[Skip to main content](https://www.nike.com#skip-to-content)[Accessibility at Nike](https://www.nike.com/accessibility#introduction) - [](https://www.nike.com/jordan) - [](https://www.nike.com/w/converse-akmjx) - [Find a Store](https://www.nike.com/retail) - [Help](https://www.nike.com/help) [Help](https://www.nike.com/help) - [Order Status](https://www.nike.com/orders/details/) - [Shipping & Delivery](https://www.nike.com/help/a/shipping-delivery) - [Returns](https://www.nike.com/help/a/returns-policy) - [Order Cancellation](https://www.nike.com/help/a/change-cancel-order) - [Size Charts](https://www.nike.com/help/a/size-charts) - [Contact Us](https://www.nike.com/help/#contact) - [Membership](https://www.nike.com/membership) - [Promotions & Discounts](https://www.nike.com/promo-code) - [Product Advice](https://www.nike.com/product-advice) - [Send Us Feedback](https://www.nike.com#site-feedback) - [Join Us](https://www.nike.com/membership) - [Sign In](https://www.nike.com/register) [](https://www.nike.com) - [Men](https://www.nike.com/men) - [Limited Time](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-back-to-school-sale-2083cznik1) - [Extra 25% Off Select Styles](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-back-to-school-sale-2083cznik1) - [New & Featured](https://www.nike.com/w/new-mens-3n82yznik1) - [New Arrivals](https://www.nike.com/w/new-mens-3n82yznik1) - [Best Sellers](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-best-76m50znik1) - [Latest Drops](https://www.nike.com/w/new-upcoming-drops-k0gk) - [Back to School Shop](https://www.nike.com/w/back-to-school-840ik) - [SNKRS Launch Calendar](https://www.nike.com/launch) - [Shoes](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-shoes-nik1zy7ok) - [All Shoes](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-shoes-nik1zy7ok) - [Basketball](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-basketball-shoes-3glsmznik1zy7ok) - [Jordan](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-jordan-shoes-37eefznik1zy7ok) - [Lifestyle](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-lifestyle-shoes-13jrmznik1zy7ok) - [Running](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-running-shoes-37v7jznik1zy7ok) - [Sandals & Slides](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-sandals-slides-fl76znik1) - [Training & Gym](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-training-gym-shoes-58jtoznik1zy7ok) - [Custom Shoes](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-nike-by-you-shoes-6ealhznik1zy7ok) - [Clothing](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-clothing-6ymx6znik1) - [All Clothing](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-clothing-6ymx6znik1) - [Jackets & Vests](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-jackets-vests-50r7yznik1) - [Pants](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-pants-and-tights-2kq19znik1) - [Shorts](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-shorts-38fphznik1) - [Sweats & Sweatshirts](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-fleece-4xh6qznik1) - [Swim](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-surf-swimming-3c2djznik1) - [Tops & Graphic Tees](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-tops-t-shirts-9om13znik1) - [Accessories](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-accessories-equipment-awwpwznik1) - [All Accessories](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-accessories-equipment-awwpwznik1) - [Bags & Backpacks](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-bags-and-backpacks-9xy71znik1) - [Hats & Headwear](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-hats-visors-and-headbands-52r49znik1) - [Socks](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-socks-7ny3qznik1) - [Sunglasses](https://www.nike.com/w/sunglasses-arlyp) - [Shop By Sport](https://www.nike.com/gear-up) - [All Conditions Gear](https://www.nike.com/acg) - [Baseball](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-baseball-99fchznik1) - [Basketball](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-basketball-3glsmznik1) - [Football](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-football-3hj8mznik1) - [Golf](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-golf-23q9wznik1) - [Locker Room](https://www.nike.com/LockerRoom) - [Running](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-running-37v7jznik1) - [Skateboarding](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-skateboarding-8mfrfznik1) - [Soccer](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-soccer-1gdj0znik1) - [Tennis](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-tennis-ed1qznik1) - [Training](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-training-gym-58jtoznik1) - [Women](https://www.nike.com/women) - [Limited Time](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-back-to-school-sale-2083cz5e1x6) - [Extra 25% Off Select Styles](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-back-to-school-sale-2083cz5e1x6) - [New & Featured](https://www.nike.com/w/new-womens-3n82yz5e1x6) - [New Arrivals](https://www.nike.com/w/new-womens-3n82yz5e1x6) - [Best Sellers](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-best-5e1x6z76m50) - [Back to School Shop](https://www.nike.com/w/back-to-school-840ik) - [SNKRS Launch Calendar](https://www.nike.com/launch) - [Shop by Color](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-matching-sets-clothing-2lukpz5e1x6z6ymx6) - [Dark Neutrals](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-color-shop-brown-4elb3z5e1x6) - [Illusion Green](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-color-shop-green-5e1x6z9cm3q) - [Midnight Blue](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-color-shop-blues-5e1x6z7wk8r) - [Pink Rise](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-color-shop-fierce-pinks-4x3uaz5e1x6) - [Warm Neutrals](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-color-shop-new-neutrals-5e1x6z98ed2) - [Accessories](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-accessories-equipment-5e1x6zawwpw) - [All Accessories](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-accessories-equipment-5e1x6zawwpw) - [Bags & Backpacks](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-bags-and-backpacks-5e1x6z9xy71) - [Hats & Headwear](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-hats-visors-and-headbands-52r49z5e1x6) - [Socks](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-socks-5e1x6z7ny3q) - [Sunglasses](https://www.nike.com/w/sunglasses-arlyp) - [Shoes](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-shoes-5e1x6zy7ok) - [All Shoes](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-shoes-5e1x6zy7ok) - [Basketball](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-basketball-shoes-3glsmz5e1x6zy7ok) - [Jordan](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-jordan-shoes-37eefz5e1x6zy7ok) - [Lifestyle](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-lifestyle-shoes-13jrmz5e1x6zy7ok) - [Running](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-running-shoes-37v7jz5e1x6zy7ok) - [Sandals & Slides](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-sandals-slides-5e1x6zfl76) - [Training & Gym](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-training-gym-shoes-58jtoz5e1x6zy7ok) - [Custom Shoes](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-nike-by-you-shoes-5e1x6z6ealhzy7ok) - [Clothing](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-clothing-5e1x6z6ymx6) - [All Clothing](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-clothing-5e1x6z6ymx6) - [Bras](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-sports-bras-40qgmz5e1x6) - [Leggings](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-tights-leggings-29sh2z5e1x6) - [Matching Sets](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-matching-sets-clothing-2lukpz5e1x6z6ymx6) - [Jackets & Vests](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-jackets-vests-50r7yz5e1x6) - [Pants](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-pants-and-tights-2kq19z5e1x6) - [Shorts](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-shorts-38fphz5e1x6) - [Skirts & Dresses](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-skirts-and-dresses-5e1x6z8y3qp) - [Sweats & Sweatshirts](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-fleece-4xh6qz5e1x6) - [Swim](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-surf-swimming-3c2djz5e1x6) - [Tops & Graphics Tees](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-tops-t-shirts-5e1x6z9om13) - [Shop By Sport](https://www.nike.com/gear-up) - [All Conditions Gear](https://www.nike.com/acg) - [Basketball](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-basketball-3glsmz5e1x6) - [Cheer](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-cheerleading-1cyjkz5e1x6) - [Golf](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-golf-23q9wz5e1x6) - [Locker Room](https://www.nike.com/LockerRoom) - [Running](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-running-37v7jz5e1x6) - [Soccer](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-soccer-1gdj0z5e1x6) - [Softball](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-softball-2dlpvz5e1x6) - [Tennis](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-tennis-5e1x6zed1q) - [Training](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-training-gym-58jtoz5e1x6) - [Volleyball](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-volleyball-5e1x6ztc2u) - [Kids](https://www.nike.com/kids) - [Limited Time](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-back-to-school-sale-2083czv4dh) - [Extra 25% Off Select Styles](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-back-to-school-sale-2083czv4dh) - [Get Set for School](https://www.nike.com/back-to-school) - [New Arrivals](https://www.nike.com/w/new-kids-3n82yzv4dh) - [Best Sellers](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-best-76m50zv4dh) - [Back to School Shop](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-back-to-school-840ikzv4dh) - [Back to School Shoes](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-back-to-school-shoes-840ikzv4dhzy7ok) - [Back to School Clothing](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-back-to-school-clothing-6ymx6z840ikzv4dh) - [Bags & Backpacks](https://www.nike.com/w/back-to-school-bags-and-backpacks-840ikz9xy71) - [Nike x LEGO®](https://www.nike.com/w/nike-lego-collection-58jr) - [Teens](https://www.nike.com/teens) - [Shoes](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-shoes-v4dhzy7ok) - [All Shoes](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-shoes-v4dhzy7ok) - [Big Kids (7-15 yrs)](https://www.nike.com/w/big-kids-shoes-agibjzv4dhzy7ok) - [Little Kids (3-7 yrs)](https://www.nike.com/w/little-kids-shoes-6dacezv4dhzy7ok) - [Baby & Toddler (0-3 yrs)](https://www.nike.com/w/baby-toddler-kids-shoes-2j488zv4dhzy7ok) - [Basketball](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-basketball-shoes-3glsmzv4dhzy7ok) - [Jordan](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-jordan-shoes-37eefzv4dhzy7ok) - [Lifestyle](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-lifestyle-shoes-13jrmzv4dhzy7ok) - [Running](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-running-shoes-37v7jzv4dhzy7ok) - [Sandals & Slides](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-sandals-slides-fl76zv4dh) - [Clothing](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-clothing-6ymx6zv4dh) - [All Clothing](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-clothing-6ymx6zv4dh) - [Big Kids (7-15 yrs)](https://www.nike.com/w/big-kids-clothing-6ymx6zagibjzv4dh) - [Little Kids (3-7 yrs)](https://www.nike.com/w/little-kids-clothing-6dacez6ymx6zv4dh) - [Baby & Toddler (0-3 yrs)](https://www.nike.com/w/baby-toddler-kids-clothing-2j488z6ymx6zv4dh) - [Bras & Tights](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-bras-tights-88mejzv4dh) - [Jackets & Vests](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-jackets-vests-50r7yzv4dh) - [Pants](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-pants-and-tights-2kq19zv4dh) - [Shorts](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-shorts-38fphzv4dh) - [Skirts & Dresses](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-skirts-and-dresses-8y3qpzv4dh) - [Sweats & Sweatshirts](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-fleece-4xh6qzv4dh) - [Swim](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-surf-swimming-3c2djzv4dh) - [Tops & Graphic Tees](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-tops-t-shirts-9om13zv4dh) - [Accessories](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-accessories-equipment-awwpwzv4dh) - [All Accessories](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-accessories-equipment-awwpwzv4dh) - [Bags & Backpacks](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-bags-and-backpacks-9xy71zv4dh) - [Hats & Headwear](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-hats-visors-and-headbands-52r49zv4dh) - [Socks](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-socks-7ny3qzv4dh) - [Shop By Sport](https://www.nike.com/gear-up) - [Basketball](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-basketball-3glsmzv4dh) - [Gymnastics](https://www.nike.com/w/gymnastics-dance-inspired-2obuy) - [Fan Gear](https://www.nike.com/fan-gear) - [Football](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-football-3hj8mzv4dh) - [Running](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-running-37v7jzv4dh) - [Soccer](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-soccer-1gdj0zv4dh) - [Jordan](https://www.nike.com/jordan) - [Limited Time](https://www.nike.com/w/back-to-school-sale-jordan-2083cz37eef) - [Extra 25% Off Select Styles](https://www.nike.com/w/back-to-school-sale-jordan-2083cz37eef) - [New & Featured](https://www.nike.com/w/new-jordan-37eefz3n82y) - [New Arrivals](https://www.nike.com/w/new-jordan-37eefz3n82y) - [Best Sellers](https://www.nike.com/w/best-jordan-37eefz76m50) - [Heat Check](https://www.nike.com/w/jordan-heat-check-1n7xt) - [Back to School Shop](https://www.nike.com/w/back-to-school-jordan-37eefz840ik) - [Men](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-jordan-37eefznik1) - [Shop All](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-jordan-37eefznik1) - [Shoes](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-jordan-shoes-37eefznik1zy7ok) - [AJ1](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-jordan-1-shoes-4fokyznik1zy7ok) - [Clothing](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-jordan-clothing-37eefz6ymx6znik1) - [Accessories](https://www.nike.com/w/jordan-accessories-equipment-37eefzawwpw) - [Women](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-jordan-37eefz5e1x6) - [Shop All](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-jordan-37eefz5e1x6) - [Shoes](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-jordan-shoes-37eefz5e1x6zy7ok) - [AJ1](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-jordan-1-shoes-4fokyz5e1x6zy7ok) - [Clothing](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-jordan-clothing-37eefz5e1x6z6ymx6) - [Accessories](https://www.nike.com/w/jordan-accessories-equipment-37eefzawwpw) - [Kids](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-jordan-37eefzv4dh) - [Shop All](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-jordan-37eefzv4dh) - [Shoes](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-jordan-shoes-37eefzv4dhzy7ok) - [AJ1](https://www.nike.com/w/jordan-1-shoes-1onraz3aqegz4fokyzy7ok) - [Clothing](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-jordan-clothing-37eefz6ymx6zv4dh) - [Accessories](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-jordan-accessories-equipment-37eefzawwpwzv4dh) - Sport - [Basketball](https://www.nike.com/w/jordan-basketball-37eefz3glsm) - [Golf](https://www.nike.com/w/jordan-golf-23q9wz37eef) - [Cleats](https://www.nike.com/w/jordan-cleats-spikes-37eefz5ufbh) - [NikeSKIMS](https://www.nike.com/nikeskims) - [All Shoes](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-shoes-b2asdzy7ok) - [NikeSKIMS Rift](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-shoes-b2asdzy7ok) - [All Clothing](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-b2asd) - [Bras](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-sports-bras-40qgmzb2asd) - [Jackets](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-jackets-vests-50r7yzb2asd) - [Leggings](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-tights-leggings-29sh2zb2asd) - [Shorts](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-shorts-38fphzb2asd) - [Tops and Tanks](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-tops-t-shirts-9om13zb2asd) - [Accessories](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-accessories-equipment-awwpwzb2asd) - [Shop by Color](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-b2asd) - [Cobalt](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-blue-8hfx3zb2asd) - [Ivory](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-white-4g797zb2asd) - [Obsidian](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-black-90poyzb2asd) - [Phoenix](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-brown-557pqzb2asd) - [Shop by Material](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-b2asd) - [Airy](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-nikeskims-airy-5c1qqzb2asd) - [Matte](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-nikeskims-matte-5s3enzb2asd) - [Satin Shine](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-nikeskims-shine-aq8qbzb2asd) - [Seamless](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-nikeskims-seamless-6lh4szb2asd) - [Stretch Knit](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-nikeskims-stretch-knit-21jwlzb2asd) - [Studio Stretch](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-studio-stretch-admbq) - [NikeSKIMS Guides](https://www.nike.com/w/nikeskims-b2asd) - [NikeSKIMS Lookbook](https://www.nike.com/nikeskims-lookbook) - [NikeSKIMS Bra Guide](https://www.nike.com/nikeskims-bra-guide) - [NikeSKIMS Fabric Guide](https://www.nike.com/nikeskims-collection-guide) - [Back to School](https://www.nike.com/back-to-school) - [Sale](https://www.nike.com/w/back-to-school-sale-2083c) - [Limited Time](https://www.nike.com/w/back-to-school-sale-2083c) - [Extra 25% Off Select Styles](https://www.nike.com/w/back-to-school-sale-2083c) - [Men](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-back-to-school-sale-shoes-2083cznik1zy7ok) - [Shoes](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-back-to-school-sale-shoes-2083cznik1zy7ok) - [Clothing](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-back-to-school-sale-clothing-2083cz6ymx6znik1) - [Accessories](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-back-to-school-sale-accessories-equipment-2083czawwpwznik1) - [Shop All](https://www.nike.com/w/mens-back-to-school-sale-2083cznik1) - [Women](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-back-to-school-sale-shoes-2083cz5e1x6zy7ok) - [Shoes](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-back-to-school-sale-shoes-2083cz5e1x6zy7ok) - [Clothing](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-back-to-school-sale-clothing-2083cz5e1x6z6ymx6) - [Accessories](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-back-to-school-sale-accessories-equipment-2083cz5e1x6zawwpw) - [Shop All](https://www.nike.com/w/womens-back-to-school-sale-2083cz5e1x6) - [Kids](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-back-to-school-sale-shoes-2083czv4dhzy7ok) - [Shoes](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-back-to-school-sale-shoes-2083czv4dhzy7ok) - [Clothing](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-back-to-school-sale-clothing-2083cz6ymx6zv4dh) - [Accessories](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-back-to-school-sale-accessories-equipment-2083czawwpwzv4dh) - [Shop All](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-back-to-school-sale-2083czv4dh) - [Jordan](https://www.nike.com/w/back-to-school-sale-jordan-2083cz37eef) - [Shoes](https://www.nike.com/w/back-to-school-sale-jordan-shoes-2083cz37eefzy7ok) - [Clothing](https://www.nike.com/w/back-to-school-sale-jordan-clothing-2083cz37eefz6ymx6) - [Accessories](https://www.nike.com/w/kids-jordan-accessories-equipment-37eefzawwpwzv4dh) - [Shop All](https://www.nike.com/w/back-to-school-sale-jordan-2083cz37eef) Cancel Cancel Ask NikeAI Popular Search Terms [jordan kids](https://www.nike.com/w?q=jordan%20kids&vst=jordan%20kids)[basketball](https://www.nike.com/w?q=basketball&vst=basketball)[shoes](https://www.nike.com/w?q=shoes&vst=shoes)[kids' shoes](https://www.nike.com/w?q=kids%27%20shoes&vst=kids%27%20shoes)[jordan](https://www.nike.com/w?q=jordan&vst=jordan)[jordan 4](https://www.nike.com/w?q=jordan%204&vst=jordan%204)[air max](https://www.nike.com/w?q=air%20max&vst=air%20max)[soccer cleats](https://www.nike.com/w?q=soccer%20cleats&vst=soccer%20cleats) [](https://www.nike.com/favorites "Favorites")[](https://www.nike.com/cart "Bag Items: 0") # 5 Benefits of Playing Basketball, According to Experts ##### Sports & Activity The benefits of playing basketball extend off the court. Learn more about what all this sport has to offer. Last updated: July 26, 2022 5 min read  [Basketball](https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/basketball-only-major-sport-invented-united-states-how-it-was-created) has loyal fans — and players — of all levels around the world. No matter how you enjoy the sport (whether you love to review game tape with pals or you play some pickup on the weekends), basketball draws a global appreciation due to its demand on endurance, technique and quick thinking. Here are a few reasons why you may want to take up basketball — and why it has universal appeal. ## 5 Benefits of Playing Basketball 1. # 1.Basketball can help develop fundamental movement skills. No matter your age, fundamental movement skills — the foundation for all physical activity — are key for an active lifestyle. [Fundamental movement skills](https://dro.deakin.edu.au/view/DU:30031139) are categorized as locomotor (think: running or jumping), object control (catching and throwing) and stability (balancing and twisting) skills. “Fundamental movement skills such as \[sprinting], vertical jumping and overhead throwing are very basic to physical movement,” said Koco Eaton, M.D., orthopedic surgeon, founder of Eaton Orthopaedics and a former basketball player (including three seasons of professional basketball in Venezuela). “Basketball promotes speed, agility, strength, power and endurance. It \[has] also been shown to increase flexibility and motor coordination. As a result, basketball is uniquely oriented to improve fundamental motor skills that are shown to be beneficial in promoting general health.” A [2012 study](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877042812021465) suggested that mini-basketball drills — such as ball handling, chest passes and layups — can considerably improve fundamental movement skills in children 7 to 10 years old (kids [typically develop these skills](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33377417/) between the ages of 3 and 10). [Marco Lopez, P.T., D.P.T., C.S.C.S](https://twitter.com/trojanlopez_pt)., a physical therapist and co-founder of The Basketball Doctors, said that basketball “combines sprinting, change of direction, and jumping,” which you don’t often see in other sports. 2. # 2.It can have a positive effect on bone mineral density. A [2020 study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32761271/) comparing basketball players to athletes participating in swimming, soccer and volleyball, suggested that basketball players have some of the highest bone mineral density or BMD. A [2018 study](https://www.cjter.com/EN/10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.0272) came to similar conclusions, noting that playing basketball long-term can positively impact BMD in the legs. “Basketball is one of the best sports for bone density,” Lopez said. “As we know, once we get older we start losing bone density. We can help decrease the rate of loss by loading the bone through jumping, running and weight lifting, so basketball hits almost every category.” RELATED: [The Best Weights for At-home Workouts](https://www.nike.com/a/weights-for-at-home-workouts) [Research has also suggested](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6279907/) that when you do high-impact, weight-bearing exercises (Think: jumping, dancing and hiking) in tandem with strength training, or resistance exercises (such as squats, deadlifts and barbell curls), it can yield a positive effect on overall bone health. Though it was noted that resistance training may have the greatest effect on BMD. 3. # 3.It’s a type of workout that fluctuates in intensity. As discussed in the introduction of a 2021 study in [Frontiers in Psychology](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.668194/full), a typical basketball game consists of periods of both high- and low-intensity exercise. Think about it: One minute you might be sprinting down the court with the ball, and the next, you might be jogging. One of the simplest ways to increase the intensity of a basketball game is to play full court. A [2012 study](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/223978928_A_Comparison_of_Heart_Rate_Response_and_Frequencies_of_Technical_Actions_Between_Half-Court_and_Full-Court_3-A-Side_Games_in_High_School_Female_Basketball_Players) found that full court games did elicit a higher heart rate response, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get benefits playing half court. In fact, a [2018 study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6180545/) suggested playing basketball improves overall health whether you're playing half or full court. “Although full court basketball provides a greater benefit than half court basketball, \[the study found] half court basketball was still beneficial to the health of the participants," Eaton said. \[It] looked at the effects on blood pressure, body composition, cardiovascular fitness and maximum oxygen uptake. Significant benefit was noted in half court basketball but a maximum benefit was noted in the participants who were playing full court.” 4. # 4.Basketball gets children active at an early age, which can carry into adulthood. “The most significant positive benefit from basketball is \[the] increase in activity that carries into adulthood,” Eaton said. A [2018 study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6096539/) revealed that 74 percent of children and adolescents in the U.S. report their top reason for playi[n](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6096539/)g basketball is to have fun. And [research has found](https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-019-6537-3) that those who are [physically active during childhood](https://www.ucd.ie/t4cms/CCLSP_Study_Report1.pdf) are more likely to be active in adulthood than those who are more sedentary as children. In fact, according to the U.S. [President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition Science Board](https://health.gov/sites/default/files/2020-09/YSS_Report_OnePager_2020-08-31_web.pdf), 73 percent of adults who currently play sports also did so when they were children. 5. # 5.Basketball may improve communication skills through team building. This may be one of the less obvious benefits of playing basketball. Eaton said that because basketball is a team sport, it requires players to communicate with one another, often without words. A [2010 study](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233932099_Team_Coordination_in_Basketball_Description_of_the_Cognitive_Connections_Among_Teammates) supports this, observing players continuously changing teammates they interact with as they play. Much of this communication didn’t involve verbal cues, but instead took place through ball passing and visual cues during plays. Off the court, non-verbal communication is used in everything from business to interpersonal relationships. While research varies, a study found in a 2018 issue of [The Hearing Journal](https://journals.lww.com/thehearingjournal/fulltext/2016/05000/the_art_of_nonverbal_communication_in_practice.5.aspx) estimates at least 70 percent of all communication is nonverbal (a figure which extends outside of sport). Other skills gained on the court transfer to everyday life: In addition to building crucial communication skills, basketball also has a positive impact on mental coordination, with [2015 research](http://www.sposci.com/PDFS/BR0802/SVEE/04%20CL%2002%20GR.pdf) noting players must constantly adapt to gameplay and cognitively switch their physical coordination to keep up. [Psychologists suggest](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4963457/) that adaptability comes with higher levels of overall life satisfaction, especially when combined with high levels of social support (such as support from friends when settling into a new job). Words by Ashley Lauretta  [](https://niketrainingclub.sng.link/Ara19/3ocq/gnbq?pcn=OGC%20Articles%20HO21&_dl=niketrainingclub%3A%2F%2Fx-callback-url%2Fworkout%2Ffeatured) ### Move Daily with Nike Training Club Get free guidance from trainers and experts to strengthen your body and mind. [Explore NTC](https://niketrainingclub.sng.link/Ara19/3ocq/gnbq?pcn=OGC%20Articles%20HO21&_dl=niketrainingclub%3A%2F%2Fx-callback-url%2Fworkout%2Ffeatured) Originally published: May 13, 2022 Resources [Gift Cards](https://www.nike.com/gift-cards) [Corporate Sales](https://www.nike.com/corporate-sales) [Find a Store](https://www.nike.com/retail) [Membership](https://www.nike.com/membership) [Nike Journal](https://www.nike.com/stories) [Site Feedback](https://www.nike.com#site-feedback) Help [Get Help](https://www.nike.com/help) [Order Status](https://www.nike.com/orders/details/) [Shipping and Delivery](https://www.nike.com/help/a/shipping-delivery) [Returns](https://www.nike.com/help/a/returns-policy) [Order Cancellation](https://www.nike.com/help/a/change-cancel-order) [Payment Options](https://www.nike.com/help/a/payment-options) [Gift Card Balance](https://www.nike.com/orders/gift-card-lookup) [Contact Us](https://www.nike.com/help/#contact) Company [About Nike](https://about.nike.com/en) [News](http://news.nike.com/) [Careers](https://jobs.nike.com/) [Investors](http://investors.nike.com/) [Purpose](https://purpose.nike.com/) [Sustainability](https://www.nike.com/sustainability) [Accessibility](https://www.nike.com/us/en/accessibility/#introduction) Promotions & Discounts [Student](https://www.nike.com/help/a/student-discount) [Military](https://www.nike.com/help/a/military-discount) [Teacher](https://www.nike.com/help/a/teacher-discount) [First Responders & Medical Professionals](https://www.nike.com/help/a/first-responder-discount) [Birthday](https://www.nike.com/help/a/birthday-terms-promo) [Resources](https://www.nike.com/help) [Gift Cards](https://www.nike.com/gift-cards) [Corporate Sales](https://www.nike.com/corporate-sales) [Find a Store](https://www.nike.com/retail) [Membership](https://www.nike.com/membership) [Nike Journal](https://www.nike.com/stories) [Site Feedback](https://www.nike.com#site-feedback) [Help](https://www.nike.com/help) [Get Help](https://www.nike.com/help) [Order Status](https://www.nike.com/orders/details/) [Shipping and Delivery](https://www.nike.com/help/a/shipping-delivery) [Returns](https://www.nike.com/help/a/returns-policy) [Order Cancellation](https://www.nike.com/help/a/change-cancel-order) [Payment Options](https://www.nike.com/help/a/payment-options) [Gift Card Balance](https://www.nike.com/orders/gift-card-lookup) [Contact Us](https://www.nike.com/help/#contact) [Company](https://about.nike.com/en) [About Nike](https://about.nike.com/en) [News](http://news.nike.com/) [Careers](https://jobs.nike.com/) [Investors](http://investors.nike.com/) [Purpose](https://purpose.nike.com/) [Sustainability](https://www.nike.com/sustainability) [Accessibility](https://www.nike.com/us/en/accessibility/#introduction) [Promotions & Discounts](https://www.nike.com/promo-code) [Student](https://www.nike.com/help/a/student-discount) [Military](https://www.nike.com/help/a/military-discount) [Teacher](https://www.nike.com/help/a/teacher-discount) [First Responders & Medical Professionals](https://www.nike.com/help/a/first-responder-discount) [Birthday](https://www.nike.com/help/a/birthday-terms-promo) United States - © 2026 Nike, Inc. All Rights Reserved - Guides - [Nike Air](https://www.nike.com/air) - [Nike Air Force 1](https://www.nike.com/air-force-1) - [Nike Air Max](https://www.nike.com/air-max) - [Nike FlyEase](https://www.nike.com/flyease) - [Nike Flyknit](https://www.nike.com/flyknit) - [Nike Free](https://www.nike.com/free) - [Nike React](https://www.nike.com/react) - [Nike Vaporfly](https://www.nike.com/running/vaporfly) - [Nike ZoomX](https://www.nike.com/zoomx) - [Space Hippie](https://www.nike.com/space-hippie) - [Terms of Sale](https://agreementservice.svs.nike.com/us/en_us/rest/agreement?agreementType=termsOfSale&uxId=com.nike.commerce.nikedotcom.web&country=US&language=en&requestType=redirect) - [Terms of Use](https://agreementservice.svs.nike.com/us/en_us/rest/agreement?agreementType=termsOfUse&uxId=com.nike.commerce.nikedotcom.web&country=US&language=en&requestType=redirect) - [Nike Privacy Policy](https://agreementservice.svs.nike.com/rest/agreement?agreementType=privacyPolicy&uxId=com.nike.commerce.nikedotcom.web&requestType=redirect) - [ \ Your Privacy Choices](https://www.nike.com/guest/settings/do-not-share-my-data) - [CA Supply Chains Act](https://about.nike.com/en/impact-resources/statement-on-forced-labor) ## Africa - [__Egypt__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/eg/) - [__Morocco__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/ma/en/) - [__Maroc__ \ Français](https://www.nike.com/ma/) - [__South Africa__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/za/) ## Americas - [__Argentina__ \ Español](https://www.nike.com.ar) - [__Brasil__ \ Português](https://www.nike.com.br) - [__Canada__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/ca/) - [__Canada__ \ Français](https://www.nike.com/ca/fr/) - [__Chile__ \ Español](https://www.nike.cl) - [__Colombia__ \ Español](https://www.nike.com.co) - [__México__ \ Español](https://www.nike.com/mx/) - [__Peru__ \ Español](https://www.nike.com.pe) - [__Puerto Rico__ \ Español](https://www.nike.com/pr/) - [__United States__ \ English](https://www.nike.com) - [__Estados Unidos__ \ Español](https://www.nike.com/us/es/) - [__Uruguay__ \ Español](https://www.nike.com.uy) - [__Latin America__ \ Español](https://www.nike.com/xl/) ## Asia Pacific - [__Australia__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/au/) - [__中国大陆__ \ 简体中文](https://www.nike.com.cn/) - [__Hong Kong__ \ English](https://www.nike.com.hk/) - [__香港__ \ 繁體中文](https://www.nike.com.hk/) - [__India__ \ English](https://www.nike.in/) - [__Indonesia__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/id/) - [__Japan__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/jp/en/) - [__日本__ \ 日本語](https://www.nike.com/jp/) - [__대한민국__ \ 한국어](https://www.nike.com/kr/) - [__Malaysia__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/my/) - [__New Zealand__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/nz/) - [__Philippines__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/ph/) - [__Singapore__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/sg/) - [__台灣__ \ 繁體中文](https://www.nike.com/tw/) - [__ไทย__ \ ภาษาไทย](https://www.nike.com/th/) - [__Vietnam__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/vn/) ## Europe - [__Österreich__ \ Deutsch](https://www.nike.com/at/) - [__Austria__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/at/en/) - [__Belgien__ \ Deutsch](https://www.nike.com/be/de/) - [__Belgium__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/be/en/) - [__Belgique__ \ Français](https://www.nike.com/be/fr/) - [__België__ \ Nederlands](https://www.nike.com/be/) - [__Bulgaria__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/bg/) - [__Croatia__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/hr/) - [__Česká republika__ \ Čeština](https://www.nike.com/cz/) - [__Czech Republic__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/cz/en/) - [__Danmark__ \ Dansk](https://www.nike.com/dk/) - [__Denmark__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/dk/en/) - [__Finland__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/fi/) - [__France__ \ Français](https://www.nike.com/fr/) - [__Deutschland__ \ Deutsch](https://www.nike.com/de/) - [__Ελλάδα__ \ ελληνικά](https://www.nike.com/gr/) - [__Hungary__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/hu/en/) - [__Magyarország__ \ Magyar](https://www.nike.com/hu/) - [__Ireland__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/ie/) - [__Israel__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/il/) - [__Italia__ \ Italiano](https://www.nike.com/it/) - [__Luxemburg__ \ Deutsch](https://www.nike.com/lu/de/) - [__Luxembourg__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/lu/en/) - [__Luxembourg__ \ Français](https://www.nike.com/lu/) - [__Netherlands__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/nl/en/) - [__Nederland__ \ Nederlands](https://www.nike.com/nl/) - [__Norway__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/no/en/) - [__Norge__ \ Norsk](https://www.nike.com/no/) - [__Polska__ \ Polski](https://www.nike.com/pl/) - [__Portugal__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/pt/en/) - [__Portugal__ \ Português](https://www.nike.com/pt/) - [__Romania__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/ro/) - [__Россия__ \ Русский](https://www.nike.com/ru/) - [__Slovakia__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/sk/) - [__Slovenia__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/si/) - [__Espanya__ \ Català](https://www.nike.com/es/ca/) - [__España__ \ Español](https://www.nike.com/es/) - [__Sweden__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/se/en/) - [__Sverige__ \ Svenska](https://www.nike.com/se/) - [__Schweiz__ \ Deutsch](https://www.nike.com/ch/) - [__Switzerland__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/ch/en/) - [__Suisse__ \ Français](https://www.nike.com/ch/fr/) - [__Svizzera__ \ Italiano](https://www.nike.com/ch/it/) - [__Türkiye__ \ Türkçe](https://www.nike.com/tr/) - [__United Kingdom__ \ English](https://www.nike.com/gb/) ## Middle East - [__Saudi Arabia__ \ English](https://www.nike.sa/en/home) - [__المملكة العربية السعودية__ \ العربية](https://www.nike.sa/ar/home) - [__United Arab Emirates__ \ English](https://www.nike.ae/en/home) - [__الإمارات العربية المتحدة__ \ العربية](https://www.nike.ae/ar/home) - [__Qatar__ \ English](https://www.nike.qa/en/home) - [__دولة قطر__ \ العربية](https://www.nike.qa/ar/home) - [__Kuwait__ \ English](https://www.nike.com.kw/en/home) - [__الكويت__ \ العربية](https://www.nike.com.kw/ar/home)