Now, I'm not bluffing or teasing; you've just got to see me. I am aware I've been talking to you above the air (internet is air) and we possibly may never met (except you've run across me around the streets; I doubt you would know me). But seriously, you've just got to see how tall I am... believe me, I'm real tall. Back then in school, I used to be teased as the tall dude who chose to waste his gift. Not even my parents could persuade me to join the basketball team. Now see what I have appeared becoming... a writer. To remain frank, I don't think I regret not playing basketball. Because going through the good side of the story, I could (through my writings) reach out to just anyone - even basketball players. However, not many are as mysterious and nerdy as I am and that's why we have basketball players. And now I am on your team guys. I'm endorsing your sport as one of the best cardio to lose fat. What symbiotic relationship...
Let me guess; you question is, "Can basketball help to shed fat?" Well, the reply is; YES it could! Playing basketball can significantly lower excess fat; if one makes no other changes except to add one vigorous hour of basketball each day, you'll burn approximately 1,000 calories a day. This would lead to a decrease of 2 pounds each week. If you consume an ample amount of calories and carbohydrates, then the loss should originate from body fat instead of lean muscle mass or water. Basketball involves a good amount of running, quick start-and-stop movements and coordination. Basketball burns 0.097 calories per pound per minute. A 160-pound man playing vigorous full-court basketball for just one hour burns approximately 930 calories. The same man would only burn 730 calories cycling at 19 miles-per-hour or 710 calories running 6 miles per hour. Basketball is really one of the best cardio of burning fat because when compared to other cardio exercises it's got higher calorie burn efficiency.
No specific moves in basketball increases weight loss as the fat reduction profit from basketball comes from the cardiovascular activity of running the court. For the best calorie burn, play full-court basketball and remain active in the game. Tend not to spend extended periods playing well below a full effort or resting. Right after the game, perform some full-court transition drills which include running the capacity of the court to transition from offense to defense. These drills will improve basketball skills and burn additional calories. Losing body mass in a healthy rate of 1 to 2 pounds per week requires a calorie deficit of 500 to at least 1,000 calories per day. Faster weight loss may produce a loss in lean body mass or water. Eat enough carbohydrates so your body can use protein to replenish muscle tissue. Restricting carbohydrates will force the entire body to break down muscular mass to make use of amino acids for fuel. Eating adequate calories - a balance of protein, carbohydrates and fats - will encourage fat loss and not merely weight loss.
Strength Exercises
Push-ups are another staple of strength and conditioning programs, but by adding a basketball in the exercise, basketball players may add a sport-specific element into this classic move. Instead of performing a normal push-up with both hands on the floor, place one hand on the top of a basketball and perform positions of 10-15 reps, then repeat for the opposite side. By unbalancing the push-up position one side with the additional height of your basketball, the athlete has to make use of muscles on each side of the body independently - great for developing strength in his weaker hand. The basketball push-up will also improve hand strength required for strong ball-handling, passing and catching.
An added boost of agility in the core muscles, hips, legs and feet can make a big impact on a player's game for both ends within the court. In every agility drill, a player must be compelled to change directions adjust speeds, like in the exact zigzag drill. Begin the drill by standing under the basket and sliding along the baseline in a defensive stance to the corner. Then sprint diagonally to the free-throw line and slide laterally again to the sideline. Repeat the diagonal sprint to the half-court line, slide once more to the sideline then back-pedal to the baseline. Run the drill on both sides of the court to enhance lateral movement and agility in both directions.
Running Exercises
Running stadium stairs at the local stadium, track or gym has become staple of athletic training for years, and then for strong reason. Running stadium stairs - touching each step and alternating between running forward, backward and laterally - improves lower-body strength and builds endurance in the legs and lungs. Just as importantly, by touching every step of the stairs, an athlete simulates the little, quick steps that translate on the basketball court, where he must chop his feet on defense or make sharp, quick cuts on offense.
Jumping Exercises
While a lofty vertical leap is definitely an asset for any basketball player, the game often requires players to jump quite high in the air many times, like when players battle for rebounds, close out on shooters or shoot multiple shots. That's why players need to have a 2nd and third jump as strong as the first, that they can develop using backboard or net touches. To do the exercise, stand underneath a backboard and place the backboard or net as your target, based on ability. Jump off two feet with knees slightly bent and arms reaching vertically toward your target. Repeat this jump as frequently as possible for one minute and count each touch to measure how well you are progressing. Perform two or three sets of this exercise during your workout twice a week and see your vertical leap grow.
Muscle Exercises
Lift heavy weights (close to your maximum) in the off-season to develop muscle. Perform 3-5 reps of exercise, relax for many minutes then repeat the set. Try this 3-5 times before moving onto another exercise. To develop your legs muscles, do squats, dead-lifts, leg presses and lunges. During the off-season; improve aerobic conditioning. Exercise at 70 percent to 80 percent of your maximum pulse rate or at the pace similar to jogging. You can jump rope, make use of a treadmill, elliptical or other machine, jog, swim or do aerobics. Taper off when you approach your preseason and go on to more high-intensity workouts.
Train your capability to apply your muscles for extended periods by doing exercises with approximately 50 % of one's maximum weight or intensity and doing more reps. For example, use dumbbells or resistance bands to do squats, lunges or dead-lifts, performing 10 to 12 reps, then moving to a new exercise after having a one-minute break. Change exercises each and every time. For upper-body workouts, add biceps curls, arm raises, flying, chest presses and triceps extensions.
GAME TACTICS
The Six Man Passing Drill
The Six Man Passing Drill is a fast and fun drill that develops speed, passing skills, spatial awareness, and lay-up proficiency. Three players will line each one of the two outside passing lanes, creating two passing gauntlets. One player should get up on the right sideline at half court. The other two should stand in the right elbows at each end of the court. Another set of three players should get in line in similar fashion on the left side of the court. The rest of the players will divide into two equal lines and assemble as they did for full court lay-ups,
The very first player (the running passer) in each line carries a ball. He begins the drill by passing for the player standing at the closest elbow. He then runs to get the pass back from the elbow player. He should be given the pass between the elbow and mid-court. Immediately, he turns and passes for the player on the sideline, who then passes it back between mid-court and the next elbow. Again, immediately, the running passer dishes the ball to the player at the next elbow, who bounce passes it back to set the running passer up for a right-handed lay-up. The running passer takes a lay-up, gets his rebound and passes to another player in line. The running passers shouldn't use the dribble with this drill. Players continue using the drill for 6 to 10 minutes before switching the lines towards left side. Players should also take turns as passers and running passers.
The 3-on-2 Fast Break Drill
The 3-on-2 Fast Break Drill emphasizes ball handling, passing, shooting, and defensive skills. Start with two players on defense from the back court. One player needs to be positioned on top of the key, while the other defender must be positioned in the paint. Three offensive players should set up at the opposite end in the court, one in each passing lane. The player in the center lane must have the basketball. The fast break begins when the outside wing shouts, "Outlet!" The middle player then passes the ball to the player who called for the ball. The 3 offensive players run a fast break on the two defenders, planning to score.
As soon as the shot comes up, the shooter sprints to the opposite end of the court to play defense. Both former defenders now run a 2-on-1 fast break. The other two offensive players remain at the opposite end of the court to play defense up against the next group of three. To maximize effectiveness, this drill should be run continuously. This involves a minimum of nine players so that individuals can rotate in and out of positions seamlessly. This drill won't polish fundamental skills; it is also an awesome conditioning tool.
Seriously, I need to stop righting because I'm almost on the verge of breaking down. I'm starting to think I should have chosen basketball instead; the game is simply too great! Save for the undeniable fact that it is one of the best cardio to lose fat, I wouldn't even have given it a second glance, not until recently. Well, you can't blame me; I LOVE THIS GAME!
Let me guess; you question is, "Can basketball help to shed fat?" Well, the reply is; YES it could! Playing basketball can significantly lower excess fat; if one makes no other changes except to add one vigorous hour of basketball each day, you'll burn approximately 1,000 calories a day. This would lead to a decrease of 2 pounds each week. If you consume an ample amount of calories and carbohydrates, then the loss should originate from body fat instead of lean muscle mass or water. Basketball involves a good amount of running, quick start-and-stop movements and coordination. Basketball burns 0.097 calories per pound per minute. A 160-pound man playing vigorous full-court basketball for just one hour burns approximately 930 calories. The same man would only burn 730 calories cycling at 19 miles-per-hour or 710 calories running 6 miles per hour. Basketball is really one of the best cardio of burning fat because when compared to other cardio exercises it's got higher calorie burn efficiency.
No specific moves in basketball increases weight loss as the fat reduction profit from basketball comes from the cardiovascular activity of running the court. For the best calorie burn, play full-court basketball and remain active in the game. Tend not to spend extended periods playing well below a full effort or resting. Right after the game, perform some full-court transition drills which include running the capacity of the court to transition from offense to defense. These drills will improve basketball skills and burn additional calories. Losing body mass in a healthy rate of 1 to 2 pounds per week requires a calorie deficit of 500 to at least 1,000 calories per day. Faster weight loss may produce a loss in lean body mass or water. Eat enough carbohydrates so your body can use protein to replenish muscle tissue. Restricting carbohydrates will force the entire body to break down muscular mass to make use of amino acids for fuel. Eating adequate calories - a balance of protein, carbohydrates and fats - will encourage fat loss and not merely weight loss.
Strength Exercises
Push-ups are another staple of strength and conditioning programs, but by adding a basketball in the exercise, basketball players may add a sport-specific element into this classic move. Instead of performing a normal push-up with both hands on the floor, place one hand on the top of a basketball and perform positions of 10-15 reps, then repeat for the opposite side. By unbalancing the push-up position one side with the additional height of your basketball, the athlete has to make use of muscles on each side of the body independently - great for developing strength in his weaker hand. The basketball push-up will also improve hand strength required for strong ball-handling, passing and catching.
An added boost of agility in the core muscles, hips, legs and feet can make a big impact on a player's game for both ends within the court. In every agility drill, a player must be compelled to change directions adjust speeds, like in the exact zigzag drill. Begin the drill by standing under the basket and sliding along the baseline in a defensive stance to the corner. Then sprint diagonally to the free-throw line and slide laterally again to the sideline. Repeat the diagonal sprint to the half-court line, slide once more to the sideline then back-pedal to the baseline. Run the drill on both sides of the court to enhance lateral movement and agility in both directions.
Running Exercises
Running stadium stairs at the local stadium, track or gym has become staple of athletic training for years, and then for strong reason. Running stadium stairs - touching each step and alternating between running forward, backward and laterally - improves lower-body strength and builds endurance in the legs and lungs. Just as importantly, by touching every step of the stairs, an athlete simulates the little, quick steps that translate on the basketball court, where he must chop his feet on defense or make sharp, quick cuts on offense.
Jumping Exercises
While a lofty vertical leap is definitely an asset for any basketball player, the game often requires players to jump quite high in the air many times, like when players battle for rebounds, close out on shooters or shoot multiple shots. That's why players need to have a 2nd and third jump as strong as the first, that they can develop using backboard or net touches. To do the exercise, stand underneath a backboard and place the backboard or net as your target, based on ability. Jump off two feet with knees slightly bent and arms reaching vertically toward your target. Repeat this jump as frequently as possible for one minute and count each touch to measure how well you are progressing. Perform two or three sets of this exercise during your workout twice a week and see your vertical leap grow.
Muscle Exercises
Lift heavy weights (close to your maximum) in the off-season to develop muscle. Perform 3-5 reps of exercise, relax for many minutes then repeat the set. Try this 3-5 times before moving onto another exercise. To develop your legs muscles, do squats, dead-lifts, leg presses and lunges. During the off-season; improve aerobic conditioning. Exercise at 70 percent to 80 percent of your maximum pulse rate or at the pace similar to jogging. You can jump rope, make use of a treadmill, elliptical or other machine, jog, swim or do aerobics. Taper off when you approach your preseason and go on to more high-intensity workouts.
Train your capability to apply your muscles for extended periods by doing exercises with approximately 50 % of one's maximum weight or intensity and doing more reps. For example, use dumbbells or resistance bands to do squats, lunges or dead-lifts, performing 10 to 12 reps, then moving to a new exercise after having a one-minute break. Change exercises each and every time. For upper-body workouts, add biceps curls, arm raises, flying, chest presses and triceps extensions.
GAME TACTICS
The Six Man Passing Drill
The Six Man Passing Drill is a fast and fun drill that develops speed, passing skills, spatial awareness, and lay-up proficiency. Three players will line each one of the two outside passing lanes, creating two passing gauntlets. One player should get up on the right sideline at half court. The other two should stand in the right elbows at each end of the court. Another set of three players should get in line in similar fashion on the left side of the court. The rest of the players will divide into two equal lines and assemble as they did for full court lay-ups,
The very first player (the running passer) in each line carries a ball. He begins the drill by passing for the player standing at the closest elbow. He then runs to get the pass back from the elbow player. He should be given the pass between the elbow and mid-court. Immediately, he turns and passes for the player on the sideline, who then passes it back between mid-court and the next elbow. Again, immediately, the running passer dishes the ball to the player at the next elbow, who bounce passes it back to set the running passer up for a right-handed lay-up. The running passer takes a lay-up, gets his rebound and passes to another player in line. The running passers shouldn't use the dribble with this drill. Players continue using the drill for 6 to 10 minutes before switching the lines towards left side. Players should also take turns as passers and running passers.
The 3-on-2 Fast Break Drill
The 3-on-2 Fast Break Drill emphasizes ball handling, passing, shooting, and defensive skills. Start with two players on defense from the back court. One player needs to be positioned on top of the key, while the other defender must be positioned in the paint. Three offensive players should set up at the opposite end in the court, one in each passing lane. The player in the center lane must have the basketball. The fast break begins when the outside wing shouts, "Outlet!" The middle player then passes the ball to the player who called for the ball. The 3 offensive players run a fast break on the two defenders, planning to score.
As soon as the shot comes up, the shooter sprints to the opposite end of the court to play defense. Both former defenders now run a 2-on-1 fast break. The other two offensive players remain at the opposite end of the court to play defense up against the next group of three. To maximize effectiveness, this drill should be run continuously. This involves a minimum of nine players so that individuals can rotate in and out of positions seamlessly. This drill won't polish fundamental skills; it is also an awesome conditioning tool.
Seriously, I need to stop righting because I'm almost on the verge of breaking down. I'm starting to think I should have chosen basketball instead; the game is simply too great! Save for the undeniable fact that it is one of the best cardio to lose fat, I wouldn't even have given it a second glance, not until recently. Well, you can't blame me; I LOVE THIS GAME!
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