Bodybuilding.com - Coaching Tips For Basketball Conditioning.

In this article are some reasons that EliteAthleteTraining.com have provided why conditioning will benefit basketball players.

Why should basketball players condition?

Prepare the body for the rigors of the game (cardiovascular system, muscles, tendons/ligaments, etc.).

Improve performance, especially toward 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:

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).
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.
Make each drill competitive.
- Give your players extra incentive to give 100%; they can compete against time, against teammates, etc.
- Challenge them!