In this latest episode of Softy and Dick Interviews at 950 KJR in Seattle, Coach Donald Watts joins Dick Fain to talk about the Huskies’ recent game. Coach Watts weighed on the Huskies entering into the Pac-12 tournament and the odds of Pac-12 teams in the NCAA Tournament this 2021. Then another important topic is the latest situation of youth basketball amid Covid-19 and its effect on young athletes. Listen to the whole podcast here:
Gauging the Impact of the Pandemic on our Youth
The pandemic brought a lot of impediments to the sports world. With a lot of games canceled and the closure of training facilities, it had a negative impact on our young athletes as a result. These events had an unfavorable impact on their physical and mental health. Moreover, the pandemic forced the youth to isolate indoors resulting in them suffering anxiety, depression, stress, and isolation. For this reason, young athletes need to apply the essence of the life lessons from sports that despite some setbacks, they need to adapt and maintain a positive mindset.
Importance of Youth Basketball Amid Covid
Youth who participate in some sport, like basketball, gain a lot of benefits from playing it. First, physical activities have a positive impact on their health wherein they become fit and stronger. Second, we can attribute psychosocial benefits to sports. Among the evident benefits young athletes gain are the following:
- Children who engage in sports have greater levels of confidence and self-esteem.,
- In addition, they have improved social skills compared to those who don’t.
- Children learn selflessness and teamwork.
- They gain life skills like goal setting and time management.
- Young athletes develop a strong mindset that includes resilience and grit in spite of challenges.
Thus, it is critical to introduce our youth to a healthy sports environment. By playing sports, children will have a much needed “break” from isolation and distance learning.
Positive Outlook on Youth Basketball this 2021
The start of 2021 gives us a glimmer of hope for Youth Basketball amid covid-19. We are now witnessing significant progress in vaccination roll-out and lower number of cases. With this growing positive news, ease of restrictions for sports activities are already in place. Safety will remain the top priority of any sports activity which are done with strict protocols every participant must follow.
Like any other youth sports, basketball will remain an essential precursor in developing physically healthy youth and youth with a great mindset in life. Through sports, young athletes acquire good character development that gives them drive, resilience, and persistence. These values will get them through the challenges they may face. To alter the effects of the Covid19 on their mental and physical health, it is to get your kid involved in sport now.
Here at Watts, we offer basketball programs for all ages and levels. For those high schoolers looking into the 2021 basketball recruiting season, don’t hesitate to train with us. If you are serious in getting to the next level, let’s work together towards your goal.