Basketball is one of the most popular and most watched sports in the world. Basketball is a type of team sport that involves two teams of five players each, each team trying to score a goal by putting the ball into a basket 300 centimeters (10 feet) high under a set of rules.
We can play basketball indoors or outdoors. The size of the court, the height of the hoop, the size of the ball and the length of play all vary depending on the age, height and skill level of the players and all have their own standards.
Basketball is a fast-moving game, involving many skills such as shooting or putting the ball into the basket, dribbling, passing, defending, rebounding and so on. The game of basketball involves many starts and stops.
Although not known as cardio, basketball is still a good exercise and has many health benefits for the players. Actually, there are many benefits provided by this type of sport, below are some of the benefits that can be obtained when someone plays basketball!
Also read: High-Intensity Exercise Proven to Prevent Diabetes
The Benefits of Basketball for Health
There are many benefits of playing basketball for health, namely:
- Burn calories (630-750 calories per hour).
- Build endurance.
- Improve coordination of the limbs.
- Improve concentration and self-discipline.
- Strengthen muscles.
Not only that, you will also get other benefits from playing basketball:
- Basketball will keep the body in shape.
- Can help make good friends and practice regularly.
- Suitable for people of all ages and abilities.
- Since it is an indoor sport, basketball can be played at any time.
- A fun sport for children of all levels and ages.
You can train alone, all you need is a net, hoop and the basketball itself. You can find basketball hoops at most local parks and at school playgrounds, which are near where you live.
This basketball sport is officially played by 10 players, but it can also be done by two people, even you can play alone to practice the skill of putting the ball into the basket.
Also read: Lack of Physical Activity Increases Death Due to Covid-19
To Be Safe When Playing Basketball
In fact, you hardly need any equipment other than a basketball. However, because basketball involves a lot of running and jumping, it’s best if you have the following equipment:
- Basketball shoes or sneakers that provide good ankle support.
- Dental braces.
- Knee pads and elbow pads.
Here are some things to consider before doing basketball:
- Adults should be examined by a doctor before playing basketball.
- It is important to realize that basketball is a type of high-speed sport that involves a lot of running, jumping, spinning or twisting, so injuries and accidents can easily occur.
- Basketball puts a lot of pressure on the feet, especially the knees and ankles, and also puts a lot of pressure on the toned shoulders.
- Make yourself stronger and more flexible to protect yourself, because basketball is a sport that demands a lot of strength and flexibility.
- Warm up and stretch your muscles and joints before playing basketball. Also, calm down and stretch when you’re done playing.
- Be sure to bring plenty of fluids and drink regularly.
- Do not play basketball too often (depending on age and condition). Basketball should be mixed with other low-impact sports such as jogging.
- It’s great to play in a full team game, but you can also have fun and benefit from one-on-one basketball on a small scale.
Also read: Beware of Pain while Exercising
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