The opponent may have superior talent available but both teams possess the same opportunities for “getting into shape.” One of the crucial coaching basketball fundamentals is ensuring that the team is fit mentally and physically.

Few players will reach peak physical condition unless expertly guided by the coach. Thus, plans for an upcoming basketball season must include proper drills and procedures for assuring maximum squad conditioning.

Mental Condition

Much of the success of a basketball team certainly depends on the overall mental condition of the team. An overwhelming desire to win, a sense of pride in conditioning, and a burning love for the game can inspire players to efforts far greater than their bodies would be able to produce otherwise.

Though physical condition must go jointly with mental condition, the importance of the proper frame of mind to overall team conditioning cannot be minimized. The body can do more physically when the beginners basketball player believes it can and desires for it to do more. The four-minute mile barrier is a superb example of what can be done when athletes recognize mentally that the body is capable of greater things.

Players must be convinced of the need for giving that extra effort and must develop the desire to give this extra effort willingly.
Mental conditioning requires more than confidence and desire to excel. It requires an attitude from each player that will contribute to the success of the team. Team play is never enhanced by petty jealousies and bickering among players. Nor does team or individual play improve when attitudes toward the coach and his criticisms are faulty. The team with high morale, genuine friendship among players and the coach, and a confidence in their ability to succeed is destined for championship play.

Physical Conditioning

One of the coaching beginner basketball fundamentals is to ensure your team knows how to keep physically fit. The body must be conditioned for exerting maximum effort throughout the long basketball season. Prime physical condition not only enables players to give their best efforts all of the time but improves their ability to perform individual and team fundamentals and reduces injuries.

Pre-practice Conditioning. A program of conditioning prior to the opening of practice sessions can be very beneficial. Activities conducted outside the gymnasium can ready the body gradually for the rigorous work in the gymnasium. The feet can gradually be toughened on a surface less hard than the gymnasium floor thereby reducing the occurrence of blisters. The outdoor surface can aid in conditioning the legs for work on the hardwood and reduce shin splints.

Activities that may be used in a pre-practice conditioning program for beginner basketball players are:

1. Calisthenics.
2. Cross-country running.
3. Speedball.
4. Volleyball.
5. Two-man Volleyball (Two players on each side. Regular volley ball rules apply.)
6. Weight training.

Preseason Conditioning. Most teams practice six weeks before their opening game. During this practice period, drills must be used to allow players to attain a top condition level prior to the opening game. Full-court running drills, pressing defensive drills, and drills incorporating quick starts and stops are excellent conditioners.

It usually is better to start out relatively light during the first
few practice sessions and progress toward harder practice sessions as the legs and feet become conditioned to the hardwood. Many coaches like to think of themselves as tough conditioners and try to “pour it on” their beginner basketball players during the first few days of practice.

If the coach is making the unfortunate mistake of inflating his ego through acquisition of the “tough” label, he well may do his players more harm than good. It is far better to postpone the harder practice sessions until players are physically ready to participate in them.

Your beginner basketball coaching fundamentals must be in place.