YONGIN, June 22, 2025
From Soccer Field to Basketball Court
A young athlete finds his passion on the hardwood.
- Bundang team Six secured first place in the second round.
- Lee Byung-jun, formerly a soccer player, now excels in basketball.
- The I-League is divided into I1 (representative) and I2 (hobby) classes.
Lee Byung-jun, a sixth-grader at Pangyo Elementary, discovered a love for basketball after transitioning from soccer, and his Bundang Team Six clinched first place at the ‘2025 I2 Yongin and Seongnam Basketball I-League (U12).’
Dominance in the Second Round
The second round of the ‘2025 I2 Yongin and Seongnam Basketball I-League (U12)’ took place at the Yongin Youth Training Center on June 22. A total of 12 teams participated in the Yongin and Seongnam I League, competing in the U12 category across four rounds.
Bundang Team Six emerged victorious in the second round, securing first place in both games.
Lee Byung-jun’s Viewpoint
According to Lee Byung-jun, “The first game was early, so I was less relaxed. I made a three-point shot from the defence, and I was upset.We carried the atmosphere as we succeeded in the three-point shot, and all the friends and the bench were able to win hard.”
Did you know? Lee Byung-jun switched from playing soccer in fourth grade after a friend’s mother suggested he try basketball.
From Football to Basketball
Lee Byung-jun’s journey to basketball began in fourth grade.”I was playing soccer, but my close friend’s mother recommended playing basketball, and I changed to basketball as then,” he stated.
When asked about the allure of basketball, Lee Byung-jun explained, “It’s like the biggest attraction to turn a karate and move. When you score, the excitement is also bigger.Now, basketball is much more fun.”
Coach’s Assessment
Lee Byung-jun showcases a steady dribble and a reliable jumper. His coach, Si-yeon, noted, “Stop and jump shots are long-term. Dribble also has its own rhythm.”
Aiming for the I1 League
Beginning this year, the I League is structured into I1 (representative class) and I2 (hobby class). The Yongin and Seongnam I League falls under the I2 category.
Lee Byung-jun aims to refine his skills further to reach the I1 level. “It was good to have a sense of practice through the I League and to work with the teams that have not been attached. We will practice harder and try to play in the I1 league next year,” he said.
He added, “I personally have confidence in the midrange jumper. My favorite player is Anyang Jeong Kwan-jang Byun Jun-hyung. I like the brilliant dribble of Byun Jun-hyung.”
The Transferable Skills: Beyond the Court
Lee Byung-junS story highlights a fascinating aspect of youth sports: the transferability of skills across different disciplines. His transition from soccer to basketball led to success in the I-League. but what makes this possible? Adn what other sports might provide a solid foundation for young basketball players?
The key lies in identifying the fundamental athletic skills.These core abilities frequently enough translate well, allowing athletes to adapt and excel in new sports. Soccer players, as an example, often possess excellent footwork, endurance, and spatial awareness, all incredibly beneficial in basketball.
Athletic Backgrounds That Give an Edge
Here’s a look at other sports that can provide a strong base for basketball:
- Soccer: As mentioned earlier, skills are transferable. Players develop agility, endurance, and an understanding of team dynamics.
- Track and Field: Sprinters and long-distance runners build stamina. Jumping disciplines like high jump and long jump enhance vertical leap and explosiveness.
- Swimming: Swimmers have extraordinary cardiovascular fitness and body control, vital for basketball’s demands.
- Martial Arts: Disciplines like taekwondo and karate improve coordination, balance, and focus. These are great for agility and defensive positioning.
- Baseball/Softball: Hand-eye coordination, throwing mechanics, and rapid reflexes are valuable assets.
These sports emphasize different aspects of athleticism. Though,they each build skills that enhance a basketball player’s overall performance.Consider how these skills can cross over and improve your game.
The Benefits of Cross-Training
cross-training offers several advantages, especially for youth athletes.First, it reduces the risk of overuse injuries. Participating in multiple sports spreads the physical demands,lessening the strain on specific muscle groups and joints. Another advantage is the growth of a broader range of skills.Multi-sport athletes often become well-rounded, adaptable players with high basketball IQ.
A diverse athletic background is also beneficial for mental toughness. Switching between games improves adaptability and builds resilience. Lee Byung-jun’s experience shows how quickly skills can develop. Are you wondering how to translate soccer skills into basketball success? The athletic abilities Lee developed as a soccer player, such as agility and endurance, contributed to his basketball success.
Additionally, cross-training can combat burnout. It prevents athletes from over-focusing on just one sport,wich can reduce enthusiasm. Trying multiple sports allows young athletes to explore different interests and find what they love.
Tips for Parents and Coaches
If you’re a parent or coach, how can you encourage this type of cross-training? Here’s some advice:
- Encourage Variety: Support exploration of different sports.
- Prioritize Fun: Ensure youth athletes enjoy their training and games.
- Focus on Fundamentals: Emphasize building the core athletic skills discussed.
- Listen to the Athlete: Pay attention to your child’s preferences and limits.
- Communicate: Discuss the benefits of cross-training with kids.
The I-League provides a great platform for this. it offers a structured environment where young players can hone their skills. It also helps encourage competition and a love of the game, as Lee Byung-jun has found.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the most crucial transferable skills from soccer to basketball?
A: Agility, endurance, footwork, and spatial awareness are some of the most useful skills.
Q: Can cross-training reduce injury risk?
A: Yes, diversifying activities reduces the strain on specific muscle groups and joints, thereby reducing injury risk.
Q: How does swimming help basketball players?
A: swimming builds cardiovascular fitness and body control.
Q: What should parents focus on when kids are playing multiple sports?
A: Prioritizing fun, encouraging variety, and focusing on the development of fundamental athleticism.
In the spirit of youth sports,the journey of an athlete like Lee Byung-jun underscores the value of adaptability. Bundang Team Six will continue to have chances to learn. The lessons from his transition are applicable to players of all levels striving for the next step in their basketball careers.
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