Basketball is a game built around quick bursts of speed—One of the biggest keys to success in basketball is quickness and being able to use it effectively on the court. If a player can’t burst quickly from one spot to another or isn’t fast enough to make quick cuts or changes in direction, their ability to score or defend effectively is severely limited.
Speed training can help players improve their quickness and explosiveness, which are critical for success in basketball. With speed training, players can make significant strides in their on-court performance.
There are many different ways to train for speed, and each has its benefits. For example, players can use sprints, agility drills, plyometrics, and weightlifting exercises to improve their quickness and explosiveness.
Here are three things every basketball player should know about speed training:
1. Lateral speed training is extremely important for basketball players.
Lateral quickness is the ability to move quickly from side to side, and it is an essential skill for any basketball player. The ability to change directions quickly can give a player an advantage on offense and defense.
It can help a player get past a defender and create scoring opportunities on offense. On defense, it can help a player stay in front of an opponent and make it difficult for them to get around.
Lateral quickness is also essential for rebounding, as it allows a player to get in position for a rebound quickly. Therefore, any player who wants to be successful on the basketball court needs to work on improving their lateral quickness.
2. Speed training develops your proprioception—which is crucial in basketball.
Proprioception is the ability to sense the position of your body and limbs in space. It plays a vital role in many daily activities, such as walking and reaching for objects. For basketball players, proprioception is especially important.
The quick movements and changing directions required in basketball put a lot of demands on the body. Without a strong sense of proprioception, it would be difficult to keep track of where your limbs are in relation to the rest of your body. This could lead to unexpected collisions or missed shots.
To stay safe and perform at their best, basketball players need to have a well-developed sense of proprioception, which can be improved through speed training.
3. Speed training can increase your vertical jump distance
In addition to improving your sprinting speed, speed training can also increase your vertical jumping ability. This is because the same muscles are used for both sprinting and jumping. By strengthening these muscles, you will be able to generate more power when you jump.
How fast a basketball player can run is usually a direct reflection of how high they can jump and vice versa. Training with depth jumps, and plyometrics can increase a player’s ability to play above the rim.
Speed training can also help to improve your coordination and balance. Key speed training exercises allow you to have a better sense of control of your body when you jump. As a result, you will be less likely to land awkwardly and place undue strain on your joints.
If you are looking to improve your vertical jump, speed training is a great way to do it.
Speed Training for Basketball Players
The Accelerator Program at Speed Mechanics in Victoria, BC, is designed to help basketball players and other athletes achieve peak performance and reach their full potential.
Our program offers individualized training plans, quarterly performance testing, and expert guidance from our lead coaches—not just in the realm of physical training but also in nutrition and mental performance.
Click here to learn more about the Accelerator Program, or click here to book a free session now!