Talk to any basketball player about the importance of explosive running starts and he/she will probably look at you in a peculiar manner, laugh, or do both. The manner of movement is one factor that must be taken into consideration. Basketball coaches and players are interested in the ability to explode off of "that first step". This movement determines whether the player's succeeding steps are short and explosive, resulting in numerous and sudden changes in direction (quickness), or long and powerful steps resulting maximum distance covered in the least amount of time. When playing half court the former occurs; when playing full court the latter occurs.
Basketball is unique. Its players initiate movement from static or dynamic stance positions. These players accelerate and decelerate which are aspects of speed and the only aspects utilized. Once these players decelerate, this deceleration can culminate into a static stance, a walk, or a jog. The "first step" can also be succeeded by a second step before jumping, vertically. Full extension is the key to any first and succeeding steps. Full extension comes from the full alternating rotation of the hips [backward]
Proximity is another factor that must be taken into consideration. |
