Basketball is another good option for people who are trying to stay in shape and lose weight. The game of basketball requires a great deal of sprinting short distances and a good deal of jogging. Bouncing the ball while running or standing I place also burns calories. Jumping for the ball happens often in basketball and is good for building the legs. Shooting the ball and jumping for rebounds also help you to burn calories.
Basketball helps to build your aerobic fitness, flexibility, strength and power, speed, lower body fat, and increase your agility.
Basketball is another sport that is very commonly available at community fitness centers. Many people like to sign up in intramural leagues and compete with one another on the weekends. It is a good way to stay in condition, and also allows you to socialize with others.
Not too much equipment is required to get started in basketball. Basically, you need only a ball, good basketball shoes, t-shirt, shorts and a basketball hoop and net.
Some of the terms you will deal with when learning to play basketball includes:
Boxing out- this is the position between an opposing player and the basket to get a better rebounding position.
Dribbling- this is the term for bouncing the ball with one hand using your fingertips only, not the palm of your hand.
Passing – You move the ball from player to playing by throwing the ball, or even rolling it, in some cases.
Shooting- putting the ball into the basket with a throwing motion.
Pivoting- stepping in any direction one time with the same foot while holding the other foot at its starting point. You cannot take more than two steps without bouncing the basketball.
Rebounding- this is when you recover the ball after it bounces off the backboard or basket rim.
In basketball, you are removed from the game after you have six fouls. Fouls are assessed for the following:
Blocking – stopping your opponent’s progress by extending your arms horizontally or obstructing the path of a player in motion.
Charging – running into a player standing still while you have the ball.
Hacking – striking the arm or hand of the person with the ball
Holding – Holding onto a person with or without the ball.
Other things you are not allowed to do in basketball include:
Traveling- moving with the ball without dribbling and taking more than two steps
Three seconds – an offensive player stays in the key in front of the basket (this is the free throw lane, the space under the basket) for greater than three seconds.
Double dribble – dribbling the ball with both hands at the same time.