Jason Papalio: Basketball Core Strengthening & Balance Drills

The game of basketball requires athletes to have a strong core. As players move around the court, they are bumped, pushed, and must quickly react whether on offense or defense. All of these body movements demand excellent core strength. In this video, Jason Papalio, athletic recovery specialist and staff consultant for Manhattan College basketball, shares with you a core strength training program specific to the game of basketball.

Coach Papalio has worked with high school, college, and professional athletes preparing them for the rigors of a basketball season and postseason. He begins his presentation with an introduction and some background on the need for recover and strength strategies for your team. He explains how you can incorporate these into your practice sessions.

Balance and Core Strength Drills

Building and strengthening the core are the keys to developing the athleticism of any athlete, including basketball players. Coach Papalio demonstrates 15 different drills that develop balance and core strength. Simple balancing drills are an easy way to develop core strength. Papalio adds in the use of a basketball to make the drills even more demanding. Eventually, he incorporates dribbling and defensive drills emphasizing proper body position to develop both core strength and game skills.

Cool Down Stretches

After demonstrating the various drills, Coach Papalio concludes the session with an example of post-workout stretching routines and information about hydration and proper nutrition. Stretching should be done at the conclusion of every workout, practice, or game. Developing a post-practice routine can help speed up a player’s recovery while at the same time reducing soreness.

By incorporating core strength development with specific basketball skills, Coach Papalio gives you a strategy for keeping your players healthy and in the kind of shape that can get them through a demanding season. Learn how to implement programming utilizing proper body position, core strength, and ball skills with Coach Papalio’s ideas today!