5 Reasons why you should start playing basketball

Other than bringing up the ball, a point guard decides on which set plays to run on court according to what defense the opponent set up. This player must be able to be quick and efficient when it comes to decision making as every second is key in a game of basketball.

A set play is planned with a strategy in mind to allow players to score baskets against opponents. It can be for an open shot or layup. Hence, depending on the set plays called and the defense put up by your opponent team, the coach of each time will set up plays to counter attack and score against the opponent.~~If the opponent team plays a zone defense, experienced coaches will usually call plays that allows our shooters to be free for a shot to increase their percentage of scoring a basket. In Singapore, the shooting guard are most likely the point guard as well.

They are usually the ones you see running around and going for fast breaks all the time. Also, they are probably the ones who are can do a little bit of everything such as shooting and penetrating to the basket. Speaking of forward, who are you thinking of right now?

In the game of basketball, the power forwards are most likely the second tallest on the team. They are skilled at mid-range shots and contribute to the team through the points from shots that are nearer to the basket. Similar to the center, they are usually in charge of taking the rebounds.

The job of a center is to get as many rebounds as possible (both offensive and defensive rebounds) and to convert it into points. For instance, if your teammate missed the basket, centers will usually box out, fight for position with the opponent, get the rebound and go for the second attempt again (of course you want to get that ball in the basket).~~When defending, they are the ones getting the rebound most of the time before passing it to the point guard or shooting guard to start the play or let the forwards go for a fast break for easy points.

Just to be clear, the positions of the different players depends solely on the dynamics of the team and strength of the individual players that are present during the game. Positions are hardly fixed!~~For example, there can be a point where there are two shooting guards playing in the match, and they can take turns to bring the ball down and set up plays. Hence, to play basketball, you need to be really flexible with the positions that you take up depanding on the dynamics of the team.

1. No excuses not to work out!~Like I mentioned above, there are no excuses for you not to work out AT ALL because there is a basketball court practically everywhere!!! I meant it when I say everywhere, you should know it too! :-)~~Frankly speaking, even without the basketball court, you just need a ball to kick start your basketball journey. You can start bouncing it at home, but please… Do not do it during wee hours when everyone else is sleeping. Morning? Afternoon? It will probably work and you can bounce while listening to your mum nag at you at the same time (fingers cross, haha).~~You see, you basically spend nothing when playing basketball. Other than the first investment on the basketball itself, you are good to go! Just think about how many times you can play basketball per week or month, it’s definitely worth it.

 

2. Physical benefits~Do you know that you can burn up to 300 calories just by shooting hoops for 1 hour? Amazing information right? You can do something you are interested in and lose weight at the same time.~~Running and dribbling? Jumping while shooting? Running around all the time around the court just to make yourself available why attacking the basket, and switching to defence mode depending on the situation? Coordination and speed are two key improvements you will see when playing basketball.

 

3. Mental benefits~Where do I even start? I started playing basketball when I was 13 years old. I would not be who I am today without this sport.~~Firstly, this sport taught me so much about teamwork. You may be the most experienced and skillful player on the court, but you have to always remember there are five other players playing with you. To win a team game, teamwork is extremely important.~~There is no other reason why Michael Jordan would say “talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championship.”~~My advice is to never play “solo” because it doesn’t work this way. You need to trust and be confident not only in yourself but also your teammates. With that, even if your team is an underdog, trust me, you can rise to the top.Next, it taught me that in order to see progression, I have to stay disciplined. I had to be patient to witness my progression through the years.~~You have to put in the effort, time, sweat, blood and even tears…~~One of my favourite quote of all time, “Basketball is not easy. It is bruised knees, sore muscles and rolled ankles. It is about running sprints, full court layups and the constant shooting drills. It is believing in yourself and the team even when you are losing. It is taking every game and practice seriously. It is having the love for the game because nobody can ever take that away from you.” This kept me going for so long.~~It has been 11 years since I started playing, and I am still playing now. At each match and training, I enter the court to give my absolute best and leave with absolutely zero regrets. And this is the only mindset that you should have when participating in every activity, sport or even your daily life!~~My point is basketball not only allows you to have health benefits, but also teaches you lifelong values and lessons that you can take away for life. It forces you to make tough (and not always right) decisions, give you lessons that you might not be able to get from school and it nurtures you to be how you want to be in the future.

 

4. There is always room for improvement!~Based on the experiences that I shared earlier, another point I want to emphasize is that there is always room for improvement, both in life and basketball.~~You should not quit something once you hit a wall during your progression. The path of learning is never ending as each experience is unique. Different exposures through the various opponents you will face, the different teammates you will work with, the list is endless! This applies in life too. You cannot stop learning in life as well.

 

5. IT’S ALL ABOUT HAVING FUN!!!~Basketball can totally be another option if you want to try and be healthy. It is a game where you can involve so many people in your social network. It is a fun sport where you can play at low cost and keep everyone involved as well. Sweating and catching up.. Sounds good, doesn’t it?~~Okay enough, let’s get this started now! :-)