Basketball is a physical sport and it could be tough if you didn’t start playing while in your young years and you plan to play professional basketball leagues. However, what is the real right time to start playing and practicing basketball?
Some gurus say that it is required to start playing basketball at eight years old if they planned to play in the big basketball leagues when they turn 18 or 20. However, I don’t believe in these gurus. I believe that it is ok for aspiring basketball players to start to commit during their teenage years.
So, can you start playing basketball at 13? Yes! I was 13 years old the first time I began to learn basketball. Basketball players need to start playing at 13 if they want to play in big basketball leagues soon. 13 is not too late yet because you still have five years to prepare and be eligible to play in big basketball leagues.
Let’s check the other reasons why starting playing basketball at age 13 is good, and why I suggest players that aspire to play in big basketball leagues to play at the age of 13. Also, I will give tips for players age 13 that are just starting out playing basketball. Let’s go!
Can You Start Playing Basketball At 13?
When I was 13, I started playing and learning the fundamentals of basketball. However, I started to know what basketball is when I was nine years old, but at that time, I was playing soccer. When I reached the age of 13, that is where I started to realize that I love this game. How?
Because of the NBA. Kobe was the first NBA player who proposed to me that I should play basketball instead of soccer (I don’t have any hate about soccer). Kobe’s basketball skills are so amusing that made me more interested in playing basketball.
When my 13th birthday came, which was the peak of falling in love with basketball, I asked my parents that I wanted a ball as my birthday present. They granted my wish, and after receiving the ball, I started playing on the court of our subdivision.
I practiced a lot, imitated Kobe’s skill, and put all of my efforts into improving my shooting form. Practiced every day after school. I even cut classes (I don’t promote cutting classes) to play the game I’ve loved. I am really in love with this game!
Age 13 is the best age to start playing and learning basketball. Why? Because you are much stronger, much matured to be consistent practicing, and it is the age where you start growing.
If some people say to you that it is late to start playing basketball at age 13, never listen to them. They are just people who are trying to drag you down and keep you away from achieving your dream.
If you are 13 years old and you are thinking if it’s too late to start playing basketball, then stop thinking and start doing. You will waste your time overthinking if it’s too late. Put in every work, be consistent, and be committed to playing and learning basketball.
Is It Too Late To Start Playing Basketball At 13?
Like I have said above, anyone can start learning the fundamentals of basketball at age 13, and they still have a chance to play in big basketball leagues even though they start at the age of 13. Some people will tell you that it is late to start playing basketball at 13 because they want to drag you down.
So, is it too late to start playing basketball at 13? No! It is not too late to start playing basketball at age 13. You still have five to six years to prepare yourself for the big basketball league. You have much time to practice but make sure that you will put all your effort and be consistent in playing basketball.
Age 13 is a good age to start playing basketball. You are more matured to be consistent in your practice at that age, you start growing at that age, and your bones start to be tougher. All you have to do is listen to experienced basketball players about their experiences because you will learn a lot from their experiences.
Related Article: Can You Start Playing Basketball At 20?
Can You Start Playing Basketball At 15?
Aside from age 13, some people ask if they can start playing basketball at another age. Some people ask if they can start playing basketball at 20, and some players ask if they can start playing basketball at 15.
Can you start playing basketball at 15? Yes! You can still start playing basketball at age of 15 and still try to play in big basketball leagues when you reach 18 or 20. You still have three to five years to prepare yourself and practice basketball before entering the big basketball league.
Age 13 to 15 is a better age to start playing and learning the fundamentals of basketball. At that time, you are still young and have more chances to play in the big basketball leagues. So if you are a 13 or 15 years old basketball player that aspires to play in the big league, then start working your butts to work and be consistent.
What Age Is Too Late To Start Playing Basketball?
This question is asked by many people around the web, and there are no exact answers yet. However, I am here to tell you what the answer is, and what I am going to tell you is the truth only. I want you to know what is age too late to start playing basketball.
At what age is it too late to start playing basketball? It is never too late to start playing basketball! You can start at any age, but you should know what your goal is. If you aim to play in bigger basketball leagues, you have to start young. But if you just want to have fun playing, then you can start at any age.
Never forget your goals why you want to start playing. It is near impossible for a player that started learning and playing basketball at age 30 will be able to make it to the big league. If people want to have fun, then they could start playing basketball at any age.
For younger basketball players, I suggest you start now. There is no right time or best time to start playing basketball. The best time to start playing basketball is NOW! Remember to listen to experienced basketball players because you will know a lot from their experiences.
Youngsters, please keep reading because I will give you some basketball tips. I will tell you what you should do now to become the best basketball player soon! I hope it may help you!
Tips For Young Basketball Players
Below are the tips that I wanted to share with the young basketball players out there. Please hear me out because these tips are essential, especially for you!
Focus On Shooting Than Dribbling
Some people said that dribbling is much more essential than shooting because having an adept dribbling skill is cool. Yes, it is cool, with those crossovers and ankle breakers you’ve watched on the television. However, I don’t believe that young players should focus more on dribbling than shooting.
The first tip I got for you young basketball players is to focus more on your shooting. It does not mean to forget about dribbling because dribbling is still essential. After all, it is the best way to move the ball on the basketball court.
What I am trying to say is you should put effort into practicing your dribbling skills but double the effort on your shooting skills. Basic dribbling is already good, as long as you don’t slap the ball when dribbling.
Focus more on your shooting skills like three-pointers, layups, and jump shots. Dribbling the ball have no score in basketball, so you focus more on your shooting skills.
Listen To Experienced Players
Young people right now are privileged, and they think that they have more knowledge than older folks. Young players, I am telling you that you should listen to experienced basketball players because you will get many ideas from them.
Never put your ego first because you won’t learn anything if you put your ego first. Set aside your ego and be vulnerable to ask questions to experienced basketball players. You will learn a lot from them.
Be Consistent
Be consistent! Yes, you have to be consistent in your daily routine. Never stop practicing your basketball skills if you haven’t seen any progress yet. Just continue to work hard, and you won’t notice that you are improving. Keep grinding young basketball players!
Have A Schedule
Having a proper schedule is essential. You have to schedule when will you practice your basketball shooting skills, dribbling skills, and your vertical leap. Set a date for every basketball exercise and never do all of these exercises at once.
Have a specific date for each basketball exercise and stick to it. Stick to your schedule and be consistent.
Have A Healthy Diet
If you are a young basketball player, I suggest you have a healthy diet while you are still young. If you practiced a healthy diet while you are still young, you will bring the practices until you grow up.
Limit the junk foods you intake inside your body and eat more vegetables and fruits. Meat and chicken are good because it is a source of protein. However, limit fried chicken and other fried foods that you intake inside your body.
Drink lots of water as well. Make sure that you drink at least eight glasses of water every day. This will help you to release every toxin inside your body.
Read Basketball Books
Basketball is not just about physical, but it is also mental. Read basketball books that will help you to be intelligent in basketball. Learn different types of plays, learn the rules and regulations of basketball, and learn from various basketball authors.
Below are the basketball books I love to read:
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Never Get Discouraged
The final tip I will give you young basketball players is to never get discouraged. People will let you down, even your parents and your friends. But if you have the vision and you are confident enough that you will be a professional basketball player soon, then continue every hard work that you do.
I have been discouraged many times in my life. I have been discouraged while I was playing basketball, when I started my business, when I started this website, and many more times! But did I give up? No! Listen to people that you know are worth listening to.
Final Words
I have been there before like you, and I have been a young basketball player, and many people tried to pull me down, but guess what? I am still here playing the game I have loved since I was 13, and I am writing about the sports that I have loved.
If you are still 13 years old and you want to start playing basketball, then do it! It is not yet too late to start playing and learning basketball at 13. You have five years to prepare yourself and practice your basketball skills for the professional basketball league.
Do you think 13 years old is old enough to start playing basketball? Comment your answers below!
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