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By Diane Griffith, Staff Writer
Looking for a great way to get your child up and moving? Search no farther than the nearest basketball court.
Basketball is an excellent conditioning sport that both boys and girls can enjoy. It improves physical fitness, coordination and self-discipline. It also gives children valuable chances to learn about teamwork.
Children of varying ages and sizes can enjoy basketball. Most youth leagues accept children ages 5 and older.
Basketball games can be played on school playgrounds, home driveways and indoor gyms. Although an official game requires 10 players and use of a full court, it is common to play with as few as two players on a half court.
Injuries
As in most sports that involve running, injuries can occur - especially to the ankle. Strains and sprains are the most common basketball injuries. Also common are bruises, lacerations and bone fractures from falls or from collisions with other players.
Skills
The basic skills needed to play basketball include:
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Dribbling: moving the ball around the court by bouncing it with your fingers and hands
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Passing: throwing the ball from one player to another
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Shooting: propelling the ball toward the basketball net in hopes of scoring a goal
The size of the basketball court varies from 94 feet long at the college and professional level to sizes much smaller for youth leagues. Likewise, the height of the basket and the size of the basketball are adjusted for the player's age and size.
Shoes
Your child needs very little equipment to play basketball. Since the game requires a great deal of running, jumping and pivoting, your child's basketball shoes are the most important piece of equipment. These shoes come in low- and high-top styles. High-tops are designed for added ankle support. A pair of comfortable, absorbent cotton socks is also advised.
Mouthpieces and protective pads
Basketball is a demanding sport. Your child may encounter hard physical contact. Some youth leagues may require children to wear mouthpieces. Protective knee and elbow pads can provide a cushion when your child falls or dives after a loose ball.
Basketballs
Basketballs come in varying sizes. The ball used in many youth leagues measures 28 1/2 inches around. Check out what size basketball your child will be using before you buy one. Standard NBA basketballs are 30 inches around. You should also have an air pump to keep the ball properly inflated. A ball with too little air in it puts undue strain on joints and muscles.
Learning to play basketball
When children first join an organized basketball league, they spend a lot of time practicing drills that help them learn these needed skills.
Guidelines for safe basketball play
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Have a routine checkup with your doctor or pediatrician. Check to be sure that your child is physically ready for any new training program or sport.
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Pay attention to conditioning. Running, swimming, bicycling and supervised basic strength training are excellent ways to keep the body in shape.
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Make sure your child gets adequate rest and eats small meals before games.
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Have your child warm up for five or 10 minutes before playing. Running, toe touching, jumping jacks and push-ups are all good ways to warm up.
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Encourage range of motion exercises after warming up. Moving the joints through their normal range of motion is important.
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If your child wears glasses, buy safety glasses or glass guards to protect his eyes.
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Have your child remove any jewelry and get rid of any gum before playing.
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Keep outdoor courts free of rocks, holes and other hazards that could cause injury.
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Don't let children play outdoors in extreme weather or on courts that are not safe and well lit in the evening.
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This article was reviewed and updated
08-01-2009.
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