
There is much debate about whether it is better to lift weights before or after playing basketball, with proponents on both sides. Some believe that lifting weights before playing basketball can negatively affect performance, while others argue that it helps to prime the neuromuscular system and improve strength. Ultimately, it depends on the individual's body and their specific training goals. For example, if an athlete is focusing on lower body strength, they might choose to lift before playing basketball, whereas if they are focusing on upper body strength, they may opt to lift after. Additionally, the time of year and competitive schedule may influence this decision, with some athletes choosing to focus on strength and conditioning during the off-season and prioritize skill development closer to competition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lifting before playing basketball | Resistance training primes the neuromuscular system; athletes have more energy and better focus; safer than lifting after practice when fatigue sets in |
| Lifting after playing basketball | Allows for extra recovery before the next competition; helps cool the body down after the intense exertion of a game; better for casual players to spend quality time improving skills without being fatigued first |
| Lifting before and after playing basketball | Players should be lifting at least 10-11 months of the year; lifting before and after practice can help improve one's jumpshot |
| Lifting on separate days from playing basketball | Lifting on separate days can help optimize playing intensity and performance; lifting minimally and focusing on recovery, stability, calisthenics, and plyometrics can improve performance |
| Upper-body lifting | Should be done after playing basketball so that fatigue from lifting does not affect shooting accuracy |
| Lower-body lifting | Can be done before playing basketball without affecting performance |
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What You'll Learn
- Resistance training before basketball primes the body for activity
- Lifting after basketball helps with recovery and cooling down
- Upper-body lifting after basketball may negatively impact shooting accuracy
- Lifting before basketball may improve focus and attention
- Lifting before basketball may be safer as fatigue hasn't yet set in

Resistance training before basketball primes the body for activity
There are differing opinions on whether basketball players should lift weights before or after practice. Some believe that lifting weights before practice may negatively affect performance, while others argue that it helps prime the body for activity.
Resistance training before basketball can help "prime" the neuromuscular system for the upcoming activity. Athletes will have more energy to lift with the appropriate intensity, and their muscles will be fresher, allowing them to maintain better form and focus. Training intensity is key to improving strength, and athletes will be more rested to include lower body and compound lifts in their pre-practice workout without affecting performance.
Additionally, performing resistance exercises before basketball practice can help improve strength throughout the season. By focusing on strength training first, athletes can take advantage of their muscles' ability to lift weights with maximum contraction. This can help prevent injuries and improve technique. The body releases stored energy called glycogen to supply fuel to working muscles, so performing strength training first ensures that the second portion of the workout does not suffer from a lack of energy.
However, it is important to consider the type of workout and the athlete's goals. For example, high-intensity plyometrics, jumps, or agility drills can be detrimental to health and performance if not properly balanced with recovery. Upper-body lifts that do not require as much back engagement can be done after basketball practice to avoid fatigue affecting shooting form.
Ultimately, the decision of when to lift weights depends on individual preferences and how an athlete's body responds. Some athletes may find that they need 48 hours to recover after lifting weights, while others, like Michael Jordan, can perform at the highest level after lifting weights before a game.
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Lifting after basketball helps with recovery and cooling down
There are differing opinions on whether it is better to lift before or after playing basketball, with some experts and athletes preferring to lift before, and others after. For those who want to be competitive elite shooters, it is recommended to lift after playing, so that you can focus on improving your skills without being fatigued from lifting.
Lifting after playing basketball has the benefit of aiding recovery and cooling down. After a basketball session, your body will be fatigued and hot from the intense exertion. Lifting weights after playing can help to cool the body down, and the extra recovery time before the next competition can help to improve performance.
Some people find that lifting weights after playing basketball helps to reinforce muscle memory. It is important to adjust your shooting mechanics as you get stronger, so getting shots up after lifting can help to keep your shot consistent.
Lifting after playing basketball can also be beneficial for those who want to stay in shape and improve conditioning. Running after lifting weights can help to improve fitness and thinness.
Additionally, lifting after playing can be safer than lifting before. When you lift weights before playing, your body is rested and you have more energy to lift with intensity. However, this can compromise your performance during the basketball session, as you will be tired from lifting and your focus and attention may be lower. Lifting after playing can help to avoid this issue, as the lifting session can be less intense, and you will not have to worry about how it will affect your performance on the court.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to lift before or after playing basketball depends on individual preferences and goals, as well as how your body responds to lifting and playing.
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Upper-body lifting after basketball may negatively impact shooting accuracy
There is an ongoing debate about whether it is better to lift weights before or after playing basketball. Some people believe that lifting weights before playing basketball can negatively affect performance, while others argue that it can help improve strength and performance. Ultimately, it depends on individual preferences and how an athlete's body responds to heavy lifting.
Several factors come into play when deciding whether to lift before or after a basketball session. One crucial consideration is the type of lifting being performed. For instance, if focusing on the lower body, some people prefer to lift before playing basketball, as it can help improve their jumping ability and overall lower body strength. On the other hand, if the focus is on the upper body, many individuals opt to lift after playing basketball, as it can otherwise negatively impact their shooting accuracy.
A study by Dimitrije Cabarkapa and others at the University of Kansas examined the effects of weightlifting before basketball practice on shooting mechanics and accuracy. The results showed that while resistance training had minimal impact on shooting accuracy, there was a temporary decrease in shooting accuracy immediately following upper-body resistance training. Specifically, 2- and 3-point shooting accuracy decreased by 11.8% and 9.9%, respectively, compared to a control condition. However, this decrease in shooting accuracy disappeared 30 minutes after completing the exercise, and changes in shooting mechanics were negligible.
The findings suggest that while upper-body lifting may temporarily affect shooting accuracy, the impact is short-lived and may not significantly affect overall performance. Nevertheless, some basketball players still prefer to perform upper-body lifting after a basketball session to avoid any potential negative impact on their shooting accuracy during practice or competition. This allows them to focus on perfecting their shooting form and technique without the added fatigue from upper-body lifting.
In conclusion, while the impact of upper-body lifting on shooting accuracy may be minimal, it is essential to consider individual preferences and performance goals. Some players may find that lifting before playing basketball helps improve their overall strength and athleticism, while others may prioritize maintaining their shooting accuracy during practice. Ultimately, the decision to lift before or after a basketball session should be based on an athlete's specific needs and goals, taking into account the potential benefits and drawbacks of each approach.
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Lifting before basketball may improve focus and attention
There are differing opinions on whether it is better to lift before or after playing basketball. Some sources suggest that lifting before playing basketball may improve focus and attention. For instance, resistance training can "prime" the neuromuscular system for the upcoming activity, and athletes will have more energy to lift with the appropriate intensity. Training intensity is key to improving strength, and it is safer to lift when rested than after practice when fatigue sets in.
Additionally, some basketball players prefer to lift before playing, as they feel it improves their overall performance. They argue that lifting weights before playing basketball can help warm up the body and improve strength, speed, and quickness.
However, others argue that lifting weights before playing basketball can lead to fatigue during the game, negatively impacting performance. The decision may depend on the individual's goals and the specific type of lifting and basketball training they are engaging in. For example, some recommend doing lower body lifts before playing basketball and upper body lifts after, as the former can improve jump performance, while the latter can affect shooting accuracy.
Ultimately, the decision to lift before or after playing basketball may depend on individual preferences, training goals, and physical responses. While lifting before playing basketball may improve focus and energy levels, it is important to consider the potential for fatigue during the game and adjust the training regimen accordingly.
Furthermore, the timing of lifting in relation to basketball practice may be less important than consistency in the long term. Regular resistance training is crucial for basketball players to maintain adequate strength levels, and short training sessions can be incorporated even when scheduling full workouts is challenging.
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Lifting before basketball may be safer as fatigue hasn't yet set in
There are differing opinions on whether it is better to lift before or after playing basketball, with some people preferring to lift before and others after. However, one of the main arguments for lifting before playing basketball is that it may be safer as the athlete hasn't yet been fatigued by playing.
Lifting weights before playing basketball can help to "prime" the neuromuscular system for the upcoming activity. Athletes will generally have more energy to lift with the appropriate intensity (weight and speed of movement) if they lift before playing. Training intensity is key to maintaining and improving strength throughout the season.
Additionally, if an athlete lifts weights before playing basketball, they will be rested, and lower body and compound lifts can be included in the workout without affecting the athlete's performance in the basketball practice that follows.
Some people also believe that lifting before playing basketball can help improve one's jump shot.
However, it is important to note that the decision of whether to lift before or after playing basketball may depend on the individual athlete's body and how they respond to heavy lifting. Some people's muscles may require 48 hours to recover after lifting weights, and some athletes may prefer to focus on improving their skills rather than fatiguing their muscles before playing.
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Frequently asked questions
There are differing opinions on this. Some people say that lifting before playing basketball will help you improve your strength and energy, while others say that lifting after will help you improve your basketball skills without fatigue getting in the way. Ultimately, it depends on your body and your goals.
According to a KU study, performing resistance exercises before playing basketball has a minimal effect on shooting accuracy. While upper-body training may decrease accuracy by 9.9% to 11.8%, this effect disappears after 30 minutes.
Lifting weights after playing basketball can be a great way to cool down your body after the intense exertion of the game. It also allows for extra recovery before your next competition.
Players should be lifting weights consistently for at least 10-11 months out of the year. Even short 15-20 minute sessions can be beneficial when you're short on time.
Some people say that it doesn't matter and that you can still improve your strength and basketball skills either way. However, others argue that lifting before can help prime your body for the upcoming activity, while lifting after may be compromised by fatigue.











































