Can Basketball Make You Taller?

Can basketball make you taller?

Over the last few years, results have been up in the air. We all know that height is mainly determined by genetics. But scientists do believe that there is an interaction between this sport and a person’s height.

Do you want to find out the truth? Follow us now!

Does playing basketball increase your height?

Until now, no scientific evidence claims that basketball, or any form of exercise, plays a vital role in optimizing your maximum height. But that does not mean you should not engage in this sport because there are many benefits for people of any age.

For kids

Playing basketball might help kids get taller. This statement is a bit confusing, but this sport does help, in the case of kids.

The bones in children’s feet and ankles will grow when they play basketball. This not only makes their calves bigger but also speeds up bone growth at a quicker rate than usual. Playing this sport also supports their vertical leap and balance, two necessary factors for jumping. But remember that this is only effective for younger players, not those after age 25.

For adults

This situation is different.

Adults are already at full height and will not grow anymore when their growth plates are fused. So, if they play basketball for too long, this might restrict their cartilage and even lose their current height.

So, should you play it?

Absolutely, yes because this sport is an excellent way to keep yourself healthy and active while also improving necessary movements like balancing, leaping, and more. In case you are an adult, we highly suggest playing for short periods to avoid losing the height you already have.

What is a good age to start playing basketball?

The truth is that kids around five to six years of age can join basketball programs. This is the best age for them to build the basic skills of basketball and build up their enthusiasm. From the age of seven to nine, they can learn the rule-based game, and when they turn ten, they will be ready to start playing with opposing teams.

What actions make you grow taller while playing basketball?

Running

Running is a major part of this sport, whether you run with the ball or without it. This high-intensity motion is one of the main stimulants of HGH, which is necessary for increasing height.

Jumping

Like running, jumping is important while you play basketball. Jumping helps lengthen your body when you go in for a layup or reach for a rebound. And when you come back to the ground, gravity compresses your body to cause extra blood flow to your growth plates. This extra blood flow might direct some growth hormones to your growth plates, increasing your vertical body.

Shooting and dribbling

The action of shooting, where you jump and extend your arm to its full length, helps stretch your arms and spine, promoting growth in height. Meanwhile, dribbling stimulates HGH production since you use both hands instead of only your dominant hand.

Dunking

Dunking is jumping up to the basket, controlling the ball, and then planting it inside to score points. This action not only improves your stamina but also plays a vital role in helping you become taller.

Collecting rebounds

Rebounding is an integral part of a basketball game. So, when you collect rebounds, it requires you to jump high, which is an excellent exercise for the overall development of your body, including your height.

What should you do when playing basketball to increase your height?

Basketball alone does not make you grow taller for sure. There are some things you should follow to encourage growth and promote your overall health.

Have a well-planned training schedule

Professional players always stick to an intensive training plan to help them improve their skills and maintain their overall health. Meanwhile, most players regularly train to help promote muscle health and boost muscle mass, thereby improving their physical strength and performance.

Do lots of exercises

Exercise is a vital factor in stimulating growth since it helps release more HGH to improve the density of your bones. The more exercise you perform, the better you can get good results. Here are some movements that you should practice regularly to make you better at basketball.

• Front squat
• Lateral lunge
• Side plank leg raise
• Split squat jumps
• Glute bridge
• Pullups
• Single-leg hurdle hop
• Line hops
• Fingertip push-ups
• Squat hops to wall squat

Get proper nutrition

A healthy diet also plays a necessary factor in supporting growth. A well-balanced diet that is rich in protein, calcium, and vitamin D will help you meet your goals while playing basketball. While protein boosts muscle growth, vitamin D and calcium contribute to bone health. Also, a high carbohydrate diet is suggested for basketball players.

You can consult here to get a detailed list of what to eat. At once, try to avoid extra amounts of unhealthy foods, such as caffeine, alcohol, soda, smoking, etc.

Sleep well

Playing at a high level of physical exhaustion often results in a much better night’s sleep. Sleeping is, of course, crucial to help your body recover and grow. Besides, it assists you in performing better on the basketball court.

Kids aged 6 to 12 years should sleep between 9 and 12 hours every night, while teens aged 14 to 18 years need to sleep between 8 to 10 hours. Adults need to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep.

Add supplements

Dietary supplements can be used to make children grow taller or prevent shrinking in adults, but these cases are rare.

For instance, if you are suffering from any health condition that hinders your ability to produce HGH, your doctor might show you a supplement that helps stimulate HGH levels. But if you have already gone through puberty, avoid using any supplements that claim they can improve your height. Remember that there is nothing you can do to make yourself get taller when your growth plates are closed.

Wrapping up

Once again, playing basketball alone might not make you grow taller. But if you know how to practice this sport regularly and combine it with the ways mentioned above, you might enhance healthy growth and development.

What do you think? Let us know below!

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