Basketball fitness testing

Women's Basketball, Oct 2003 by Ramus, Laura

Testing and evaluation is an essential feedback mechanism for a basketball player. Initially the purpose of testing is to gather baseline data on general parameters such as speed, power, endurance and strength. This will help determine the athlete's strengths and weaknesses relative to the demands of basketball and assist in identifying what activities will improve her game.

After the initial assessment, testing is then used to measure progress from training period to training period or from year to year. This is a great way to maintain motivation during training.

The following three tests are good indicators of a basketball player's jumping ability, speed and agility, and endurance. Before attempting these tests, be sure to warm up and stretch out thoroughly.

Strive toward the goal of achieving a perfect score (10) on each of the tests, then work to maintain that high level of conditioning. As you improve in each conditioning category, you will become a better athlete and a better basketball player.

Rating scale and averages from "NBA POWER Conditioning," Human Kinetics, 1997.

Laura Ramus, PT, ATC, is the athletic trainer and strength and conditioning coach for the WNBA's Detroit Shock. Since 1994, she has also served as the manager of sports medicine for St. John Hospital in Detroit. For more information, log onto her Website, www.girlscanjump.com.