Eight-week Athletic Development Programme launched ahead of 2020/21 season

Basketball England is pleased to announce the launch of an eight-week strength and conditioning programme for players, as part of the Return To Play guidance and roadmap. 

In response to BE members and the wider basketball community being restricted by the Government’s COVID-19 guidelines, the organisation’s Sports Science and Medicine Team have put together an Athletic Development Programme for players to prepare for the 2020/21 season. 

We advise all members to complete the programme once a seasonal start date has been confirmed as  it will allow the body to adapt to the rigours of the sport and aims to reduce the risk of injury once pre-season begins.   

The programme has been collated by Mark Williams and Mike Carolan (UKSCA Strength and Conditioning Coaches), along with input from other experts.   

It has two phases, both with the aim of improving athletic ability. 

• For the U12-U18 age group, a number of small tests have been devised for players to complete in order that BE can increase knowledge on training with younger athletes.   

• There is a separate programme for U10s.   

Andy Howse, Basketball England's Head of Physiotherapy and Sport Science, said:  

“The programme is unprecedented in Basketball England history and I hope that members find it both engaging, fun and ultimately of great benefit for when basketball resumes.  

“As a secondary impact, through the research that is taking place, we will be able to understand more how a programme like this will impact our younger players and this may shape how we see the off season in the future.” 

Mark Williams said: 

"This programme has been designed with the well-being and development of young players as its focus. 

"Through the combination of hands-on experience and sports science research to produce its contents, this program will provide players with important foundations upon which basketball performance can be developed as well as contributing to lifelong physical literacy. " 

Mike Carolan added: 

"The world has changed in recent times and this programme and the testing is in response to modern day challenges that will allow us to continue to support players and coaching staff in their athletic development and will allow us to help shape the next generation of medal winners and the philosophies of basketball in the UK." 

We hope all members of the basketball family will find the programme engaging and ultimately boost the performances of all basketball players.   

The programme has full video explanations of all exercises that are to be completed and step-by-step guidance throughout enabling ease of use. 

 

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