To the rack: 5 awesome health benefits of playing basketball

  • Written by NewsServices.com

Basketball is one of Australia’s team sports so it should come as no surprise we have plenty of top class players applying their skills all over the world! It is a team sport that teaches you about working with others to achieve a common goal - winning the game!

Not only this, like any other sport it involves a degree of physical fitness which is good for your overall health.

So, whether you’re just setting up an adjustable basketball hoop in the driveway or joining your local team, here are some of the amazing benefits of playing basketball.

  1. Anyone can play

Basketball isn’t an elitist sport like, say, polo or sailing, everyone can play whether it’s at home, the local hoop or part of a team. There are many different levels at which you can play basketball as a healthy, social activity, and you can even practise by yourself as a way of improving your skills and getting a little exercise. There are also plenty of undercover basketball spots in Australia that you can go to play even when it’s raining.

  1. It’s a social game

We believe that too many people are mistaking playing video games online for actual socialising, and one of the best ways to socialise is through team sports. Sure, going for the occasional beer with mates is a good thing, too, but basketball, like other team sports, is a healthy and fun way to catch up with friends regardless of whether you play for a team or just head to the park with mates.

Plus, the physical and mental health benefits of basketball can help you become a much more sociable person in general, as you will become a healthier version of yourself through regular exercise.

  1. It’s great for your health

Basketball is a fast-paced sport that involves a lot of agility and physical fitness. It’s an awesome cardiovascular workout that can improve your fitness and endurance after just a few local pickup games! Not only that, but the way in which you use your body to move up and down the court, shoot, pass, dribble and tussle over the ball are all great for your hand-eye coordination, balance and muscle strength.

  1. It helps your brain function

Basketball isn’t only awesome for the physical side of health - it can also be great for your cognitive function, too. Basketball players improve their motor skills, coordination, spatial awareness, reaction times, reflexes and more when playing basketball and this is beneficial for them when off the court, too. What’s more, it’s great to take into other life situations as you improve your organisational skills by turning up on time and taking part in training or a match.

  1. It’s great for your mental health

All exercise is great for mental health, right? Well, basketball is absolutely no exception. Playing basketball releases healthy endorphins that release stress and generally improve your mood. What’s more, physical exertion is great for relaxing the body before getting to bed, helping you ease into a restful, peaceful night’s sleep.

Finally, basketball is heaps of fun to play, and anything that’s fun and healthy can’t be too bad for our mental health, right?

It’s just a great thing to get involved in!

So, it really doesn’t matter where you play, the point is that basketball is great for anyone who wants to improve their physical and mental health in a fun and fast-paced sport.

You might just realise many other aspects of your life being improved through playing this amazing game and that can’t be a bad thing!