Basketball Strength Work More Important Than Ever

As basketball players have become bigger, faster and stronger, strength and weight training have become a necessity rather than an afterghought. In the past, it was perceived that weightlifting could mess with a players jumpshot and hurt their game.

As basketball players have become bigger, faster and stronger, strength and weight training have become a necessity rather than an afterghought.  In the past, it was perceived that weightlifting could mess with a players jumpshot and hurt their game.  That myth has been dispelled and a good strength and conditioning program is a must nowadays.   Many consider basketball a non-contact sport, but it is obvious that players can take as much abuse as some "contact sports". To stay competitive players must be able to sustain a high level of performance in an ever-increasing physical game.

When setting up a basketball strength program make sure it is appropriate for the player and not unrealistic or overly taxing.  Establishing this is a key to being succesful as well as preventing injury in the weightroom.  

Choose exercises and weightlifting activities that are appropriate for a basketball player.   Basketball involves repeated bouts of high intensity jumps and sprints.  When lifting emphasis those muscles used in specific basketball movements and work on  resistance traning as that will increase explosiveness.  The upper body should be trained using compound movements like Chest presses, Shoulder presses, lat rows, pullups, and pulldowns.  The legs should focus on squats and calves.

A good strength program can be a key to success on the court.  As a player you need every advantage you can get and the extra strength, stamina and confidence from a weight program might just be that.  The program will also make you less at risk of injury as stronger muscles are more prepared for the rigors of the game.

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