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: