Besides the obvious health benefits of having a home basketball court, having a place to spend quality time with the family has many social benefits. A backyard court provides a venue for children, families and communities to gather together and form close bonds. These bonds increase the likelihood of successful social interaction and healthy human development.
Child Development
Science is consistently demonstrating the benefits of play in a child’s social development. Research from the University of Delaware shows that children who play together developed higher levels of confidence, empathy and leadership skills. When your child invites friends over to play on the home basketball court, they learn vital cooperation and conflict resolution skills.
The United States Anti-Doping Agency reports that children who play sports — whether on a team or for recreation — also have fewer behavioral problems and greater academic success. All in all, children who have time to play grow into socially successful adults.
Family Relations
The family that plays together, stays together. The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University reports teens that regularly eat dinner with their families are less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol. Further research also correlates the amount of leisure time spent together as a family with the strength of emotional bonds between family members.
Families that spend time together are closer. Gathering in the backyard for a pick-up game of basketball is a great way to strengthen family relationships.
Community Bonds
The Chicago Tribune reports that relationships between neighbors have rapidly declined since the 1950s. In fact, Forbes magazine states that half of Americans don’t know their neighbors’ names. When communities lack social ties, crime increases, and the ability to come together around common interests also decreases. The Huffington Post also reports that social connections between neighbors are associated with good mental health — so it’s time to meet your neighbors.
A home basketball court is the perfect spot for a community gathering. Invite your neighbors over for basketball and a barbeque or start a weekly game night in the backyard. You’ll begin to form new friendships and make your community a better place to live.