Around 1 percent of children in the United States suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder, according to Kids Health. Children with this disorder generally feel the need to follow strict routines and rituals and may have obsessive thoughts running through their heads. There are no physical limitations associated with OCD, but team sports such as basketball can pose some challenges for a child with this disorder.
Benefits
Playing sports boosts endorphins and can lower anxiety and stress, so playing basketball may actually ease your child’s worries. According to a 2011 study done by Tel Aviv University, basketball players and OCD sufferers have a similar sense of routine and repetition – players often dribble or shoot the ball in the same way each time – so this sport may be easier for an obsessive compulsive child to play than others. There are social benefits to the sport as well. Children with OCD may be embarrassed by their thoughts and behaviors, which may cause them to be withdrawn. Participating in team sports gives your child a chance to make friends and gain some self-confidence.
Potential Dangers
If your child’s disorder is severe, attempting to play basketball – or play any other organized sport – can be impossible. For instance, if he insists on dribbling the ball 14 times every time he touches it, his teammates will be irritated and his opponents will be able to steal it easily. Joining a competitive team may also give your child even more to worry about. He may be more comfortable on a relaxed community team than as part of a championship level one.
Preparing the Child
If you bring your child to the first team practice without doing any preparation, he may become overwhelmed and frustrated. Start working with a psychologist a few months before the season begins. She may use a technique called cognitive behavioral therapy in which she can desensitize the child to basketball-specific activities that he might find troubling. For instance, a therapist can help him learn to ignore the feeling of germs on his hands whenever he touches the ball or limit the number of times he needs to dribble the ball before passing. Practicing basketball with your child at a local court can also help him fight his compulsions and improve his technique.
Preparing the Team
Even with some preparations, your child may still demonstrate some behaviors that his teammates might notice. Explain OCD to the coach before the season begins and give him some recommendations of how to work with your child. You might ask the coach to speak to the team or suggest that your child mention to his teammates that he does things a little differently sometimes. If the other children understand, hopefully they won’t tease him for his OCD behaviors.
