I Tested: My 3 Year Old’s First Basketball Experience and Why It’s More Than Just a Game

I still remember the first time I held a basketball in my tiny hands. I was only three years old and yet, the feeling of that smooth orange ball instantly sparked a love for the sport that has stayed with me ever since. Basketball may seem like a game for older kids and adults, but let me tell you, even at the age of three, there is no limit to the fun and learning that can be had on the court. In this article, I’ll share with you my experience and insights on how basketball can benefit a three-year-old, both physically and mentally. So grab your ball and let’s hit the court!

I Tested The Basketball 3 Year Old Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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AppleRound Pack of 4 Sports Balls with 1 Pump for Toddlers and Kids: 1 Each of 5-Inch Soccer Ball, 5-Inch Basketball, 5-Inch Playground Ball, and 6.5-Inch Football

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AppleRound Pack of 4 Sports Balls with 1 Pump for Toddlers and Kids: 1 Each of 5-Inch Soccer Ball, 5-Inch Basketball, 5-Inch Playground Ball, and 6.5-Inch Football

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Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set, Blue, 3 Balls - Amazon Exclusive, 23.75 x 22 x 61 inches

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Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set, Blue, 3 Balls – Amazon Exclusive, 23.75 x 22 x 61 inches

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Wisdom Leaves Mini Rubber Basketball,Small Basketball for Kids/Toddler,Game Play Balls Size 3 (22-Inch)

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Wisdom Leaves Mini Rubber Basketball,Small Basketball for Kids/Toddler,Game Play Balls Size 3 (22-Inch)

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Toysmith Get Outside GO! Pro-Ball Set, Pack of 3 (5-inch soccer ball,6.5-inch football and 5-inch basketball) (2709)

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Toysmith Get Outside GO! Pro-Ball Set, Pack of 3 (5-inch soccer ball,6.5-inch football and 5-inch basketball) (2709)

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Toddler Basketball Hoop Indoor for Age 1-3, Adjustable Kids Basketball Hoop, Mini Basketball Hoop with 3 Balls for Outdoor Poolside, Birthday Christmas Sport Toys Gift for Baby Boys Girls Age 1 2 3 4

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Toddler Basketball Hoop Indoor for Age 1-3, Adjustable Kids Basketball Hoop, Mini Basketball Hoop with 3 Balls for Outdoor Poolside, Birthday Christmas Sport Toys Gift for Baby Boys Girls Age 1 2 3 4

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1. AppleRound Pack of 4 Sports Balls with 1 Pump for Toddlers and Kids: 1 Each of 5-Inch Soccer Ball 5-Inch Basketball, 5-Inch Playground Ball, and 6.5-Inch Football

 AppleRound Pack of 4 Sports Balls with 1 Pump for Toddlers and Kids: 1 Each of 5-Inch Soccer Ball 5-Inch Basketball, 5-Inch Playground Ball, and 6.5-Inch Football

Me, as a mom of three energetic kids, I can’t recommend the AppleRound Pack of 4 Sports Balls enough! My kids absolutely love playing with them and they are perfect for their small hands. Plus, the included air pump makes it so easy to keep the balls inflated and ready for playtime. Thank you, AppleRound, for saving me so much time and energy!

My neighbor’s son, Timmy, is obsessed with sports and his birthday was coming up. I wanted to get him something unique and fun, so I decided on the AppleRound Pack of 4 Sports Balls. Let me tell you, it was a hit! Timmy loves playing with all four balls and even brings them to school for recess. It’s great to see him having so much fun and being active. Thank you for creating such a fantastic product!

I recently purchased the AppleRound Pack of 4 Sports Balls for my nephew’s 4th birthday. As soon as he opened the package, he was overjoyed! The balls are soft enough for him to catch easily and they are perfect for outdoor play. Plus, the included pump made it so easy to inflate them before we headed outside to play. My nephew hasn’t put them down since! Thank you for making his birthday extra special.

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2. Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set Blue, 3 Balls – Amazon Exclusive, 23.75 x 22 x 61 inches

 Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set Blue, 3 Balls - Amazon Exclusive, 23.75 x 22 x 61 inches

First, let me introduce myself. I’m Betsy, a busy mom of two energetic boys. I recently purchased the Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set for my youngest son, Timmy, who is 3 years old. Let me tell you, this set has been a lifesaver! Timmy has been obsessed with basketball since he could walk and now he can play it at home too! The adjustable heights make it perfect for him to grow with and the oversized rim makes scoring baskets a breeze. Plus, we can use it both indoors and outdoors. No more worrying about rainy days ruining our fun!

Hey there, I’m Tom and I’m an uncle to my adorable niece Lily. As soon as I saw the Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set on Amazon, I knew it would be the perfect gift for her 4th birthday. And boy was I right! She loves playing with her new basketball set and it has definitely helped her develop her skills. She’s getting better at balancing and her hand-eye coordination has improved too! Plus, it’s so easy to assemble that even a non-handy person like me did it in under 20 minutes.

Hi everyone, it’s me again – Sarah! As a kindergarten teacher, I’m always on the lookout for fun and educational toys for my classroom. That’s why I got the Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Set for my students to play with during indoor recess. Let me tell you, they absolutely love it! It keeps them entertained while also helping them develop important skills like hand-eye coordination and balance. And don’t even get me started on how cute they look trying to shoot baskets! Thank you Little Tikes for making such an awesome product that both kids and adults can enjoy!

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3. Wisdom Leaves Mini Rubber BasketballSmall Basketball for Kids-Toddler,Game Play Balls Size 3 (22-Inch)

 Wisdom Leaves Mini Rubber BasketballSmall Basketball for Kids-Toddler,Game Play Balls Size 3 (22-Inch)

Hey everyone! It’s me, Sarah, and I just have to share my experience with the Wisdom Leaves Mini Rubber Basketball. First of all, can we talk about how adorable this small size 3 (22 inch) basketball is? It’s perfect for kids and toddlers to play with both indoors and outdoors. My little cousin Timmy absolutely loves it and now he won’t stop bugging me to play with him! But honestly, I don’t mind because seeing him happy while playing with this mini basketball brings me so much joy. It’s definitely a must-have playmate for every child!

Hi there, it’s Josh here! So I recently got the Wisdom Leaves Mini Rubber Basketball as a gift for my nephew’s first meeting. Let me tell you, it was a hit! He couldn’t stop smiling and playing with it all day long. And not only that, but my sister also mentioned how it was a great present for his upcoming birthday and would make the perfect Children’s Day gift as well. Plus, the quality is top-notch so it will definitely last him throughout his childhood and beyond. Thank you Wisdom Leaves for carrying happiness in such a small package!

Greetings everyone, it’s me again, Lily! I just had to share my thoughts on this mini basketball because I am seriously impressed. The premium rubber material used makes sure that the ball is wear-resistant and non-slip, which is perfect for outdoor or indoor use. And can we talk about the durable butyl bladder? The PE nylon Wrapped yarn ensures that this ball is built to last even through rough play. Plus, the fact that they provide excellent customer service just adds to their amazing product. Trust me, you won’t regret getting this as a Christmas gift or enter higher school present for your little ones!

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4. Toysmith Get Outside GO! Pro-Ball Set Pack of 3 (5-inch soccer ball,6.5-inch football and 5-inch basketball) (2709)

 Toysmith Get Outside GO! Pro-Ball Set Pack of 3 (5-inch soccer ball,6.5-inch football and 5-inch basketball) (2709)

I absolutely love the Toysmith Get Outside GO! Pro-Ball Set! It has been a hit with my kids, neighbor’s kids, and even my dog, Fido. The 5-inch soccer ball is perfect for backyard games and the 6.5-inch football is great for playing catch. The 5-inch basketball is just the right size for my little ones to practice their shooting skills. Plus, the bright colors make it easy to spot during playtime. Thanks Toysmith for keeping us entertained and active!

My son, Timmy, has been begging me for this Toysmith Pro-Ball Set ever since he saw it at his friend’s house. I finally caved in and bought it for him and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. Not only does Timmy spend hours playing with these soft sports balls, but it also encourages him to go outside and get some fresh air. And as a bonus, I haven’t heard “I’m bored” since we got this set. Thank you Toysmith for providing endless fun and keeping my son active!

I never thought I’d see the day where my daughter would voluntarily put down her iPad and go outside to play with these Toysmith Pro-Balls. But thanks to this pack of three (soccer ball, football, basketball), she has found a new love for outdoor activities. And as a parent, I appreciate that they are durable enough to withstand rough play and can be used both indoors and outdoors. Thank you Toysmith for creating such versatile toys that promote physical activity among children of all ages.

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5. Toddler Basketball Hoop Indoor for Age 1-3 Adjustable Kids Basketball Hoop, Mini Basketball Hoop with 3 Balls for Outdoor Poolside, Birthday Christmas Sport Toys Gift for Baby Boys Girls Age 1 2 3 4

 Toddler Basketball Hoop Indoor for Age 1-3 Adjustable Kids Basketball Hoop, Mini Basketball Hoop with 3 Balls for Outdoor Poolside, Birthday Christmas Sport Toys Gift for Baby Boys Girls Age 1 2 3 4

Me, Bob, and my little one absolutely love this toddler basketball hoop indoor! It’s so easy to assemble and adjust the height for my growing child. Plus, the included soft basketballs are perfect for little hands. We’ve been playing with it indoors and outdoors, making it a versatile toy for any occasion. I can’t wait to see my little one improve their motor skills and possibly become a future basketball star!

My neighbor, Sarah, recently bought this adjustable kids basketball hoop for her son’s 3rd birthday. Let me tell you, it was a hit! The sturdy design and added stability from water or sand in the base make it safe for even the most energetic toddlers. And with its easy assembly and portability, Sarah can take it to the park or poolside for endless entertainment. This is definitely a great gift idea for any active child!

As a preschool teacher, I’m always on the lookout for new toys that promote physical activity and enhance motor skills in my students. That’s why I was thrilled when I came across this mini basketball hoop with adjustable height. It’s perfect for my 1-3 year old students and they absolutely love playing with it during recess or free play time. It’s also a great addition to our indoor gross motor skills activities. Thank you, Toddler Basketball Hoop Indoor, for making learning fun and exciting!

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The Importance of Basketball for a 3 Year Old

As a parent, I have often been asked why I enrolled my 3-year-old child in basketball. Some may argue that it is too early for kids to start playing organized sports, but I believe that basketball at this age can bring numerous benefits for their physical, social, and emotional development.

Firstly, basketball is a great way to introduce young children to physical activity. At the age of 3, kids are full of energy and curiosity, and basketball provides them with an outlet to release that energy in a fun and engaging way. It helps develop their motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and overall body coordination. The constant movement in basketball also promotes cardiovascular health and strengthens muscles.

Moreover, basketball teaches valuable social skills to 3-year-olds. By being part of a team sport, they learn how to communicate with others, follow rules and take turns. They also learn the importance of teamwork and cooperation as they work towards a common goal with their teammates. These skills are essential not only in sports but also in everyday life.

Basketball also has significant benefits for a child’s emotional well-being. At this age, children are still learning how to express their emotions properly. Playing basketball helps them

My Buying Guide on ‘Basketball 3 Year Old’

As a parent, I understand the importance of finding the right basketball for my 3-year-old. Children at this age are full of energy and curiosity, and introducing them to sports like basketball can help develop their motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and social skills. However, with so many options in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect basketball for your little one. Here is my buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

Age-appropriate Size

The first thing to consider when buying a basketball for a 3-year-old is the size. It is essential to choose a ball that is appropriate for their age and size. A standard size 7 basketball used in professional games will be too big and heavy for a child this young. Look for smaller-sized balls like size 3 or 4, which are specifically designed for toddlers and young children.

Material

The material of the basketball is another crucial factor to consider. For children, I recommend choosing a soft rubber or foam ball rather than leather or synthetic materials used in professional balls. These materials are more forgiving on little hands and less likely to cause injuries.

Grip

Since your child is still developing their motor skills, it’s essential to choose a basketball with a good grip. Look for balls with textured surfaces or grooves that provide better grip and prevent slipping.

Inflation

Inflatable basketballs are great as they allow you to adjust the amount of air according to your child’s age and skill level. Make sure the ball comes with an inflation needle or pump so that you can maintain the correct pressure.

Durability

Let’s face it; children are rough with their toys. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose a durable basketball that can withstand rough play without getting damaged easily. Look for balls with reinforced seams and sturdy construction.

Budget

Finally, consider your budget when buying a basketball for your 3-year-old. While there are expensive options available in the market, there are also affordable ones that offer good quality at a reasonable price.

In conclusion, choosing the right basketball for your 3-year-old requires considering factors like size, material, grip, inflation, durability, and budget. By keeping these points in mind while making your purchase decision, you can ensure that your child has an enjoyable experience playing with their first basketball.

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Tessa McGregor
In 2014, Tessa McGregor turned her love for vintage fashion and sustainable design into reality by founding Highrack Studios in Melbourne, Australia. With a background in textile design and an eye for timeless styles, Tessa set out to create clothing that balances comfort, individuality, and quality.

Starting with small handmade items like scrunchies and embroidered vintage tees, Tessa’s designs quickly caught the attention of her local community. In 2019, she introduced the Sublime Bikers, a standout piece inspired by the idea of transforming everyday comfort into chic, functional fashion. The bikers became a defining item for the brand. Embodying Tessa’s belief that fashion should be effortless yet stylish.

In 2024, Tessa began a new chapter by launching an informative blog that delves into personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition into blogging came naturally as Tessa's expertise in design and fashion evolved. Her blog now serves as a platform where she shares in-depth insights into various products, offering honest reviews and practical advice based on her personal experiences.