Dr. Drew breaks down a number of mobility and flexibility tests that are critical for basketball players. Not able to fully pass the test or complete the movement? He then dissects and discusses exercises to help increase your range of motion and mobility in these areas of the body, to put you in the best position to perform at your best!
Dr. Drew breaks down a number of mobility and flexibility tests that are critical for basketball players. Not able to fully pass the test or complete the movement? He then dissects and discusses exercises to help increase your range of motion and mobility in these areas of the body, to put you in the best position to perform at your best!
RAISE THE BAR WITH US
MOBILITY & FLEXIBILITY TESTS
OVERHEAD
Being able to reach overhead optimally may give you an advantage with playing defense and grabbing rebounds over your opponent.
Being able to reach overhead optimally may give you an advantage with playing defense and grabbing rebounds over your opponent.
SHOULDER
Keeping the ball away from defenders is important. Increased shoulder mobility can allow you to control the ball with ease and decreased stiffness while playing.
Keeping the ball away from defenders is important. Increased shoulder mobility can allow you to control the ball with ease and decreased stiffness while playing.
UPPER BACK
The mid back is an important area to focus on in regards to basketball. Your trunk will help you navigate different positions throughout the game both on offense and defense. Make an effort to increase your mobility in this region for optimal movement on the court.
ANKLE
Having good ankle mobility will give you the opportunity to improve your capacity to launch yourself while sprinting and cutting, on and off the court. Creating a solid foundation at the ankle is great for sprinting and cutting.
HAMSTRING & BACK
Our trunk is where our motion starts. Make sure you have the tolerance to bend and reach. Think about reaching to grab the ball from the floor or getting into a defensive stance position.
Our trunk is where our motion starts. Make sure you have the tolerance to bend and reach. Think about reaching to grab the ball from the floor or getting into a defensive stance position.
HAMSTRING
Open up your posterior chain by addressing your hamstring flexibility. Improvement in this area along with other items may help reduce risk of a hamstring injury.
Open up your posterior chain by addressing your hamstring flexibility. Improvement in this area along with other items may help reduce risk of a hamstring injury.
HIP ROTATION
Being able to cut side to side, staying in front of the ball handler and creating space to get a shot up are all movements you will need to be able to do on the court. Optimal rotation of the hips is critical.
GROIN
Moving side to side places a great demand on your inner thigh/groin therefore you should look to increase your mobility to improve your ability to move side to side.
QUADS
Knee injuries are common in basketball so maintaining mobility at your quads is a great way to potentially limit those aches and pains that pop up at your knees.
Dr. Drew provides further exercises and moves to help protect your feet and ankles!
STRENGTH
POWER
ABSORPTION
MOBILITY
WHEN SHOULD I SEND MY ATHLETE TO PHYSICAL THERAPY?
Working hand in hand with your Athletic Trainers, parents and coaches should consider consulting a physical therapist for their youth athlete when the individual is experiencing pain, swelling, or decreased/painful movement. All of these items can then lead to a decrease in normal ability to perform daily activities or sport participation. Not only do PTs treat injury but they are movement specialists and can help determine areas of your body that may be limiting your performance. Here are some instances to consider consulting a PT:
- A new injury that occurred during an activity, often a sprain or strain
- A pain that has developed over time with no specific incident and causes discomfort during or after activity
- A constant reoccurrence of a minor injury that only slightly limits participation (ie. reoccurring ankle sprains)
- Concussion or head injury with lingering symptoms
- Post-operative care
- Inability to feel recovered after a series of practices or games
- Flexibility limiting every day activities or performance
- Seeking a movement assessment to learn areas of limitation that may contribute to future injury
Athletic trainers and physical therapists have similar roles in regard to management and treatment of sport injuries. Both physical therapists and athletic trainers work to prevent, evaluate, and rehabilitate injuries, working together, along with Strength & Conditioning staff, to ensure a safe return 2 play.
Check out these free resources and educational material from ACL Programs and Concussion Care, to Female Health and other Sport Specific Videos. More content is being produced as we speak!
BE READY 2 PERFORM!
Rehab 2 Perform is a Fitness Focused Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab Company 8 locations in the DMV.
Through an Evidence Based and Modern Approach to Physical Therapy, R2P serves the Active Adult, Competitive Athlete, and those looking to be more Active by focusing on movement, functionality, and not necessarily on pain. We will have you Ready 2 Perform!
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