Basketball Warm Ups

As basketball is a sport which requires a lot of running and jumping. Before players start playing basketball, a 15 to 20 minutes warm up is necessary to avoid the possibility of injury. Basketball is an intense physical game, which has a high risk of injury. Basketball warm ups ensure preparation of the body for the grueling sweaty physical sport ahead and stretches the muscles of the body.

Basketball Warm Up Drills

Warm up should always be gradual. A warm up session should start with general low intensity activities and gradually move on to more intense activities.

Carolina Drill
It is an excellent drill to help players work on their right and left-handed lay ups, jump stop and timing. Two lines of players are formed under one basket. The lines face the opposite basket. Player 1 will be on the left side and player 2 will be on the right. The distance between the players should be 10 - 15 feet apart. Player 1 starts dribbling the basketball down to the court to the opposite free throw line. Player 2 runs to the side of the basket. Player 1 comes to a 2 foot jump stop at the elbow and makes a bounce pass to player 2 who is ready in the lane to shoot. Ensure that player 1 uses his left hand, as this will make him comfortable using both hands.

3 on 2 Drill
Five players spread out on service line in the following pattern. Players will be under the basket with the ball. Players 2 and 3 will be positioned just outside the lane on the left and right side. Players 4 and 5 will be just inside the corner on left and right side. On coach's whistle, all players will sprint to half court as players 1 will dribble the ball. On reaching half court, the players will run towards the basket. At this time players 1, 4 and 5 will try to score a basket and players 2 and 3 will prevent a score.

Basketball Tag
This a fun drill that players will enjoy. Players will be positioned in an assigned area on the court. Each player should have a basketball. Players should dribble their ball throughout the assigned area. While they are dribbling their balls they will try to whack their teammates ball away from them and out of the area. The players should also prevent their ball from getting knocked away. Always take care that players are using both their hands to dribble.

Basketball Warm Ups for Youth

Getting a nice warm up is essential before entering this highly charged game.

Jogging
Jog slowly around the gym for 5 minutes, just to raise your temperature up a bit. Jog until you break a slight sweat. Low intensity aerobic activity such as running around the court and even cycling are excellent examples for basketball warm ups for kids.

Skipping
Skipping helps you develop the bouncing skills you require in this high flying game. It is an important basketball warm up, don't give it a thought, just do it.

Leg Swings
Stand near a wall, place one hand on a wall for balance. Allow one leg to swing forward and back. Start with small swings and gradually work to larger swings, allowing the foot to rise higher each time. Perform 10 to 12 swings and then switch legs.

Dribbling
Control your dribbling, speed it up and then slow it down and then again control it with a defensive slider going all up the floor and back again.

Pivots
Get three players in a line. The first player dribbles a few hard dribbles and stops suddenly and passes the ball to the next player in line. This passing phase charges up the players and increases concentration levels which is very necessary in the game of basketball.

Always do a warm up session before playing any sport to avoid unwanted injuries. If you play basketball, perform these basketball warm ups to give strength and agility to your body.