Basketball is a game of skill that requires significant training in order to play well. Players have to get in great cardiovascular condition, must build explosive strength and work on the individual skills needed to play the game. This requires many hours of work before a player can perform successfully on the court.
Cardiovascular Training
Playing basketball requires a player to get in great cardiovascular condition. The game is all about constant motion and movement, and players who are not in great shape will feel it after just a few trips up and down the court. Running two to three miles two or three times a week will help establish a baseline of conditioning. Following that up with running sprints or shuttle runs will also help improve your explosiveness and speed.
Strength Training
Anyone who has ever tried to establish a position on the low blocks, tried to come up with a rebound or wrestled for a loose ball knows that strength is a significant issue. Building leg strength will help you develop the explosive power needed to jump high. Doing leg presses, leg curls and calf raises will help you develop lower-body strength. Doing arm curls and bench presses will help you develop upper-body strength.
Shooting Drills
One of the most important things to work on is your shooting. Start off by taking five shots from the right baseline and then move to the right elbow for five more. Move to the top of the key (semi-circle behind the free-throw line), then to the left elbow and finally to the left baseline. Take five shots from each of those spots. Take a minute break and then repeat the set, concentrating on proper setup, shooting form and follow through. Do this throughout the offseason--every day would be ideal--and watch your shooting improve.
Member Comments