Is Hockey or Basketball Better for Teen Boys?

With obesity rates on the rise in teen boys across all races and ethnic groups, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, boys benefit from participation in any sport. Teens who played on three or more sports teams in the past year were 27 percent less likely to be overweight than sedentary boys, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Considering that any sport increases well-being, the choice between hockey or basketball becomes a personal one that should factor in safety, family schedule and budget.

  1. Safety

    • Of the 30 million high school students who participate in organized sports, 775,000 get injured each year, with the highest rate of injuries in contact sports, according to the University of Rochester Medical Center. Ice hockey is considered a contact sport and demonstrated the highest incidence of concussion in a review conducted by "The Journal of Athletic Training." However, field hockey and basketball also make the contact sport list, but the risk for a particular sport depends on factors including level of competition and position played, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

    Equipment

    • A decision between the two sports should take into consideration the scope of equipment purchase that will be required. Ask what equipment the school, or league, will provide and what equipment the family will need to purchase. For hockey: skates, helmet, face mask, mouth guard, shin and elbow pads, and play gear are just the basics. Keep in mind that the goalie requires special protective equipment. Basketball requires less equipment than hockey. Sneakers, mouth guard, athletic cups, and wrist or knee guards comprise most of the needs.

    Practice and Game Schedule

    • When choosing between two sports, families will want to take into consideration the practice and game schedule. Consider where the games will be. A game schedule that includes long drives to meet opposing teams on their home turf might stretch family resources. Long or frequent practice schedules interfere with other activities or homework. See whether the coach can give you a team schedule and go over it with your teen.

    Considerations

    • Participation in either hockey or basketball will help teen boys build skills that carry over to adulthood. Team sports require cooperative work among members, teaching teamwork and encouraging friendships. Energetic teen boys benefit from the physical activity required for a sport, thus reducing stress levels.

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