Coaching Tips For Basketball Conditioning

Why should basketball players condition?

* Prepare the body for the rigors of the game (cardiovascular system, muscles, tendons/ligaments, etc.).
* Improve performance, especially towards the end of a game/practice.
* Don't always use conditioning as a punishment because it already has a negative connotation (make conditioning a priority).

How should you design your practices?

* What does each segment of practice want to focus on? Fundamentals, team concepts, or conditioning?
* Allow a certain level of skill mastery before combining new skills with conditioning.
* Concentrate more on movement patterns and comprehensiveness than on skill development (only during the conditioning portion of the workout of course).
* Drills need to be done at GAME SPEED! Use motivational terminology ("varsity level" or "college level").
* Monitor all aspects of practice; work time, rest time, etc. Keep scrimmages up tempo for conditioning effect (limit the number of dribbles, everyone over half court, etc.).

3 tips to make the conditioning portion of your program successful:

1. Make each drill basketball specific.

* Utilize basketball movement patterns; sprinting, back pedaling, defensive sliding, and jumping (limit jumping and emphasize defensive position).


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* Stress change of direction (agility) and the importance of being able to plant off of either foot.
* Time parameters: work (:15 to 1:30) and rest (4:1 to 1:1).

2. Use a variety of different drills.

* The days of just running "suicides" are over! Use your imagination.
* Use audio and visual cues to improve reaction.

3. Make each drill competitive.

* Give your players extra incentive to give 100%; they can compete against time, against teammates, etc.
* Challenge them!

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