Active Newcastle

Basketball

You don’t have to be seven feet tall to enjoy basketball! It’s a sport for all shapes and sizes.

It’s a pretty quick game that involves running, jumping and throwing – all of which are activities that develop muscle strength in your legs, trunk and shoulders.

Strong muscles burn calories more efficiently and the fact you use all four limbs helps encourage supple (flexible) joints.

Shooting baskets is also great for hand eye co-ordination and balance. All of which are qualities that can add to other aspects of our lives.

The speed of the game and relatively small size of court means it will soon get you out of breath and be a workout for your heart and lungs.

Using your chest and rib muscles to help pass a basketball will also help you breath more efficiently- so those with mild chest problems such as asthma or bronchitis may find it helps their fitness.

Basketball has been one of the success sports of the region with numbers increasing from 200 to almost 1500 playing regularly in the last 5 years.

Of course, you don’t have to formally join a club to play, you can simply practice shooting baskets on a board at home, or have a chuck about with friends on the many publicly available facilities.

For information on preventing or recoveing from Basketball injuries, visit our dedicated Basketball Injuries page provided by Newcastle Sports Injury Clinic.

View Similar Activities: Ball Games, Team Sports