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Autumn pickup games are coming to an end on outdoor neighborhood courts—everyone’s moving inside for basketball season. Whether an active player, bench-warming NBA fan, or both, you can always be a part of the game at the Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience®.
Beginning in Spring 2018, your family will have the chance to learn basketball history and play in the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever Basketball Experience.
The Basketball Experience will feature hoop activities on one of the nine outdoor mini-courts. There will be a shot-clock and hoops of all sizes for visitors tall and small! Those who need a break from the game can check out the basketball sports legends on the Old National Bank Avenue of Champions. If you want to jump into even more basketball history, you’ll find it in The Sports Legends Pavilion and Plaza presented by the Efroymson Family Fund, home to indoor exhibits, including the History of Hoops!
Basketball isn’t just fun—it’s healthy for everyone! Dr. Rebecca Dixon, pediatric hospitalist for Riley Children’s Health, states how playing the sport creates a perfect combination:
“Basketball is a great cardio workout. It uses high intensity intervals of fast running followed by blocking or shooting. In addition, players build lower body muscle through jumping and core and upper body muscle through twisting and shooting. Basketball incorporates both cardio and strength training—a great combination.”
Basketball is an excellent sport to practice with the entire family. Dr. Dixon suggests these best practices for any team-play:
- Put plenty of time and effort into the warm-up.
- Maintain good hydration—take frequent water breaks to keep up with water loss.
- Practice post-workout stretching to keep muscles limber and your body agile.
The Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever Basketball Experience will be up and running at the sports experience before the clock runs out in Spring 2018. Until then, keep up with all of our game-winning shots on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
