MENTORING YOUNG BASKETBALL MINDS
When it comes to basketball and our youths, many things are occurring on the court that we don’t often take note of. There are life lessons that will shape the minds of our young children for years to come. The same is true for any organized sports young kids take part in. Many of life’s future scenarios our youth will encounter can be experienced in organized sports. Interacting and observing other youths playing basketball can help them home in on many social skills. Youths can learn to overcome defeat by realizing that failure in many cases is temporary. Failure doesn’t define you and we can use failure as a means to achieve successful outcomes. One great side-effect of failure is growth. Learning to “show up” the next day for practice or another game after a loss and jumping right back on the saddle builds character and resiliency.
In team sports kids learn that the “game” is bigger than themselves. By fully and unconditionally participating in an environment that requires the sum of all to succeed as one. This principle of behaving as a team is key in everyday living as well. Especially as we navigate through adulthood—from raising a family and taking care of household obligations to having a career or a job that requires closely working with colleagues, or business partners. Being anchored in personal values will help drive success in our personal and professional endeavors.
Studies show that kids involved in team sports experience lower rates of anxiety and depression. Which inevitably helps in building self-esteem. This building of confidence can strongly translate to performing well in the classroom.
PHYSICAL BENEFITS . . .
Being active in team sports greatly improves bone health, strengthens the immune system, and helps maintain a healthy weight. The benefits of maintaining a healthy weight and having a strong immune system will greatly improve cardio-respiratory health and will help ward off a handful of illnesses and diseases. It will also help with mental acuity.
Below are two great websites, health.gov and phitamerica.org with great information on the benefits of team sports for children.
PHIT America has uncovered articles on the benefits of physical activity
