Training the ‘Team of the Decade’: Montverde Academy Boys Basketball

They are a perennial national power claiming multiple national titles. They are coached by the legendary national coach of the year Kevin Boyle and recent high school players of the year Ben Simmons and RJ Barrett have graced the hardwood here.  No wonder why USA Today has called Montverde Academy boys basketball “The Team of […]

Basketball Conditioning: Run, Jump, Pass, Shoot and Play Defense

By Dan Hutchison, MS, ATC, CSCS Athletic development in the sport of basketball involves more than practicing shooting and playing games.  The coach and athlete will both have longer careers if emphasis is placed on the fundamentals of athletic development that are adhered to on a regular basis. In the four-part basketball conditioning series, we […]

Basketball Conditioning: Upper Body Strength Applications Before, During and After Practice

By Dan Hutchison, MS, ATC, CSCS Upper body strength for basketball athletes is essential for power and endurance applications on the court.  All aspects of the front, back and lateral shoulder complex are involved in offense (shooting, passing, dribbling) and defense (rebounding, post moves, defensive position, blocking shots) situations.  At the developmental level (i.e., high […]

Basketball Conditioning: Linear Training Applications

By Dan Hutchison, MS, ATC, CSCS The ability to run fast up and down the basketball court is a game changer when it comes to the offensive transition game, and adequately defending an ‘up-tempo’, transition style team.  Linear speed on the basketball court, especially with the basketball in hand, has been personified by the likes […]

Basketball Conditioning: The Importance of Lateral Resistance Training

By Dan Hutchison, MS, ATC, CSCS Lateral movement in the game of basketball is essential for defending ones opponent both on and off the ball.  The ability to anticipate and ‘beat’ the dribbler to a specific spot requires conditioning, technical repetition, and court awareness.  Basketball coaches usually cover the latter two aspects by consistently implementing […]

Basketball Conditioning: Converting Existing Lifting Platforms to Jump Training Stations

By Dan Hutchison, MS, ATC, CSCS Basketball conditioning has always emphasized some of aspect of vertical training to improve jumping ability.  Although the long-term goal of the individual is to ‘dunk’ the basketball, many times the ability to leave the earth by just a few extra inches (or centimeters) is sufficient.  Basketball consists of many […]