and one of the benefits of basketball is that it will boost your confidence and self-esteem. Making good shots and dribbling around good players will make you feel good about yourself and your abilities. Playing for a good team will also boost your confidence since you belong to a good group that is bigger than yourself.
Start Enjoying the Benefits of Basketball Today
There are many benefits of basketball that you should start taking advantage of by playing basketball with your friends. Make sure that you get the best basketball shoes before heading off to your local court and getting a great workout in. Playing basketball improves mental and physical health while also allowing you to get social interaction into your day.
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