Basketball is a fast-paced sport that requires muscular endurance of the entire body. The muscles of the legs are in constant use while running, jumping and defending the opponent. The critical component of the game, shooting the basketball, primarily recruits muscles from the upper body as well as a few select leg muscles.
Triceps
The triceps brachii muscle is made up of three different heads: the long head, lateral head, and medial head. All three work together to extend the arm at the elbow, which is a necessary movement when shooting a basketball.
Biceps
The bicep is a double-headed muscle located on the front of the upper arm. It acts to flex the arm at the elbow. This action is employed when you first set up to take the shot.
Deltoids
The deltoid muscles make up the shoulders. The deltoids are responsible for abducting the arm, a movement observed in the non-shooting arm. The anterior portion of the deltoid muscle is utilized when pushing the basketball away from your body.
Pecs
The pectoralis major is a fan-shaped muscle that covers the upper portion of the chest and overlays the thin pectoralis minor. The pecs are the prime movers of arm flexion and assist the anterior deltoid in pushing the basketball.
Wrist Flexors
The wrist flexors include the flexor digitorum superficialis and the flexor digitorum profundus. Both of these act to flex the wrist and the fingers. The "follow through" that many coaches stress is carried out by the wrist flexors.
Quadriceps
In sports, it is rarely advised to do anything with straight legs. "Soft knees" are preferred. Shooting a basketball is no different. Maintaining a soft knee requires a contraction of the quadriceps muscles. The quads are also recruited when you execute a jump during the shot.
Calves
The calf is composed of the gastrocnemeus and the soleus muscles. Both of these muscles work to flex the foot. This action is responsible for pushing your heel away from the ground during a jump. Without a jump in your shot, the basketball isn't going to have the momentum it needs to reach the basket.
References
- "Anatomy & Physiology", Second Edition; Elaine N. Marieb; 2005
- Hoop Skills: Strengthening Your Shooting Muscles
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