Basketball is a very popular sport and play time activity for elementary age children. This is the age when kids really start to develop their skills and understand teamwork and competition. It is a great time to teach kids how to handle winning and losing. Part of teaching elementary children basketball skills is making sure they have a basketball hoop or goal to use that is appropriate for their age and height.
Many gyms have basketball hoops are set at 10 feet. This is the same height used in high school and the NBA. Elementary kids need a lower hoop that gives them the opportunity to learn the skills necessary to play. They need to be able to accomplish simple things such as making a basket, and a lower hoop will give them the opportunity to do just that.
Basketball hoops that are appropriate for elementary aged children should be between 6 and 8 feet in height. This gives them a challenge yet it is a realistic goal. The backboard size should be smaller as well. This will help children learn the skills of rebounding and shooting on a well proportioned hoop. A good size backboard for this age is 18” x 12” for lower elementary (ages 5-8) and 24” x 16” for upper elementary (ages 9-12).
For elementary aged children, the rim size does not change but the ball size should. Playing with a high school or adult sized ball will only frustrate little hands. The goal is to give kids the confidence they need to continue practicing and learning the skills of basketball. Lower elementary should play with a 4 ¼” ball while upper elementary kids can use a 5 3/8” ball. These sizes are appropriate for their hands and will help them learn to shoot and dribble.
At this age, children should transition from a heavy duty plastic type of toddler basketball hoop to a more traditional type. A front yard driveway hoop is one option. These systems can still be movable and come in height adjustable versions. Another option is a wall mounted hoop. As they learn skills and watch others play, they will want to be practicing on a hoop that looks like the one “big” kids play with.
Elementary age kids love to identify with their favorite professional teams. There are many basketball hoops available that come with backboards that feature the logos of professional teams. These types of basketball hoops can inspire your children even more as they aspire to shoot like their favorite player. They will love inviting friends over to play on their pro basketball hoop.
Another way to increase the practice time for elementary kids is to get them a basketball goal that will fit over the door in their room. Theses small goals are inexpensive and fun. They can give your child more time to practice shots and get them excited about basketball.
Giving your elementary age child the opportunity to practice their basketball skills can be fun and exciting for them. It can be exciting for the whole family as well. This is a great age to get together and start some family or neighborhood games for a great time of basketball.
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