5-Phase Dynamic Warm-Up to Improve Basketball Performance
This article will feature 5 different phases of a dynamic warm up that should be incorporated into a successful warm up for basketball. The dynamic warm up will be broken up into dynamic mobility, glute activation, core activation, agility activation and plyometric activation. Each of these 5 phases play a dynamic role in improving basketball performance.
1) Dynamic Mobility
Research has shown that dynamic flexibility, also known as mobility training, compared to static stretching can improve sprinting speed, agility, vertical jump, and dynamic range of motion while reducing your risk for injury.
In this Dynamic phase of the warm up we begin by performing a walking lunge with rotation. Begin at the baseline and perform a forward lunge and rotate towards the front leg then repeat on both sides. These bilateral rotations help improve relative hip internal/external rotation.
The second mobility exercise is the walking lunge with extension and side bend. While performing a lunge raise the basketball overhead and towards the stance leg. The extension and side bend are utilized to increase the dynamic stretch for the back leg’s hip flexor.
The last mobility exercise is the inchworm to world’s greatest stretch. Key point when performing this dynamic mobility exercise are to maintain a neutral spine while reaching out with the basketball for a dynamic hamstring stretch and following your hands with your eyes as you rotate your arm away from your body as you perform the world’s greatest stretch.
Parameters
We recommend performing at least 4 repetitions on each side or beginning at the baseline and reaching up to at least the 3 point arc.
2) Glute Activation
A proper glute activation warm-up will improve the glute to act as the primary hip extensors as opposed to the hamstrings. Activating the glutes will decrease dynamic knee valgus, foot pronation, femoral/tibial internal rotation and contralateral pelvic drop.
The first glute activation exercise is the multi-directional jab steps. Place two bands one at the ankle or forefoot and the other above the knees. Perform a jab step as quickly as possible and slowly return back to position to stress the glute eccentrically.
The second glute activation exercise is the fire hydrant while dribbling. While maintaining the two bands balance on one foot while extending, abducting and externally rotate your opposite hip while maintaining a neutral spine.
Parameters
Perform all 5 directions twice on each leg for the multi-directional jab step. For the fire hydrant dribbles we recommend performing for 10 seconds on each leg for 3 rounds.
3) Core Activation
The function of the core is to provide stability while moving your extremities (arms/legs). In this core activation warm up we will focus on anti-rotation core stability.
The first core exercise is the pallof press with rotation. Beginning in an athletic position walk out towards the free throw line while resisting the rotational pull from the band. Upon reaching the free throw line push the ball out to increase the moment arm and add a rotation component while maintaining a neutral spine.
The second core exercise is a dynamic progression of the pallof press. You begin in the same position as described above; however, take a step and pivot to initiate a pass.
Parameters
Perform 5 repetitions on each side.
4) Agility Activation
This agility warm up emphasizes movements and tasks that are performed when playing basketball.
Beginning on the baseline sprint to the free throw line, back pedal to baseline, sprint to the volleyball line, back pedal to the baseline, and finish off by sprinting to half court and back.
The second agility exercise is defensive slides in the key to mimic the defensive aspect of the basketball game. Begin in the middle of the key and perform defensive slides to each side of the key. Perform 2 rounds of 15 seconds.
The last agility exercise is going into chop steps into a defensive slide. Starting on the baseline, sprint to the free throw line and perform chop steps into defensive slides. Perform one repetition onto each side.
5) Plyometric Activation
In the plyometric phase of the basketball warm up we will focus on introducing proper knee stability and a hip strategy to improve shock absorption during jumping to help control the dynamic valgus seen during the landing phase of jumping.
We will go through two jumping drills which include single leg jump to double leg landing, and single leg hop to single leg landing. The key points for the landing are to bend the hips when landing, land softly and stick landing by stabilizing the position.
We will also perform two variations of hoping to improve single leg stability. Perform the in and out hoping with dribbling by hopping with one foot in and out on the half court line while dribbling. Perform lateral hops with dribbling by hopping with one foot side to side on the half court line while dribbling.
Parameters
Perform 1 round of this exercise from one side of the half court line to the other.
Sources:
Cervantes J Samuel and Snyder R Alison. The effectiveness of a dynamic warm up in improving performance in college athletes. 2011
McCormick, T Brian. Task Complexity and jump landings in injury prevention for basketball players. 2012.
Reiman P Michael et al. A literature review of studies evaluating glutes maximus and gluteus medius activation during rehabilitation exercises. 2012.
All the workouts you’ll need to get your body on par with your skills: The Complete Off-Court Athletic P rogram covers every off-court training aspect of basketball .This looks like a great addition to a dynamic warm – up, especially the hip flexor stretch. I’ll be trying these out before my next workout.