The Perfect Basketball Warm-Up Routine

Do you have a routine to lock in your shot before practice or games? 

One of our biggest pet peeves is watching players step in the gym, grab a ball, and immediately start jacking 3 pointers and think that’s an acceptable warm up. Even the best shooters/players in the world start under the hoop and work their way out.

Every rep needs to be purposeful, focused, and fundamentally sound. There’s no substitution for reps.

A few weeks ago we asked this same question in this Instagram post  alongside our 85-make warm-up routine and the post was well loved, to say the least.

We believe the reason it resonated with our audience so well was because most players desire to have a routine warm up plan, but often don't know where to start or fail to stick with it. We all need reminders!

Check out the warm up in action below:

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The warm up list was previously one of our most engaging posts with many requesting a video of it in action...well here it is! S/O to our very own Hannah and the Dr. Dish Home machine for helping with the last 40 makes. Complete breakdown: 🏀 25 layups (Mikan drill) 🏀 10 form shots under hoop 🏀 Take big step back, repeat 🏀 10 Elbow-Elbow jumpers 🏀 10 1 dribble pull ups right 🏀 10 1 dribble pull ups left 🏀 10 FTs 85 makes later, you’re ready to start the real workout! 💯 One of the biggest mistakes players make is not warming up properly to lock in proper form and mechanics. Always work your way back! 🔥 Want to save time? Use a Dr. Dish machine to increase efficiency 🙌 In case you’re wondering...yes we’ve since replaced the net in the #DishLab 🤓 #drdish #hoops #bball #basketball #🏀 #basketballneverstops #warmup #basketballdrills #ballislife

A post shared by Dr. Dish Basketball (@drdishbball) on Mar 11, 2020 at 6:55pm PDT

Whether you are a coach, player, trainer, or parent, create the standard that anytime work is about to be put in on the court - a consistent routine is completed first! It helps set the stage for a successful session in the gym. 

Use our sample warm up as a guideline and add in drills / tweak it to your liking. Here are some other things to consider adding: 

1. Overhead ball wall taps (50 right hand, 50 left hand) 
2. Lay-ups from elbow, 5 each side (try to get to the hoop in one dribble)
3. 5 spot 2 pt shots, make 2 each spot
4. 5 spot 2 pt shots, make 2 each spot
5. Full court dribbling (right hand down and back, then left hand)

The key here is to find a routine that you feel covers the bases of the fundamentals. Follow it strictly for 3+ weeks, even referencing the list to make sure all steps are completed. After that, it will be memorized and the warm up will be a habit.

Can you imagine what doing a simple routine like this every day would do for the mind, skills, and discipline level of a player? LOTS! 

No shortcuts.