Even though James Naismith’s design aimed for a game that was as peaceful as possible, with as little fighting as possible, there is a risk of injury in basketball, as in all ball sports. Due to the high jumps to the basket, it can quickly happen that a player twists his foot when coming up and injures his ankle or ligaments. Knee and finger joints are also at risk. Bruises, strains, sprains or blunt injuries can occur. In general, the many jumps and fast sprints put particular stress on joints and the spine. Therefore, it is enormously important not to forget the warm-up before the game or training to make muscles supple and mobile.
Proper shoes are important
The right shoes can also protect against injury. Commercial sneakers are not enough for playing basketball because they are cut relatively low and leave the ankles exposed. Professional basketball shoes usually reach above the ankles, providing support for ligaments and joints. Professionals often wear additional bandages or splints underneath the lace-up boots to minimize the risk of injury. Basketball equipment also includes jerseys, which are usually sleeveless for freedom of movement. In addition, there are shorts made of synthetic materials or cotton, which are usually wide cut and reach above the knees.
The style of the street
In probably no other ball sport is the styling as important as in basketball. Wide pants, sleeveless shirts, sweatbands and branded sneakers are typical hallmarks for basketball players. The casual chic of wide yet form-fitting clothing, bright colors and a strong brand loyalty probably first caught on in the USA. There, streetball developed in the backyards of New York and Chicago, a variation of conventional basketball in which the game is played only on a basket. Young people from a wide variety of backgrounds, most of whom came from poor backgrounds, found a way to make their mark here. The style of the street, rap music and the “American Dream” of one day making it from the ghetto backyard to a highly paid professional have since played a serious role in basketball.
This also includes an understanding of values that envisions tolerance, integration and equality, and rejects drugs and violence. In streetball, conflicts are not solved by force of arms, but by playful competitions and ball tricks. The sport of basketball therefore not only contributes to the players’ self-confidence, but also promotes team spirit and tolerance. In addition, there are positive effects on the body: the many sprints improve endurance and agility, and the throwing technique challenges arm, shoulder, leg and butt muscles. An hour of playing easily burns 500 calories – as many as are contained in a bar of chocolate.
