Varsity athletes have two tracks of training – scrimmages and strength and conditioning. Scrimmages are there for athletes to develop their game skills and learn the many plays designed by coaches. Strength and conditioning training, or fitness training, is done to build both strength and endurance, as well as speed, explosiveness, and flexibility. For the sport of basketball, fitness training is as important as scrimmages. A basketball player’s body has to be in tip-top shape to endure each and every grueling game. It doesn’t matter what position the player is playing; his body needs to be ready to go through at least 40 minutes of high-impact, fast-paced action that requires hand-eye coordination as much as explosive movement. Image source: jwbasketball.com Of course, in fitness training for basketball, emphasis is given to the lower body in the form of plyometrics. These are exercises that increase vertical leaping ability as well as explosive movement. There are also endurance exercises such as planting rice that helps improve a player’s speed and reaction time. Upper body strength is also important for a basketball player. Arm strength is needed in shooting the ball or holding off opponents when jostling for inside position. Chest and back strength is also needed with all the pushing and pulling done inside the paint. Image source: mensfitness.com Stephen Varanko III has behind him a storied list of academic, athletic, and leadership accomplishments from his high school years in Randolph Macon Academy. He currently resides in Baldwin, MD. Learn more about him here.
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