Basketball offers young players tons of benefits, including physical fitness, weight control, coordination, stress relief, team-building and socializing with others. For parents looking for a safe and convenient way to get the kids off the couch but keep them close to home, a home basketball hoop is a great option.

Basketball is a sport that your child can start at an early age. Helping your young child learn basic basketball skills not only encourages exercise, but also serves as a foundation for staying active later in life.

Age Considerations
Basketball programs may enroll children as young as 5 years old. For children that young, programs tend to focus on developing basic skills and typically use shorter 6-foot rims. Rule-based play typically does not begin until kids are 7 to 9 years old. By fourth or fifth grade, many kids are ready to play basketball against other teams.

In addition to coach-supervised basketball camps, kids can practice at home to stay active. For at-home play, an in-ground adjustable hoop can serve as a safe practice place for children of all ages. Goalsetter adjustable height basketball goals can go from 6 feet to 10 feet in seconds with a simple turn of the handle. That means a goal can grow with your child or serve multi-child families with ease.

Physical Development
Children require at least one hour of intense physical activity every day. Learning basketball allows children to incorporate this into their daily routines and contributes to overall physical well-being and fitness. Dribbling, throwing, catching and pivoting improves gross motor skills by engaging all the major muscle groups. Young children who play basketball show an improved flexibility and endurance as well as fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Psychological Development
Becoming involved with basketball at an early age helps kids develop psychologically. Playing on a team helps your child make friends and get involved with his or her peer group. Playing basketball also improves a child’s ability to communicate and solve basic logic problems. Young athletes learn from an early age how to work in a team atmosphere, pay attention to others, and respond accordingly. Plus, experiencing the benefits and difficulties of healthy competition at a young age prepare children for failures later in life.

Visit your local showroom today to experience the ease of an adjustable basketball goal and see how your child can grow with the help of a Goalsetter.