Basketball is a sport that requires a combination of running and jumping. As a result, basketball players must possess total body strength for maximum performance. One of the most essential muscle groups for a basketball player is the triceps brachii -- a muscle group located on the back of the upper arm. The triceps is primarily responsible for elbow extension, or straightening the arm, that plays an essential role in various basketball movements.
Shooting
The movement of shooting a basketball uses various movement patterns that recruit several muscle groups, including the triceps. During a shot attempt, your elbow starts bent and then extends to release the basketball. The movement of extending your elbow during the shot is made possible by a contraction from the triceps.
Passing
There are several ways to pass a basketball, but a chest pass is one of the most fundamental offensive skills. A chest pass is performed by holding the ball at your chest with your elbows bent and then extending your arms to pass the basketball. The triceps are responsible for extending your arms forcefully to make a strong pass.
Defense
Defensive performance is essential for overall basketball success, and the triceps muscle is recruited for various defensive moves. Basic defensive movements that recruit the triceps through elbow extension or shoulder adduction include moving the arms to defend the offensive ball handler or steal passes, grabbing and securing a rebound or diving for a loose ball.
Training
Triceps are also used during a basketball strength and conditioning program. As a result, you gain triceps strength that can improve shooting and passing ability. General exercises used to train basketball players that also use the triceps includes the bench press and pushups. Single-joint isolation exercises can also be used to train the triceps, with exercises including triceps extensions or dips.
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