![\"kids](\"https:\/\/lh6.googleusercontent.com\/2OkJy6juqANN6YtsqK3p9AotB_8RXReFOI3acIIWRUnFA0X2NI2OsSzjyh-qM98ABHG3mqer-RF28YHk_mWS85NV4BEgUvQMaw_2kVv2DQanHKuLB9RupePX_vx5EM634Js\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\nSeveral years ago my world changed when we entered into the unknown territory of basketball. \u00a0It was totally unintentional. I was just a homeschooling mom looking to give my kids a chance to get some exercise with basketball camp while catching a little break for myself.<\/p>\n
From the moment my daughter hit that gym floor, she was destined to be a basketball player. (Her little sister soon followed in her footsteps.) Having five older children, I thought that I knew everything there was to know about sports. I didn\u2019t. \u00a0Not for this generation of kids anyway!
The level of competition is tenfold compared to the level 15 years ago. There are things I wish I considered before we ever delved so deep into the basketball world.<\/p>\n
In order to help you navigate and make an informed decision, I\u2019ve compiled these tips to help you decide if basketball and basketball camp are the right fit for your child.<\/p>\n
Cardio & Stamina Growth<\/strong>. This seems obvious, but the amount of exercise that playing basketball brings to your child is so beneficial. It’s a fun and easy way to boost their heart rates for an hour. It builds stamina and creates happier moods too!<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Coordination<\/strong> skills are built by dribbling down the court and switching from left to right hands.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Confidence<\/strong> is developed while looking opponent\u2019s eye to eye and not getting flustered or being fearful. Confidence is also built by making baskets.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Good sportsmanship<\/strong> is learned when players work as team and are not selfish with the ball. \u00a0Kids also discover how to have compassion on the other team when someone is hurt, such as kneeling or leaving the court and clapping when the hurt player is ok.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Healthy Competition<\/strong>. Kids explore how to win and lose with grace.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Personal Growth<\/strong>.\u00a0Each child is different, but most have their own individual areas of growth they need to focus on. Working with others brings these areas out into the light, therefore giving them a chance to grow. (e.g. complaining too much, sharing, etc.)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Many wonderful lifelong friendships<\/strong> are built.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n There are lots of fun basketball camps<\/strong> all over the country. Find basketball camps on\u00a0ActivityHero.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Basketball is a physical game.<\/strong> \u00a0I did not really realize how physical it was until my girls started playing.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Taking Turns.<\/strong> There may be 10 players, but not every child is on the court at the same time. \u00a0Very young kids can have a hard time with this at first.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Wait<\/strong>. In my opinion, basketball isn\u2019t really for the very young. \u00a0It is simply too hard to bounce a ball and play a game all at the same time. \u00a0Wait until they are around 2nd or 3rd grade for this sport, it will help them to succeed, rather than fail and be frustrated.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Consider the cost.<\/strong> Financially, physically and emotionally. Sports are a real drain on the pocket book. \u00a0The time it takes for practices and actual games also take away from other things you want to do as a family.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Check in.<\/strong> If your child is not enjoying basketball, don\u2019t force it. Not everyone is created for sports.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Support the FUN!<\/strong> Even with both of my girls now in high school and playing on the Varsity Girls Basketball team, we push FUN! \u00a0The older kids get, the more serious sports become. Keep the fun to preserve the passion.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Basketball is a cut sport.<\/strong> \u00a0As kids expand their experience beyond camp, they will face try-outs, cuts and sitting on the bench during game time and so on. \u00a0It\u2019s hard, but it\u2019s also good for building character and teaching life lessons. Not everyone gets chosen for everything.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Diversify.<\/strong> Don\u2019t let basketball or any sport become your whole life. Do other things as a family.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Find an EXCELLENT coach<\/strong>. Coaches are competitive and a small few can become overly emotional, which leads to outbursts of anger and sometimes belittling.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n Ultimately, you decide if your child and family are ready to try basketball camp. Although basketball has its ups and downs, our family found joy in navigating the sports world.\u00a0<\/p>\n Look for nearby a basketball camp<\/a> or basketball class<\/a> for your kids.<\/p>\n\n\n![\"basketball](\"https:\/\/lh4.googleusercontent.com\/1W7tYuS4HwmVU6umgeSD76dIugQ8uMnlDb3IiMfjA7mxzTO7MmpU4dpT39PlFJzfKCnRXAQMcfr2I9dGbuGJ7pzrgLunqyF3t2lWtI1GkfTC5t5ZLwwx2E2RXyv6IepfNt4\" "\\"\\"")