End Zone Athletics

 Chattin Hill, CSCS  

 Atlanta Hawks Strength & Conditioning Coach

During the course of a basketball players' career, injuries are inevitable.  There are several ways to help prevent injury and to prepare your body as much as possible for the rigors of competition.  This article will provide you with guidelines that should help you to prepare your body to compete at its highest level. The following suggestions are tried and true by elite college and professional basketball players and if taken to heart will allow you to gain the same advantages. 

Participate in a Strength and Conditioning program that has an emphasis on proper technique and training variation.

In order to achieve the physical benefits derived from training it is important to make your instructor is well qualified to teach the most scientifically based training techniques. Under the guidance of a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) you can sure the instruction you will receive will be scientifically valid and performed in a safe manner.

Plan your workout program to allow you to "peak" at the right time during the season.

It is important to develop a training program in which you consider the optimal work volume in relation to the season which you are training(i.e. off-season, preseason, in-season) Placing appropriate demands on the body during unsuitable times will may lead to detrimental effects such as injury of ineffective performance. 

Take time to warm up and prepare your body in anticipation of the pounding and the day to day abuse incurred by elite basketball players.

Taking the time to increase the core body temperature will lead to improved central nervous system function as well as improved blood flow and greater elasticity of skeletal muscle tissue.  Incorporating these factors into a sport specific training regime will increase athletic performance and decrease the likelihood of injury. 

Follow nutritional guidelines that will give you the energy to exert the effort necessary excel during training and competition.

Due to the high demands of elite athletic performance it is important to maintain a nutrient rich diet that will give you the energy before training and competition and replenish your body afterward. The correct balance of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, along with vitamins and minerals must be observed or you will negate the training effects you have worked so hard for.