Training during daughters bball season

[justformomma]

Hi Cathe, My question is what type of training do you suggest for my 16 year old daughter during basketball season? Should she be concentrating on more cardio than weights? She basically is playing bball to keep her conditioned for track in the spring. She is a hurdler/sprinter. Her school is basically geared to the "football" guys, so she works out with me in the evening. She is 5' 10 and about 120 lbs. She's in great shape, but would love to get stronger in her legs. She is still growing, I know, I have to keep buying new shoes and pants, and her knees seem to ache now and then. When I look at her, I can remember the day when my thighs looked like that. She wishes her legs weren't so skinny, I laugh to myself and think, thats's exactly what I wished for at 16. Go figure, look at the legs now!! Anyway, thanks for any advice.

Christy

 

[dianet]

I am obviously not Cathe, but I thought I would throw in my 2 cents. I played basketball and volleyball in high school (albeit 10 years ago) and my coaches recommended only to maintain strength and no heavy strength training during the season. This is because if you gain too much strength, it could mess up your shooting, which is the most important during game time. During the season I would recommend doing a lot of running and sprints (since you are running up and down the court so much), as well as speed, agility and jumping drills. Core strength is also very important for all athletics, and should be strengthened year round. As for as strength training, go for more endurance or circuit type workouts with lower weight and higher reps to maintain strength. She should also not be so tired from her workouts that she cannot perform during the games.

These type of workouts will also help her perform better during the track season. However, during track season she can lift a bit heavier (since there is not as much focus on accuracy), but not so intense that her legs are too tired to run. Practicing lateral movements with agility drills is not as important with track, so just focus on running, sprinting and jumping drills.

The off season is when she should focus on gaining strength and mass with higher weight, lower rep workouts. If she has to re-adjust her shots because of the added strength, at least she will have time to practice before the season starts. Once the season starts, the key is to just maintain these gains and not gain too much strength or lose too much strength (which can equally affect her performance).

Hope this helps!

- Diane

 

[justformomma]

Diane, thank you so much for your 2 cents. What you said does make sense. I have been having her work on core work mostly. Hopefully, she'll listen to her mom and lighten her load. Thanks so much.

christy