Why basketball is a GREAT pastime

Dribbling down the court, crossing up people left and right. Swooping towards the rim floating in the air until the last possibly second and then finally slamming it down through the orange rim as the buzzer sounds. The crowd goes wild and storms the court, hoisting you on their shoulders and screaming we're number one. The natural high of winning the game stays with you into the night as you hang with your friends and celebrate. This sole image plays throughout my head almost every night when I am dreaming in my sleep. I picture myself making the game winning shot and winning the big game for our team. That is one of the reasons why I play basketball but there are also many other good reasons like, you are able to stay in shape, you meet a variety of people throughout your playing days, you achieve a sense of competitiveness and you also learn many life values.
When I ask girls what type of guys they find physically attractive they always say, "a six pack and also big arms and a nice chest." Well if you play basketball these physical characteristics can be achieved. During a basketball practice one has to run constantly shedding those unwanted pounds and also you become toned. Lifting is also an aspect of basketball that is necessary. We lift almost every week and work those pectoral muscles so the ladies can notice them. Well if you aren't interested in getting that picture perfect body you can also feel healthy and in shape for yourself. The running makes you feel good about yourself because you are keeping fit and not being a couch potato.
Some of my best friends today I met through basketball. We met up during the outside basketball leagues and just kept playing together all our life. Basketball is a great way of meeting new people and keeping your old friendships. It is a great way of meeting people because it is something most people have in common with each other. I no that not everyone might play basketball, but they still come out to the games and support the school team. When Punahou plays Iolani every year the gym becomes packed and everyone cheers together as one. When you go to a game you can meet new people and create friendships.
Playing basketball is a way to develop many key values that are needed in life. You learn responsibility, respect and also you gain self-confidence. In basketball you learn the value of responsibility because when you play you are responsible for many different things. You have to stop your man of defense, make your lay-ups, don't turn the ball over and be a good teammate. If you aren't able to be responsible for these different things then the team wont be as strong. Basketball and respect go hand in hand. You learn about this value because you need to respect your teammates, coaches, referees and opponents. If you aren't respectful to your teammates they will not like you and you wont be doing your job as being a good teammate. You always need to listen and respect your coach or you won't be seeing to much playing time headed your way. In a game you always need to respect the referee's calls and judgments. If you don’t then you might be on your way to getting a technical foul which results in lose of ball and two free throws for the other team and if you get one of those your coach and teammates won't be very happy with you. Last but certainly not least is the value of self-confidence. This is a key value in living your life to the fullest. This value is gained in basketball whenever you make a big shot or get cheered for. Without self-confidence then you will never be able to live your life because you will never believe you can do anything difficult and always chicken out.
As you can see basketball is definitely a great pastime that I think everyone should try. You achieve so many different things like, the ability to stay in shape, a competitive drive, you meet new people and broaden yourself and last you learn great values that are needed in everyday life.