Finding Basketball Classes for Kids Near Me?

Keen to find a basketball class for your kids? We’re here to help! Basketball is an exciting and energetic sport that kids of all ages can enjoy. As well as the more obvious fitness benefits, including speed, agility, strength, and fitness, Basketball offers a number of other benefits for our children. In this blog post, we'll explore the world of basketball for kids, helping parents get their heads around the basics of the game, as well as the benefits and the kit needed.

Benefits of basketball for kids

First and foremost, basketball is a fantastic way for kids to stay active and healthy. It helps improve their cardiovascular fitness, endurance, and coordination. As with lots of team sports, basketball offers a host of benefits for kids that go beyond these obvious physical benefits.

• Teamwork: Basketball teaches kids the value of teamwork. By playing in two opposing teams, and following the rules of the game (more on this later!). they learn to work together as a unit and play to each other's strengths. 

  
  

• Social skills: Joining a local sports club can help kids make new friends and develop social skills. Playing as part of a team teaches children valuable communication skills. They also learn to respect their opponents, follow the rules, and handle both wins and losses gracefully.

  
  

• Problem-solving: Basketball is a fast-paced game which involves quick decision-making. While it might look like a simple ball game, basketball undoubtedly requires an ability to analyse situations and make split-second decisions on the court.

  
  

• Commitment: Being successful in any sport requires a certain level of dedication, practice and perseverance. For team sports like basketball, that commitment extends to having an understanding of collective responsibility and the importance of teamwork.

  
  

• Resilience: It is well known that children who are resilient can recover from setbacks more quickly. The fast pace on the court means that players can go from the exhilarating success of scoring to the disappointment of losing in moments, giving kids a healthy way to build resilience.

What kids' basketball kit do I need? 

The first game of basketball was played using fruit baskets attached to the gymnasium wall (yes, really!) so it can be relatively simple to get started. There are some great games that kids can play at home to help develop their ball skills, which require nothing more than a ball and a bit of space. 

If your kids are keen to practice with a hoop, many parks have basketball courts that are open to the public - so you don't necessarily need to rush into buying one at home. Our top tip is to make sure the basketball is the right size for your child; smaller balls are easier for young children to handle. Beyond that, a good pair of trainers and some comfy clothes are all they will need. 

Is basketball a safe sport for children? 

With all activities for kids, safety should always come first. Make sure your child wears appropriate sports shoes and protective gear if necessary. Teach them how to warm up before playing to prevent injuries.

How can I find basketball clubs for kids near me? 

Here’s where we can really help! Pebble is home to a host of classes, allowing you to search by age, location and activity type, and book online with vetted providers in minutes. You can also book ad hoc nursery slots and childcare as and when you need it. 

Where can I buy a kids basketball hoop? 

The first thing to think about is the size of your kids, what size net you need and how long you want it to last. It's also worth considering the installation type (wall or pole), and whether to get one that is height adjustable, which may cost more, but will last longer as the kids grow. 

Little Tykes do a mini/toddler basketball hoop for younger children, while Decathalon and Sports Direct both do pole and wall-mounted options to meet a range of budgets. 

Is basketball an accessible sport for kids? 

One of the great things about basketball is that the game can be adapted to meet different levels of physical ability and  Wheelchair basketball is a fast, fun and competitive game that offers excellent social advantages and fitness benefits for children with disabilities. The sport can also be adapted for non-wheelchair users with disabilities, making it fully accessible to all. Ask your local kids' sports club provider for more information. 

A short history of basketball 

Basketball was first invented by Dr. James Naismith in 1891 in Massachusetts, USA. The Canadian PE instructor was tasked with coming up with a way to keep athletes fit during the winter months. What started out as a makeshift game (throwing a football into fruit baskets which were pinned to the walls at each end of the gymnasium!) has since grown into a multi-billion dollar sports industry. 

Basketball was first introduced to the UK in the 1930s. The popularity of the sport grew after World War II, when soldiers who had spent time in the USA started to introduce the game to family and friends. The British Basketball League, known as the BBL, was formed in 1987, with the Women’s Basketball League established only a decade ago, in 2014.  

Basic basketball rules for beginners 

Whether your child is new to the game, or you just want an understanding of the rules so that you know when to cheer from the sidelines, here is a quick and simple guide to the basics of basketball. 

• The basics: Basketball is played with two teams, each trying to score points by shooting the ball into the opponent's hoop (known as a goal or a basket). Players can score using a variety of moves, including jump shots, layups, slam dunks, and tip-ins. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins. 

  
  

• How to keep score: Goals can be worth two or three points. A goal shot from inside the arc are worth two points. Field goals shot from outside the arc are worth three points.

  
  

• Dribble don’t run: A rule that many of us may recall from our netball playing days in school PE, players can only advance the ball by passing or dribbling. If the player with possession of the ball stops, and then continues dribbling before passing or shooting, or if they run (or travel) with the ball, the referee will give the opposing team the ball.

  
  

• Backcourt violations: After crossing the half-way point, the offensive team may not return to the backcourt. The offensive team is legally entitled to recover the ball if the defensive team knocks it into the backcourt.

  
  

• More rules: As with any sport, the rules can get complex - and we promised we would keep it to the basics. If you’re keen to know more, check out this article on the Rules of Sport website. 

  
  

Ready to find a basketball class for your kids? 

Simply head over to the Pebble website, where you’ll find a vetted list of providers of kids classes in your area.