It won’t be long until a crowd of kid quarterbacks break their huddles and launch a new youth football season, visions of touchdowns and glory — and perhaps postgame pizza — dancing in their heads. But making it into the end zone isn’t the end goal of youth football. While concerns about concussions and other injuries mount in the wake ofsome high-profile cases involving National Football League players, it’s important to note that there are many important benefits that come with participating at the youth level.

Sports are supposed to be among the purest and most enjoyable activities of a child’s life. However, it’s increasingly become a pressure-packed world where overbearing parents and the allure of scholarships and stardom take precedence over fun. Research has shown that playing multiple sports can help children or teens to not only enjoy themselves more, but that multiple sports can also help to prevent injuries and keep those children playing sports for longer.

Think you know hoops? If so, then you know the first basketball “hoops” in 1891 were nothing more than peach baskets complete with wire backboards. Did you know, though, that the first basketball used was a soccer ball? Did you know that the bottoms of those peach baskets weren’t cut out until years later, meaning that the official had to climb a ladder and remove it after every made basket? Yes, while basketball is one of the world’s most popular sports, many don’t realize some of the fascinating history behind the game.

Want to get better at basketball? Basketball is a game that takes a lot of skills, and thereby a lot of work. It's a lot more than just picking up a basketball and shooting hoops in your driveway. Sure, your shot is important, but so is your footwork, dribbling, defense, passing and knowledge of the game. If you're serious about improving your game on the court, be prepared to invest the time in the gym. Here's a look at some ways at how to get better at basketball:

Whether you’re a young, novice player or an experienced athlete, serving, passing, setting, spiking, blocking and digging are the six techniques that all male and female volleyball players must strive to perfect. Yet how you practice these vital techniques will have a lot to do with your athletic experience. For instance, advanced players will perform different volleyball drills than novice ones.

With that being said, here’s a look at some volleyball drills for every skill level:

When you are weighing the cost and time commitment of putting your child in a youth sports program, it's vital that you understand the benefits of participating in sports before making a decision. From helping kids learn about teamwork to giving them the ability to push through problems and adversity, youth sports is a great gift to give your child. Here are some reasons why kids should participate in youth sports.

With so much emphasis on the importance of children playing team sports recreationally as they grow and develop, some are left to wonder if the benefit continues into adulthood. If children are happier, healthier and more socially adjusted if they are in sports, could the same be said about their adult counterparts? The truth is, recreational sports holds just as much benefit for adults as they do for kids. If you are considering joining a team, here are three reasons why it's a good choice.

Organized sports are a great way to teach children to love being active, but finding the right sport is hard for many parents. While some kids seem to excel at a particular sport early in life, others find that poor coordination and physical demands make athletics more challenging. As you encourage your child to get active and love sports, here are some tips for choosing the best sport.

You see her on the sidelines. That mom. The one who takes this game just a little too seriously. As your child strikes out at a crucial moment, she launches into a barrage of insults that simply have no place on the field. Suddenly, sports are no longer fun for your child.

As a coach, your team’s goals aren’t always the same. Your priority may be winning if you’re in charge of an NCAA Division I basketball team, while your main concern may be recruiting enough athletes to even field a team if you’re at a small high school. Regardless, there are some strategies that can help your team achieve its goals this season. The following tips can help you coach your team to being as strong as possible.

Be a class act.