7 Yoga Poses for Basketball Players
Playing basketball requires a lot of jumping, great hand-eye coordination and a high endurance for running up and down the court.
All of that repetitive jumping, twisting and running motion takes its toll on the body; tight hamstrings, sore hip flexors, backaches and shoulder tightness, creaky knees and tight Achilles tendons. These are all common ailments of basketball players young and old. To keep a basketball player from sitting on the bench due to an injury, yoga can be a huge asset.
Yoga is good for stretching, strengthening and increased mobility of the muscles, but it's also great for breath control and spatial awareness; all traits that a basketball player needs.
These seven yoga poses are great for basketball players of any age. Perform each pose barefoot to help strengthen and stretch the toes, foot arches and ankles. Hold each pose for 30-60 seconds and repeat three times most days of the week.
All of that repetitive jumping, twisting and running motion takes its toll on the body; tight hamstrings, sore hip flexors, backaches and shoulder tightness, creaky knees and tight Achilles tendons. These are all common ailments of basketball players young and old. To keep a basketball player from sitting on the bench due to an injury, yoga can be a huge asset.
Yoga is good for stretching, strengthening and increased mobility of the muscles, but it's also great for breath control and spatial awareness; all traits that a basketball player needs.
These seven yoga poses are great for basketball players of any age. Perform each pose barefoot to help strengthen and stretch the toes, foot arches and ankles. Hold each pose for 30-60 seconds and repeat three times most days of the week.
How to do it: Standing tall, fold forward with a straight back. Tuck your chin in toward your chest, relax your shoulders and extend the crown of the head toward the floor to create a long spine, straightening your legs as much as possible. Place your hands on the ground or grasp opposite elbows for a Rag Doll position.
Why it's good: Relieves tension in shoulders and upper back and stretches hamstrings.
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