Reasons People Love Playing Basketball

Basketball is one of the most popular and global sports.  Played by countless players of all ages and genders,  basketball is often likened to the emotion of love, with individuals expressing their deep reverence and respect for the game. 

But unlike other sports such as football, baseball, and hockey, the game of basketball has a deep connection with the players, fomenting a bond that is nearly impossible to break and difficult to leave.  But just why do so many people love basketball?

Below, we are going to look at the reasons people love playing basketball in an attempt to better explain and understand its global popularity.  In addition, we hope that by understanding just why so many people love playing basketball that it will help to introduce you to the game and its mechanics.

Easy to Play and Get Started With

Perhaps one of the main reasons why so many people love basketball is due to its ease of play and ability to get started in.  Whereas other sports, such as football and hockey, require extensive initial investments to get started in, basketball does not.

Admittedly, most individuals can head over to their local park or community center and find multiple basketball courts situated for play.  In addition, basketball does not require a high-level of initial investment to get started in.  Multiple cheap basketballs are available to get started with and basketball players can wear normal gym gear to the court.

And while excelling at basketball takes multiple years of practice, getting started with the game is simple enough.  The mechanics and rules are relatively straightforward and practical.  Because of this, players can easily get started and can begin to develop their confidence on the court.

A Great Social Activity

Similarly, basketball is by far one of the best social activities that both kids and adults can engage in.  As a social, team sport, basketball helps to foster and encourages a team spirit.  In addition, as basketball is meant to be played with a team, it also encourages levels of selflessness.

Whether you’re heading to the park with your family or are looking for something to do with your friends over the weekend, basketball is almost always a great option.  And with so many players playing on public courts, you’ll be sure to find a team to compete against.

A Great Solo Activity

In addition, basketball is a great activity to play and practice alone.  Whether you head out to the courts alone or are just looking to shoot around outside and from the comfort of your own home, basketball is a sport that can be enjoyed alone.

As such, many basketball players begin to associate basketball, and the game, with a relief from stress and worry.  In the front of your house or in the dark courts at the park, basketball can be played and practiced individually and allows for worries to escape your mind.

Basketball Doesn’t Discriminate

While many people falsely believe that basketball requires a certain level of height or strength, that is simply untrue.  Basketball is a game with many different facets and skillsets that nearly anyone can succeed in the game with the proper attitude and commitment.

In addition, basketball is one of the only sports that is accessible for individuals with disabilities.  From Move United to the National Wheelchair Basketball Association, basketball can be enjoyed by nearly all individuals, making it one of the most popular and accessible sports in the world.   

It’s a Healthy Activity

In addition to the above, basketball is one of the most loved sports due to its health benefits.  Basketball players typically burn between 575-775 calories per hour played.  And aside from the cardiovascular benefits, many basketball players will also see an increase in their overall muscular strength and size by playing the game.

Similarly, by playing basketball, individuals will benefit from a decreased risk in coronary disease, waist circumference, and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.  These benefits make basketball an attractive sport to engage in and one that individuals can begin to love.

Attraction to the NBA

Likewise, many people love basketball due to their love of the NBA.  The National Basketball Association is, by far, the single greatest basketball league in the world.  There are few comparisons worldwide to the dominance and the abilities of the players in the NBA and they are truly the best players in the world.

However, their dominance has been one of the biggest reasons for basketballs popularity.  NBA players have, effectively, perfected the sport and provide a national stage where these skills can be showcased and shown-off. 

These players are seemingly able to pause gravity in midair, they are able to shoot efficiently from many feet away from the basket, and they are able to pass the ball fluidly and with such grace that it makes even the best ballerinas embarrassed.

While we’re, obviously, being a bit factitious with that last point, the matter still stands.  Today’s NBA players are really the greatest at the game today and their dominance has helped bring over many new fans to the game.  And due to their dominance, many individuals feel an attraction and love to the game that they would have otherwise not felt.

It’s Fast Paced

From the NCAA March Madness Tournament to the NBA Finals, few sports are as fast-paced and engaging as basketball.  Blowouts can quickly be overcome, and Cinderella teams can be unlikely qualifiers to the big match.  As such, many individuals may feel an attraction and love to the game of basketball due to its high-energy, fast-pace and will begin to play the game themselves.