What is a general definition of athleticism in basketball
Athleticism in basketball consists of a player’s ability to potentially improve the chances of individual or team success by primarily utilizing their physical traits against competing opposition.
What are the general components of athleticism for a basketball player
Speed
Speed as it relates to athleticism consists of a player’s ability to move swiftly from one area of the court to another area, particularly up and down the court, in the shortest amount of time as possible.
Basketball players with a high degree of speed can use it to create scoring opportunities on the offensive side of the ball or mitigate scoring opportunities from a defensive standpoint.
For example, during transition offense, an athletic point guard could use their speed to execute a one man fast break before the transition defense is able to fully react and stop the offensive attack.
Conversely, a defensive player could use their speed during transition defense to stop the ball, protect the basket, or execute a chase down block on an offensive player attempting to score at the rim by way of a layup or dunk.
Quickness
Quickness generally consists of a player’s ability to swiftly change direction, primarily going east or west, particularly with good footwork as well as their reaction time to something occurring on the court.
Offensive players can benefit from quickness when executing perimeter or low post moves and/or countering against certain defensive actions.
On the other hand, a defensive player with a decent amount of quickness, especially near perimeter areas of the court, would generally have a much easier time sliding laterally to stay in front of the offensive player that they are guarding.
Physical strength
Physical strength, in relation to athleticism generally consists of a player’s ability to apply an adequate degree of energy or withstand a sufficient amount of force.
Furthermore, a key factor of strength is stamina, also referred to as endurance, which is a player’s capability to apply an adequate degree of energy or withstand a sufficient amount of force for a certain amount of time.
Essentially, the more stamina a player has, the more likely that player will be able to apply energy or resist force over a greater period of time.
Moreover, another key component of strength is power, which is also a synonym of strength. So, the stronger a player is, the more power that player generally possesses.
In terms of on-court action, a higher degree of physical strength could help a player, mainly as it relates to various basketball skills.
For example, an offensive player in possession of the ball initially near one of the perimeter areas of the court could use their physical strength to attack the rim, which could become even more effective if that offensive player is stronger than an opposing on-ball defender.
On the other hand though, if that competing on-ball defender is stronger than the offensive player, then the defender could possibly use their strength to inhibit or totally prevent the offensive player’s attempt at dribble penetration towards the basket.
Physical strength could also be utilized by an offensive low post player to establish and hold their position near the low post block as well as back down their defender to score as close to the basket as possible.
Nevertheless, this could be implemented by the low post defender as well. That is to say, if the low post defender is stronger, then as a result, the low post offensive player could get pushed away from the low post block towards the short corner or mid-post area.
From there, if the offensive low post player gains possession of the ball near the short corner or mid-post, it could prove much more challenging to back down the stronger low post defender.
Ample strength, especially leg strength, could also potentially increase an offensive player’s long-range shooting capability. Put another way, when an offensive player is strong, particularly in their legs, this could boost that player’s three-point range.
Combine that with an offensive player who can consistently make long-range shots and the result could be problematic for the defense.
That is to say, an on-ball defender would be effectively forced to guard the deep-range offensive threat further away from the basket than preferred as opposed to playing a sagging defense on a non-shooter.
This, in turn, could generate additional scoring opportunities by opening up wider gaps to drive the ball to the rim or broader cutting lanes to the basket for off-ball teammates.
An offensive player could also utilize their physical strength to execute more accurate long distance passes such as the baseball pass, the overhead pass, or the skip pass to name a few.
Mental strength
It should be noted that although physical strength is very important for overall athleticism in basketball, there is another type of strength to consider.
This is referred to as mental strength, also known as mental toughness, which is just as essential, if not more vital than physical strength.
To give a basic definition, mental strength generally consists of a player’s mental ability to overcome adverse situations, particularly within a basketball game.
That is to say, when a player is mentally strong or mentally tough, there is typically a high likelihood that the player will be able to perform under pressure at challenging times within a game.
For example, let’s say that an offensive player in possession of the basketball gets caught by a defensive trap by two opposing defenders.
At that moment, if the player has an adequate level of mental toughness, then the player will remain calm and look to pass the ball to an open teammate.
Essentially, in that instance, since the player is effectively being double teamed by the opposition, a teammate should be open to receive the ball.
However, if passing is not available, the offensive player could attempt to call a timeout as another feasible option.
Conversely, if the offensive player’s degree of mental toughness is below average, then the offensive player might panic at the moment of the trap defense.
This could lead to the offensive player trying to dribble out of the trap, which is usually not practical, especially if the trap is set correctly.
Additionally, the offensive player may try to quickly pass the ball to a teammate who is not necessarily open, which could result in a turnover.
What’s more, a high level of mental strength also helps basketball players become better clutch performers at crucial periods of the game such as the 4th quarter or overtime, especially when the score is tied or very close between the two teams.
As an example, let’s say that Team A is down two points in the 4th quarter with only two seconds remaining in the game but a player of Team A has an opportunity to tie the game by making two free throws, which would also give Team A an opportunity to win the game in the overtime period.
From there, if the player of Team A is an above average free throw shooter and that player is mentally strong, then there is at least a decent chance of the player making both clutch free throws.
Conversely, if the player of Team A is an above average free throw shooter BUT that same player lacks enough mental toughness, then the chances of making both free throws might potentially decrease.
Basically, in the first scenario, the free throw shooter with mental strength would most likely only focus on getting the ball over the front of the rim with confidence.
In the second scenario, the free throw shooter with a lack of mental toughness would probably focus on what would happen if the free throws are not made, which could diminish confidence.
Players can also develop or improve mental strength as well as physical strength by way of various conditioning drills and exercises, which could be implemented to help overcome any impeding physical challenges or mental blocks.
Vertical jump
Vertical jump or vertical leap as it relates to athleticism generally consists of a player’s ability to jump in the air as well as the distance between the player’s feet and the ground.
Essentially, the greater the distance between the ground and the player’s feet after jumping in the air, the higher that player’s vertical jumping ability.
An adequate vertical jump is generally important for a basketball player because it could help that player grab rebounds, block shots, or finish strong at the rim, among other opportunities where a sufficient vertical leap could be beneficial or necessary.
Vertical jump is also interconnected to physical strength, especially leg strength. In other words, a player with strong legs as well as a strong core and upper body will most likely have a higher vertical jump than a player with with weaker legs, core muscles, or upper body strength.
Flexibility
Flexibility generally emphasizes muscle stretching, which could result in a player having greater fluidity in terms of movement up and down or side to side on the court.
In addition, being flexible could possibly help a player have greater coordination, particularly as it relates to executing the athletic stance, which is essential to effective offensive and defensive execution.
What’s more, flexibility could also potentially reduce a player’s chances of getting injured, especially via non-contact actions.
For example, a basketball player who is not very flexible may have a higher risk of pulling a muscle such as a hamstring from just running up and down the court when compared to another player with greater flexibility.