Basketball players can accomplish great things in their sport with skill alone. Those who are superior athletes, however, have better chances of prospering. Fitness training for basketball players enables them to play hard throughout the whole game with less fatigue. The benefits show up late in the game when all the other players are tired. It can be done for little or no cost and there are many variations of fitness training for basketball. Be careful, though, because if done wrong, fitness training for basketball can cause damage.
Types
Cardiovascular conditioning and weight training are the two important elements in a plan for fitness training in basketball, and players need to find a balance between the two. Running sprints is the best way to get cardiovascular improvement, but for strength, there is debate about what works best between lifting for brute strength or lifting for power. According to the Sports Fitness Advisor website, "A very effective form of power training is called plyometrics or jump training--and it's ideally suited to basketball. Plyometrics combines elements of both speed and strength in single movement patterns."
Cost
Fitness training for basketball can be done for absolutely free, and there are also ways to spend money to enhance the results. Free training can be done by sprinting and running at any place. Plyometrics can be done at home with household objects and there are always sit-ups and push-ups. Some people pay to join a gym and others also hire personal trainers or coaches to add expertise and motivation. Basketball players can find workout program examples for free online as well.
Diet and Hydration Tips
Fitness training breaks down muscles before they come back stronger. Players need to take breaks at certain junctures to make sure that they give their body enough time and energy to recover from their previous workouts. Tips for muscle recovery include taking protein supplements and eating healthy foods, as well as eating plenty of fruit.
Dehydration can cause muscle cramps and cause players to feel like they are not getting enough breath, so drinking large amounts of water each day is another tip for players to get the most out of their training. Sugary drinks like soda as well as alcohol should be avoided because they increase the likelihood of dehydration.
One-on-One
Playing the game is the best way to prepare for future basketball games, and playing the game with no breaks in intensity provides a better workout. One-on-one requires each player to play 100 percent of the time because they can't stand around while other teammates or the opposition hold the ball. One-on-one is usually played in a half-court setting, but for better long-distance sprint work, the game can be played on the entire court.
Another simpler workout for two players is to race each other. Focus on either sprints that go the length of the court or "suicides," where players do four sprints that get progressively longer.
Longevity
Players need to be well trained so they can play the game hard in the fourth quarter and not get too tired. While it is true that over the course of a basketball game, players run a long distance, that does not mean they should do distance running. The Youth Basketball Tips website states that "Everything in basketball occurs quickly over a short distance. Conditioning and training should emphasize short, quick bursts rather than long-distance running. Players that choose distance running will still be tired near the end of the game compared to those who use short sprints and bursts as part of their fitness training.
Member Comments