Basketball is a game that requires you to be in top cardiovascular shape, and playing it regularly will help you get there. However, playing basketball is not enough to get you in the best shape. Additional cardiovascular conditioning and strength training is also needed.
Interval Training
One of the top forms of cardiovascular exercise is interval training. This will be quite beneficial to basketball players who must expend significant amounts of energy over short bursts. Go to the local high school or college track and run sprints. Measure off distances of 100, 90, 80 and 70 yards, and run them in descending order. Take no more than a 15-second break between sprints. When you are done with all four, take a two-minute break and repeat the set. Do one more double-set of sprints before you leave the track.
Shooting Drills
Work on your shooting at least 30 minutes every day. When you come out on the court for your practice, take 50 shots from 4 to 10 feet from the basket to start. These are relatively easy shots, but it will take concentration to make them. It will also increase your confidence level. Then take 10 shots from the right baseline, 10 from the right elbow, 10 from the top of the key, 10 from the left elbow and 10 from the left baseline. Elevate high on each of the shots and make sure your follow through completely.
Strength Training
Engage in weightlifting to get stronger. The bench press, arm curls, the leg press and leg curls are especially beneficial for basketball players. While basketball is technically a non-contact sport, there are many physical battles, particularly when battling for a rebound or trying to get to an advantageous spot on the court. If you don't have access to free weights or circuit training, do push-ups, pull-ups and abdominal crunches.
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