Florida is hot! I think that this is the number one reason why basketball is not played more often in Florida. Heat is dangerous because it can cause dehydration and heat stroke. Playing basketball outside in extreme temperatures would be brutal. With temperatures reaching up to an excruciating 100 degrees, the conditions are not safe for a hardworking athlete. Because of the uncomfortable heat, athletes focus their energy on other sports. This concludes that basketball is not the most popular sport in Florida because of the weather. Although basketball can be played indoor or outdoor, more people play for fun then competitively. Most people who grew up in Florida have been around pools or beaches their whole life. Ultimately this means that athletes in Florida are more interested in competitive swimming or surfing. Water sports are fun because they keep you cooled down and are different from every other sport. Therefore, common sense would seem to dictate that water sports would be the first choice for most. However, basketball is still very well-liked in Florida! With professional, college and high school teams, men and woman are still constantly playing basketball. Basketball players train all year to become collegiate or professional athletes which can be difficult in humid and hot weather. This is a crucial reason why Florida basketball is not favored.Keep looking, there’s more: Health Blog Q&A: What Kills Athletes on the Field