A Few Reasons Why Basketball is a Leading Sport

Basketball is one of the ultimate team sports. Many say football is the superior team sport, but basketball holds its own place in the annals of competitive sports. Here we can work out our bodies indoors or outdoors. Basketball is good for fitness, builds relationships, and allows people to be competitive.

I found myself always in my best shape while playing basketball. The sport usually requires a lot of running especially if you are on a team. Even half court basketball-where only half a court is used-requires a great deal of energy. Sports like football and baseball have more downtime for the athletes. Basketball requires more of them, and, in doing so, makes us fit. Jogging can be boring sometimes, but in my experience a good game of basketball a few times a week can take off a couple of those unwanted pounds, or just make us stronger.

Any team sport allows for competitive mindsets. This is where many children learn to communicate with others. Basketball is all about being able to trust the person next to you. Like football and baseball the team is usually considered more important than the sole person. This allows youth to understand what can be accomplished by working in team environments. If the game is outdoors, and just a pickup game, it usually allows for more spontaneity from the athlete. Showboating is allowed; we are there to have fun. I learned from basketball the failures that life brings. One signature moment in my teens was being cut from the freshman basketball team. It inspired me to play football the next year. And I never quit playing either sport.

We play to win. We want the team to go to the championship, win the trophy, and see ourselves on the front page of our local paper. It does not always work out like that. But the important thing is this: We are learning to compete; to not give up; and to have dreams. I dreamed of playing basketball for pro teams, but being cut from the freshman basketball team taught me that this sport required me to be at a high level to play. It did not stop my competitive edge; it only increased my desires to succeed in other places.

We build the strength of our legs, gain relationships, and learn how to be competitive with basketball. It can teach us things about life that our parents cannot. The sport is serious, but fun.