Benefits of Playing Sports - Shaka Smart Basketball Camps LLC

February 19, 2013

Whether it?s on a school team, recreational league or in the summer during Shaka Smart Basketball Camps, playing a sport has numerous benefits.

Most people already know the physical benefits kids achieve with athletic activity, such as cutting the risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease. There are also social and psychological benefits of getting involved in athletics while in school.

Apparently most high school students (and their parents) agree! More than 7.6 million high school students?that?s more than 55 percent?played sports during the 2010-2011 school year, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations.

High school athletes who regularly play sports do a better job of avoiding negative activities. They are less likely to abuse drugs or smoke, based on findings in the National Household Survey of Drug Abuse. Studies also show that, in addition to avoiding drugs and cigarettes, female athletes have a lower risk of breast cancer and depression. They are also less likely to engage in sexual activity at a young age and show more interest in education, according to The Women?s Sports Foundation Report. Other research has shown that playing sports also improves grades, standardized test scores and school attendance.

Many speculate that being involved in on a team or playing for an organization gives students a sense of pride and builds self-esteem. Coaches and teammates often provide positive reinforcement for healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating well and getting enough rest prior to competition. This likely reduces the influence of negative peer pressure. Also, if playing on a school-sponsored team, grades must be kept at a certain level. This incentive often keeps athletes? heads in the game as well as in the books!

Of course, basketball is only one of the sports available for student athletes. There are numerous options offered at schools, recreation and parks and other leagues, including baseball, golf, hockey, tennis, track and field, swimming, soccer, wrestling, gymnastics and lacrosse. Also, keep in mind that playing multiple sports will exercise different muscles and use a wider range of skills.

Source: http://coachsmart.com/uncategorized/benefits-of-playing-sports/

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