Basketball is a game, it’s an elite sport and it’s a brain game for each and every player. It makes no difference if we are talking male or female basketball players the benefits are the same.
It’s top 10 benefits according to Samir Becic, four-time number 1 fitness trainer in the world are –
- Burns calories
- Great for cardiovascular health
- Develops concentration and self-discipline
- Builds bone strength
- Better motor skills and coordination
- Strength training
- Improves spatial awareness
- Mental development
- Reduces stress and boosts the immune system
- Enhances confidence
Why should women online entrepreneurs be interested in basketball?
Becic’s points about reducing stress, enhancing confidence, developing concentrations and self-discipline make sense from a brain and business perspective. When it comes to mental development, here’s the most important aspect.
“Research on the mental aspects of basketball has revealed that players must develop a great deal of attention to quickly and accurately process what’s happening … and make effective decisions … This can translate to helping you make quick decisions on the job and in other real-life situations.”
In order to accurately process, a brain needs to recognize patterned responses previously learned and stored in memory. It’s what allows elite players to anticipate what will happen 5 seconds before it does. and respond accordingly with better choices. Brain pattern recognition training is now as much a part of training as routine practice skills.
Okay, you can see the value, but you’re not ready for elite NBA training in order to make better decisions in your business.
But, you can play basketball on your terms.
For you young ones, your local YWCA has ladies basketball teams. Or, if you’re 50 + there’s Granny Basketball.
Why Would I Ever Want to Play Granny Basketball?
I’ll admit the name is not ideal for us anti-agers, but it’s got great advantages for getting you out on the court and out of your boring gym routine.
Besides all of Becci’s great health benefits, here’s your opportunity to improve making decisions, get some excitement back in your life and reinvigorate that competitive spirit.
Your Basketball Benefits
- You’re not playing by NBA rules.
- The court is divided into thirds
- Two players from each team cover each third
- Players must stay in their assigned ⅓ court area
- Can only dribble twice when you have the ball
- No running or jumping
- You get 3 points rather than 2 for each granny shot.
- You have your own National League Granny Tournament
- Eight states already have leagues with over 300 competitive players
- The oldest you are going to compete against is 85
- Uniforms are modest so you can hide whatever you want (see video)
Normally, when you are exercising, your brain doesn’t have much to process. In games like basketball, where interaction is fast-paced, your brain is anticipating moves and quickly has to decide on a response.
Not, much different in business when decisions have to be made without much time for reflection. Is it a ” go “ or a ” no go “? The more experience your brain has in sizing up situations quickly can make you feel more confident about the decision you do make.
Maybe basketball isn’t your thing. It might be tennis, table pool, or softball. Whatever captures your brain’s attention and makes it work hard to make a decisive response in the moment will do.
What other sports or games could you see as helping your brain’s ability to make decisions?
Resources:
http://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-health-benefits-basketball/
http://newsok.com/article/5558154
http://www.espn.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/55593/this-is-your-brain-on-basketball
Image: Pixabay 2373730 CCO
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It is interesting that basketball is the national sports in the Philippines.
I remember back during my university days, a friend wanted me to try basketball because I was tall. However, I did not had the interest in running around back and forth.
I can see the logic in what you are saying here. I am sure it is a test of various things both physically and mentally. Now, I have to figure out what is “it” for me.
Thanks Lorii, I did not know that basketball was so popular in the Philippines. Being tall is certainly a draw for a basketball team looking for the competitive edge so it’s easy to understand why they wanted you on their team. However, there may be some other fun sports that may hold some interest for you now.
How motivating Joyce! I’m not sure I will start playing basketball, but I will reward myself whenever I say NO! Love this blog!
Okay, but make sure it’s a healthy reward.
What a fun recommendation, Joyce! I never considered getting back into a gym setting, but your argument makes a lot of sense. I might just keep my eye out for something local. Thanks!
We need to keep ourselves out of the rut of thinking we’re too old for such things and get back to being kids again with activities that are healthy, brain stimulating and fun.
Love it Joyce- going to check out if it is in Australia, thank you for sharing
Well, if you don’t find one maybe you can start one. Even beach volleyball would work for all you beach lovers.
I love the idea of ladies games and “granny” games. I’m not quite to the granny stage,yet, though. 🙂 This is great inspiration for me to get out and play basketball with my kids. It’s a beautiful day here today, maybe we can find an available court at the park.
I’m sure your kids will love you for it.
Well, basketball like many other ball sports are team sports and thus good for relating to others. FOr me, I prefer football (soccer) and used to play. Football is a very strategic game, people often think all football players are dumb, but I highly disagree…as in all sports or all business sectors there are highly intelligent people and much less bright people. However, to play well the strategy is very important and being able to read the play.
Good comment, Katarina. I did not think of soccer/football. That’s a sport which is, even more, engaging based on different play strategies. Thanks for adding it to list of sports.
I don’t see a lot of basketball (it’s not as big a thing here in Oz) but I do enjoy watching it. I used to play netball and now watch the oldest Goddess when she plays. I think it probably offers the same kinds of benefits for the brain.
Ah, net ball. Thanks for adding that sport, Tami. Now you tell the oldest Goddess how good it is for her brain!
Okay, basketball isn’t something I love. Lol. But lord knows, I need to enhance my spatial awareness! It’s one of my less-than strengths 🙂 The kids in my neighborhood play. How shocked would they be if I asked to join them? What fun!
I’m sure they let you play if you bring home-baked cookies!
Sounds like a good idea even if you are not an entrepreneur. Also it is a lot like girl’s basketball was many years ago with a divided court.
You’re right Nancy, the rules are based on early girl’s basketball. I think it makes it more appealing to those who have issues about a lot of running and jumping. Still, there’s plenty of activity.