For decades, we as a society have admired watching and playing sports. One of the most popular sports in the United States is basketball. The NBA, arguably the biggest basketball league in the country (and possibly the world), had around 11 million television viewers in its 2021 finals games. This is a statement of how Americans love and adore the game of basketball.
This adoration for basketball sometimes manifests in behavior, as fans worldwide try to play the game. Some choose to play in their local schools, while others choose to play in public parks and participate in pickup games.
But those who are truly passionate about the sport can play it in their own homes. They achieve this by having basketball courts of all shapes and sizes built within their property, typically their backyards and driveways.
And while this can bring joy and fun into the lives of the inhabitants, is a home basketball court worth the trouble? Or is it something that is not worthwhile? Let’s find out.
What Does a Home Basketball Court Entail?
Having a basketball court at home entails several things, both good and bad.
Convenient Playing Space for Leisure
Of course, these courts were made to be used and to be played on. With that, it allows the owners to regularly play the sport that they love.
Let’s not forget that basketball is a physically engaging sport. With a basketball court in the backyard, sports lovers might be prompted to be more physically active. A basketball court at home might help them keep their physical health in good shape.
Apart from that, having a backyard basketball court also means no more waiting in line for pickup games at the local park. This means one can enjoy playing with privacy and convenience.
Stress Relief
Life can be stressful at times. When managed poorly, this pent-up stress can lead to mental health issues and physical chronic illnesses. For this reason, every single one of us should learn how to relieve ourselves of stress.
While there are many ways to subdue stress, one of the best ways to achieve it is by playing sports. This means that as people who choose to have a court in their backyards play basketball, they relieve their stress.
This is because sports lets people feel positive emotions which, in turn, contributes to stress management. A basketball court at home can ultimately help them improve their quality of life.
Bonding With Friends and Family
To nurture relationships with friends and loved ones, one should always find a way to spend time with them. And what better way to do that than by playing basketball at home.
Not only does a basketball court help with physical and mental health, but it also helps with the social lives of those who choose to have it.
While having a basketball court can be beneficial, it does bring several downsides.
Possible Damages
That ball can bounce in every direction, including towards the house. Even those who play the game can lose control of their footing from time to time. This can result in damaged house sidings and even windows. Of course, when this happens, homeowners can always schedule to repair these windows and other damaged parts.
Noise
Playing basketball games in the backyard can also result in added noise. This noise might come from the ball bouncing off surfaces or from the players, who cannot help but cheer for themselves as they try to emulate their favorite players.
This can be slightly annoying to those who live nearby or other people who live in the house. With that, homeowners should consult everyone in the household about building a court before executing it.
Space Consumption
Of course, a basketball court takes up significant space in the backyard. This means that it might leave less space for other activities that homeowners might want to do in the yard. With this, homeowners should use their space in their backyard wisely.
Injuries
Another thing to remember is the possibility of injury. As basketball courts prompt homeowners to play more, they are at higher risk of getting injured from playing too much or being careful when playing.
This is why a proper warm-up routine before a game and mindfulness while playing should always be practiced.
Is a Court Worth the Trouble?
The answer to this question ultimately depends on the priorities of the homeowner. Passion for basketball can also be a factor that leads to the conclusion. If their living conditions allow them to have a court in their yard, then yes, a basketball court is a must-have amenity.
At the end of the day, it is all about the love for the sport. And the best way to love a sport is to play it.