Find out the health, emotional and mental benefits for youth who take part in the sport of basketball
PHOTO: SPORT SINGAPORE
Basketball is a hugely popular team sport, and in Singapore it is no different.
In its most recent survey studying participation trends locally, Sport Singapore estimated basketball to be the second most popular team sport for activities most enjoyed and most participated in a year, ranking only behind football.
While Covid-19 put an abrupt stop to team sports, Singapore is bringing team sports back in 2022 with the inaugural edition of the ActiveSG Cup 2022 Basketball Tournament. You can sign up for the tournament here!
Whether you play basketball socially or embody a competitive spirit when you approach the game, we share five top reasons, including health benefits, for those who choose to play basketball.
PHOTO: SPORT SINGAPORE
1. Physical Benefits
Perhaps the most obvious benefits for playing basketball is that it not only improves physical strength and muscular endurance but it also improves heart health.
In a study in 2018, researchers found that those who play basketball had a positive effect in their overall body composition.
The need to move quickly and change directions in game which requires high-intensity, short-duration muscle contractions also led to better muscular endurance and cardiorespiratory fitness, improving resting heartrates.
2. Teamwork
As cliché as it sounds, basketball is one of the best sports to understanding teamwork. How does basketball teach teamwork?
On offense, the game provides great opportunities to teach young players to be unselfish as they work together to score and win. When you’re selfish on the basketball court, the entire team suffers.
When defending, rotation is key. Leaving an offensive player open and unmarked would allow them to create a scoring opportunity for the opposing team.
Taking the initiative to step in and provide a second layer of defense is required, while trusting your teammates to step in and defend the open space that you leave behind while trying to break up the play is essential.
Therefore looking out for each other and supporting one another are essential.
PHOTO: SPORT SINGAPORE
3. Develop Self Confidence
Learning to find your voice in the team is also a great way to learn self-confidence, an important life skill that can be brought into other areas of life.
The game of basketball has many scenarios, and with each developing situation each player learns more about who they are and how they need to adapt.
Overcoming obstacles and achieving success on the court will help teens uncover newfound belief in themselves and their abilities, which leads to positive growth in other areas of life.
4. Social Development and Stress Management
Studies have proven that those engaging in sport and physical activity generally have better people skills and also have better abilities to handle stress.
At a time of home-based schooling and a lack of social interactions, the opportunity to come together and training to play in a basketball tournament would have numerous benefits in the social development of youth, while physical activity releases endorphins, which are the feel-good, or happiness, hormones - boosting mood and promoting relaxation.
PHOTO: SPORT SINGAPORE
5. Communication Skills
Problem solving on the court requires both analytical and good communication skills. As student athletes interact with their teammates, they learn new ways to communicate both verbally and non-verbally.
This is an essential skill that can be translated off the court into school and even the workplace eventually.
These are just five of many other benefits for teens to play basketball. Sport Singapore is launching the inaugural ActiveSG Cup, a fun and inclusive competition where everyone has an opportunity to compete and bring forth a vibrant basketball scene in Singapore.
This will be the first of a vibrant annual sporting event calendar with different sports through seasonal competitions and leagues which are accessible, affordable and inclusive.
Sign up now for the Central and East Zones of the ActiveSG Cup 2022 Basketball 3x3 Tournament here !
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