United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Does anyone have a BPI child that plays basketball. My son is 10 and not very athletic (does well in baseball), but is thinking about playing basketball. I fell like I should let him, but he is so sensitive and I know the other boys his age are much more advanced. What to do?

Let him play! I dont play but I have a friend at home who has a tbpi and loves basketball! She lives for it. We all have our thing. I say let him try it out, if he likes it he will find what works for him and he will do great. If its not for him, he will know and sometimes it is disappointing but we need to be free to try different things so we can find what we excell at.

I say good luck to your son! Shoot some hoops!
Amy 19 ROBPI from MN

Ellie,
I agree, LET HIM PLAY!!
HUGS,
Carolyn J
Adult LOBPI, age 68, WA (State)


Message was edited by: Carolyn J

Ellie,
There is a boy in my town who is bpi and about age 13. He plays basketball and is very good at it. When my nephew was playing I spotted him out of the crowd and met his father. We talked about the injury and he said he practices his basketball skills a lot more than the other kids but he can really keep up. If he has the ambition I say go for it. He may find it challenging at first but once he makes the correct adjustments he may find it very enjoyable. Best of luck to him.

Ellie:

Rachel and the other posters are correct. I played a lot of basketball starting at around 8 years primarily because it was a sport that my friends played. I wanted to participate with them and they with me. My parents never told me that I couldn't basketball or any other sport because of my arm. Adjustments are necessary and your son will learn them. My opponents quickly figured out that I couldn't dribble to my right without exposing the ball. So, I would post up low and look for a pass. I developed a turn around shot to either my left or right that kept my opponent guessing. I also passed off a lot to an open teammate.

I believe BPI kids need to be encouraged to try. They can decide what is right for themselves.

John P. (ROBPI for 67 years)

I also played basketball and truly enjoyed it.
At the time I played they had girls and boys rules so I was a guard.
I really enjoyed being on the team and we were once CYO Champions.
It was a great time for me and I knew I could not be a forward.
But there were other girls who had two good arms who could not play forward either.

Kath (robpi/adult)

My daughter has played since kindergarten and it's her favorite sport! He'll decide whether he feels comfortable playing, my guess is he'll love it!

Good luck and enjoy sitting in the stands and watching your boy in action!

keri

I have a 9 year old son who has rbpi. He plays basketball, baseball, flag football and wrestling. He has had to find his own way of doing things.