In the high-octane world of NBA basketball, where split-second decisions and lightning-fast reflexes reign supreme, athletes often seek every possible edge to enhance their performance. Amidst the flurry of dunks, three-pointers, and defensive plays, a seemingly innocuous habit has captured attention: chewing gum. But why do basketball players do this? There are a few benefits to chewing gum, which we’ve detailed in a list below.
- Helps players stay hydrated
- Reduces in-game anxiety
- Increases ability to focus
In the rest of this article, we will go into detail about the specifics for each benefit.
Maintains Hydration
Studies show that chewing gum helps generate saliva. Because saliva is 99% water, it helps athletes keep their mouths wet and allows them to stay hydrated for longer. Although basketball players have a constant supply of water and sports drinks on the sideline, maintaining hydration can still be difficult.
When star players like Michael Jordan or Lebron James are on the court, they are usually not getting subbed off too often, leaving just timeouts and end of periods to drink water. Additionally, these players are constantly communicating with the rest of their team; talking and breathing through your mouth are two ways to dry it out super quickly. Chewing gum helps solve this problem.
Reduces Anxiety
One prominent theory revolves around the idea of distraction. The pace of an NBA game is relentless, with players facing a barrage of sensory inputs—from the roaring crowd to the squeaking sneakers on the court. Chewing gum could serve as a form of controlled distraction, allowing players to channel excess energy or nerves into a repetitive, rhythmic action.
This study found that chewing gum helped reduce stress and anxiety in some capacity for the 400 people that participated in the experiments. In some ways, one could argue that chewing gum operates similar to other anxiety-induced habits, like biting your nails or picking at your cuticles.
Chewing gum seems to be the most athlete-friendly way to reduce anxiety, which is why so many players have adopted the practice over the years.
Increases Focus:
Surprisingly, research supports the idea that chewing gum can enhance cognitive function. In an analysis published by the National Library of Medicine, it states that, “Consistent with multiple studies examining chewing gum during cognitive performance, the results of Study 1 indicate that chewing gum may increase alertness… There was also a trend for hedonic tone to be increased by chewing gum.” Hedonic tone is the ability to feel pleasure; for an athlete, these can be a crucial mental component during playoff or championship games.
In the intense environment of an NBA game, where split-second decisions can dictate victory or defeat, players might turn to gum as a means to stay mentally sharp throughout the grueling minutes on the court. Moreover, the physical act of chewing gum could provide a sense of comfort and normalcy amid the chaos of a high-stakes game. It may serve as a way to alleviate stress or provide a brief respite during intense moments, allowing players to recalibrate and refocus.
Players Who Embrace the Habit:
Several NBA stars have been notably associated with chewing gum during games, turning this seemingly trivial act into a trademark of their on-court persona. We’ve even included a video showing how often MJ was seen chewing gum.
- Michael Jordan: Widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, Jordan was constantly chewing gum during his illustrious career. His iconic tongue-wagging moments often coincided with his gum-chewing habit, adding to his mystique on the court.
- LeBron James: A modern-day icon in the NBA, LeBron James has been spotted chewing gum during games, adding to the intrigue surrounding its potential benefits.
- Stephen Curry: Known for his incredible shooting prowess, Curry’s gum-chewing moments have become a familiar sight to fans, sparking discussions about its potential impact on his performance.
Conclusion:
While the exact reasons behind NBA players’ penchant for chewing gum during games remain multifaceted and not entirely scientifically validated, it’s evident that this practice holds a place within the intricate tapestry of basketball culture. Whether it’s for the purported cognitive benefits, distraction tactics, or as part of personal superstitions, chewing gum has etched its presence onto the courts, becoming an intriguing aspect of NBA players’ routines.
In the end, the habit might not be a magic bullet for on-court success, but in a sport where mental fortitude and split-second decisions matter, it stands as one of the many idiosyncrasies that contribute to the captivating drama of professional basketball.