Basketball is an accessible sport for kids and adults alike. Learning basic basketball skills at a young age equips your child to play basketball or other sports later in life. Not all children are physically or mentally prepared to begin sports at a young age, so talk to your pediatrician to ensure that basketball training is safe and appropriate.
Age Considerations
Some basketball programs begin for children as young as 5 years old. For young children, programs 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, according to the website Teach Kids How. By fourth or fifth grade, many kids are ready to play basketball against other teams.
Physical Fitness
MayoClinic.com reports that children ages 6 to 17 require at least one hour of moderate-intensity physical activity every day. Kids should engage in vigorous-intensity physical activity three days each week. Learning basketball allows children to incorporate frequent physical activity into their daily routines. In addition to coach-supervised basketball camps, kids can practice at home to stay active.
Motor Skills
Learning to play basketball involves dribbling, throwing, catching and pivoting. Beginning basketball training at a young age improves these basic motor skills. Young children who play basketball improve flexibility, hand-eye coordination and endurance. These motor skills transfer to other activities of daily life.
Psychological Development
Becoming involved with basketball at an early age helps kids develop psychologically. Playing on a team allows your child to make friends and feel involved with her peer group. Team sports also improve a child's ability to communicate and solve basic problems. Experiencing the benefits and difficulties of healthy competition at a young age prepare children for failures later in life. Basketball teaches children social skills and coping strategies that are useful at school, home and in peer relationships.
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