From the asphalt courts of Harlem to the high school gyms of Indiana, basketball is a way of life for millions of American kids and teens. It may be fun to play and great exercise, but basketball is also a contact sport, and injuries occur frequently. Also, since basketball players play year-round, indoors and out, many get repetitive stress injuries like tendonitis:

Why Basketball Safety Is Important

Fortunately, very few basketball legends injuries are life threatening. Some (like broken bones, concussions, and ligament tears) can be quite serious, though. And while playing through the pain can lead to serious muscle and joint problems over time.

Sprained ankles are the most common basketball injuries, but jammed or broken fingers, bruises, bloody or broken noses, and poked eyes are all too common as well. When playing outdoors, abrasions (particularly to the palms and fingers) are always a risk.

Indoor ball presents its own hazards in the form of walls and bleachers, and players are bound to collide going after loose balls and rebounds wherever they play.