Most kids under 5'0" tall have to heave the ball to reach a 10-foot rim. This forces the elbow out and the hand to the side. At 8 feet, they can keep their elbow 'in the pocket' and power the shot with their legs, not their shoulders.
To reach 10 feet, young players often shoot 'flat.' An 8-foot rim allows them to practice a high-release 'Pro Arc,' which significantly increases the chance of the ball going in even if it hits the rim.
Confidence is built on successful reps. When a player sees their form result in a 'swish' consistently, they develop the mental grit to stick with the process as the rim goes up.
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