Piano Guidance
Photo by Luca Nardone Pexels Logo Photo: Luca Nardone

Does core help you jump?

Increase in core strength allows you to run faster, jump higher, and simply be stronger than your opponent at the end of a game. Bracing exercises such as planks, dynamic stability, kneeling with bands, and anti-rotation with bands, will help increase this area of an athlete's strength.

Who is replacing Johnny Depp in Pirates?
Who is replacing Johnny Depp in Pirates?

Dwayne Johnson Will Replace Johnny Depp in 'Pirates of the Caribbean' Film, Reports Say - Inside... Jun 2, 2022

Read More »
What is the fastest way to memorize a piano song?
What is the fastest way to memorize a piano song?

How To Memorize Piano Music Faster Play Hands Separately. Memorize Small Segments Of Music. Play With Your Eyes Closed. Focus On Harmonies And...

Read More »

7 Essential Core (Ab) Exercises & Workouts for Basketball Players

Core strength is a key component to any athlete’s development. Increase in core strength allows you to run faster, jump higher, and simply be stronger than your opponent at the end of a game. Bracing exercises such as planks, dynamic stability, kneeling with bands, and anti-rotation with bands, will help increase this area of an athlete’s strength.

Overview of Bracing and Core Strength

With all your training, you should think about how the training transfers to the court and how it helps you improve as a basketball player. The core is your midline. It is the center of everything you do. If there's an energy leak from the ground to your upper body, as it relates to what your arms are doing or what we're doing with the basketball, the energy leak will diminish your performance on the court. Your core establishes that control and that balance that you need to move quickly, to maintain position, and really influence what you do as a basketball player. Core strength is ultimately going to help you jump higher, move faster, be able to get that rebound, change directions, increase shooting range, finish through contact, and more.

Core Exercises for Basketball

Plank

You can add stability and core strength with bracing exercises like planks.

Hollow Hold

The hollow hold is another bracing exercise that gives you stability and strength.

Planks With Hip Extension And Abduction

You can address torso strength further with anti-rotation exercises as well as hip extension exercises from the same "plank" positions. From the front plank position, raise your leg -- bracing and engaging the hip at the same time. This is what's called dynamic stability. You're moving and you're stabilizing at the same time.

Side Plank With Leg Abduction

Get down in a side plank position, elbow directly under shoulder, shoulders stacked, stabilizing that position but then moving through your hip trying to maintain stability and posture. Your leg stays straight and you it move up and down.

Half-Kneeling Chop

Is Peppa Pig OK for a 5 year old?
Is Peppa Pig OK for a 5 year old?

While Peppa Pig is predominantly aimed at children aged 4 to 6 years, there is no upper age limit for who can watch Peppa Pig and it is enjoyed by...

Read More »
Who is the best piano player in the world today?
Who is the best piano player in the world today?

Lang Lang (born 1982) Lang Lang is arguably the most famous Classical musician of today and the ultimate modern Classical pianist. Oct 27, 2021

Read More »

The next exercise is from the half kneeling position. Toe is tucked, glutes are on, and ribs are down. Hold something like a band. Move the band as you brace and maintain your position. You should feel like you’re going to brace for a punch, glutes on, or even actively moving as you resist the band and maintain posture. As an athlete, you’re developing that motor control where you’re engaging muscles and simultaneously moving at the same time. This is that foundation that’s important to develop as you progress with your training.

Half-Kneeling Lift

When you are "bracing" and "resisting" any sort of movement with the exercises above -- this is what happens when you sprint, run and cut. When you run, you are resisting that rotation that the pelvis wants to do -- but you're continuing to maintain and run in a straight line. Your core strength is imperative for running and agility. All the core exercises above will help with speed, agility, change of direction, stopping, and restarting, redirecting in any sort of movement.

Basketball Core Workouts and Full Body Workouts

If you’d like a complete (step-by-step) workout plan to increase core strength, improve vertical jump, get faster, and improve overall athleticism ... follow this link to a 12 Week Athletic Development Program for Basketball Players. This program takes you through every aspect of the process step by step. Be sure to work on your core and follow a complete program that keeps your muscles balanced and mitigates the likelihood of injury. Developing a strong core is your first step toward becoming a more athletic and durable player.

What is the best tempo for trap music?
What is the best tempo for trap music?

Most trap productions fall within the 100-176 BPM range, with 140 being the sweet spot. You'll typically feel these tempos as either the main pulse...

Read More »
What is a cowboy C chord?
What is a cowboy C chord?

In other words, a cowboy chord is an open chord. This means that you don't press down the other strings but allow them to ring open instead. You...

Read More »
What age group listens to music the most?
What age group listens to music the most?

While teens tend to listen to the most music, adults who are 45+ tend to buy the most music. Music listening peaks among older teens and young...

Read More »
How many years does it take to learn piano?
How many years does it take to learn piano?

If you want to be a professional classical performer, you're looking at a minimum of 10 to 15 years of concentrated study with a master teacher,...

Read More »