The Young/Adolescent Basketball Player

Basketball continues to be a popular sport among youth and adolescent athletes. While the benefits of youth sports participation are both expansive and innumerable, there underlies an inherent risk of injury, especially given the athletic maneuverability required in a pivoting and jumping sport like basketball. Youth athletes also carry both unique musculoskeletal and social considerations that need to be taken into account. The purpose of this chapter is to provide: (1) a discussion on the development of the youth basketball player and the importance of avoiding early single sport specialization; (2) an overview of orthopedic injuries unique to pediatric basketball players and their management; and (3) a brief introduction on social considerations including “the parent, coach, and athlete triad” and safeguarding the youth and adolescent athlete.