Solent Suns Coaches's Blog

Are we tough enough? November 20, 2011

I’ve been doing some reading and research on what we can do to help our players to achieve their physical potential and

mental potential to play the game with confidence, play at a modern tempo and play with creativity, whilst having [serious] fun.

Here are some interesting stats based on the performances of elite basketball athletes (extract from Areas of Emphasis, British Basketball  T16 Coach Guidance manual): -

Below are some facts obtained form of research completed on the fitness required for basketball. They may help re-emphasise fitness and offer food for thought when planning a training session:

On average an elite player covers 7558m in a game, 23% at high intensity

• On average an elite player covers distances of up to 114m per min
• 22% of total distance covered is sideways movement
• Percentage Heart Rate – players spent 19% of game time at >95% maxHR and 74% of game time at >85% maxHR
• It has been speculated that the percentage time spent in high intensity is correlated with performance
• Work to rest ratio is 1:3.6 (e.g. 6 seconds high to moderate intensity = 22 sec relative rest – low intensity) This relies on working a lot in the explosive anaerobic system, a system that does not use oxygen therefore only last for up to 8 to 10 seconds
• Appropriate cardiovascular fitness can reduce injury rates and specifically knee injury and ankle sprains
• Simple 5 minute progressive balance routine in warm up can lead to reducing ankle injury rates by up to half. Suggesting a possible increase in players available to train.

Our aim will be to make sure our athletes have every possible advantage to help achieve their athletic and basketball potential, but this will not be down to coaches alone.  Players, parents and schools/colleges must all play their part in providing opportunity for players to get in basketball shape.

Over the next few weeks the coaches will introduce some changes to warms-ups and cools downs to assist in this process.  We’re alway available to discuss how we can support those players who want to improve their physical condition, so please do not hesitate to ask.