Why do Guys Like Basketball?

Although basketball is not an exclusively male sport, it is definitely dominated by male players.  From pick-up games at the local park, to high school junior varsity teams, to the professional leagues, men seem to be almost inextricably attracted to the world of basketball.

But what exactly is it about basketball that makes it so attractive to the average man?  Below, we are going to look at and discuss just why do guys like basketball so much and how this attraction to the sport can help male youth better focus their energy and time.

Basketball is One of the Most Competitive Sports

Perhaps the main reason as to why so many guys like basketball and are attracted to the sport is due to the competitive nature of the sport.  Basketball, whether played as a team sport or an individual one-on-one game, pits players directly against one-another for glory and honor.

As a competitive, physical sport, basketball players are typically in top physical shape and need to have quickness, agility, and strength to play and perform well.  These strengths are typically most predominantly found in males, particularly male youth, who are often eager to showcase their physical prowess and abilities.

Similarly, although there are other competitive sports, mainly football, basketball provides a competitive environment without the high risk of injury.  Whereas injuries are extremely common in football, basketball can be considered a tab bit safer and more suitable for the general population.

Basketball is a Fast-Paced Sport

Similarly, basketball is one of the most fast-paced sports there are.  Unlike baseball and soccer, where scores are intermittent and entire games can go by with little to no direct action, basketball derives its edge via its fast-paced, high-scoring play.

From deep threes, to gravity defying dunks, to last-second buzzer beaters, basketball is a fast-paced and high-energy sport that requires players to remain engaged and competitive throughout the game.

Basketball Brings Together Friends

Whether on or off the basketball court, basketball is one of the best sports to bring together close friends.  From discussing the latest NBA rankings and standings, to meeting at a nearby restaurant to watch the latest March Madness games, basketball and friendships go a long way.

And although football, to a certain degree, edges basketball in terms of fandom and overall loyalty, the NFL season is considerably shorter and more constrained than the NBA’s.  Whereas most NFL games are only televised on certain days of the week, basketball games are more widely available and can be found playing on a variety of local and national broadcast stations.

Basketball Can Be Played Alone or With a Team

Another reason for basketballs popularity and its attraction to so many men is due to its ability to be played both alone or with a group of friends and acquaintances.  Basketball, unlike baseball and soccer and football, does not require a group of people to enjoy.

Rather, whether you’re just starting out or are practicing for an upcoming match, you can simply pick-up your basketball and head out to the nearest court for a few shots.  In fact, there are even drills which you can complete to better your game, even without the use of a basketball.

Basketball is Relatively Easy to Understand

While we’ve previously discussed the nuances of why some consider basketball to be difficult and hard to understand, overall, basketball remains one of the easier and more straightforward games to both understand and play.

Overall, the fundamental rules of basketball are easy to grasp, and most individuals can begin to understand the basic mechanics and fundamentals after a few practice rounds.  And while it will definitely take multiple rounds and years of practice to become proficient in the sport, it is one that is relatively simple to begin to understand.

In addition, basketball is relatively simple to begin playing.  Unlike football, hockey, and even baseball to a degree, basketball requires little more than a basketball and a basketball hoop to get started. 

And whether played on an indoor, hardwood court or outside on a concrete one, basketball requires little additional gear to enjoy and begin.  As such, for guys looking for a way to expend additional energy and get in some cardio, basketball is a great option.

Basketball Pays Big Bucks

While the chances of many of us making it to the professional leagues is slim, the hope of making it to the big leagues helps to drive the sport’s popularity, particularly amongst younger male audiences.  With basketball players routinely getting paid millions of dollars per season, the idea of such riches can be attractive to nearly any guy.

And while most major professional sports leagues in America pay handsomely, few do so to the extent in which basketball does.  Basketball players are some of the highest paid athletes in the world and often sign multi-year, guaranteed contracts to help secure those riches.

Basketball Can Bring Fame

In a similar vein, basketball can not only bring riches to the top players but for many of them, basketball can bring fame and celebrity as well.  Basketball players are some of the most well-known athletes and celebrities worldwide, with eager fans vying for their attention and autograph.

For a younger guy, such fortune and fame may appear enticing and may help to explain the attraction to the sport.  For these guys, the idea of fame and fortune is an attractive thought and one that they are willing to dedicate their life to and pursue.

It’s Healthy and Fun

Perhaps especially for older basketball players, the game is simply a healthy, fun way to escape the everyday boredom and routine.  Basketball is great for heart-health and for muscle building and is also a great way to stay in touch with friends and to make new ones.

With so many older guys finding it difficult to make time for the gym and everyday responsibilities, basketball is a great and attractive option to get in a good workout while doing so with like-minded individuals and friends.