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Why Weighted Vests are used in Basketball Training

Why Weighted Vests are used in Basketball Training

June 13, 2024 2 min read

Using weighted vests during basketball drills is a game-changer for boosting strength, power, agility, speed, balance, and coordination. Just throw them on for exercises like jumping jacks or squats, and you’ll add extra load to your movements, making every drill more effective. Plus, they help increase endurance by giving you a tougher workout without needing to hit the gym and lift heavy weights.

A lot of pro players use weighted vests to condition key muscle groups to the extra load. Then once removed, they get a boost to their physical performance, both physically and psychologically. Imagine training in an environment with stronger gravity for prolonged periods of time and then going back to normal. It would be like playing basketball on the moon!


Basketball coaches can get the most out of this gear by having players wear them during practice drills like sprints or suicides. This makes the drills tougher but also leads to better results because the players' muscles work harder. Also, adding weighted vest exercises into warmups before games can seriously up game performance, as it pushes athletes to go beyond their usual limits and keeps them ready for tipoff.

Using weighted vests into training can help basketball players improve speed, agility, strength, and endurance. With the right training regimen, this gear can take their game to the next level. And it’s not just for basketball – in the next section, we’ll see how runners can also benefit from the added challenge of weighted apparel to build muscle power and stamina. This is why pro players like Lebron James, Russell Westbrook and Stephen Curry have been spotted regularly using weighted vests in training.

The Benefits of Weighted Vests for Basketball Players

Increased Strength and Power: Wearing a weighted vest adds extra resistance to your movements, helping to build muscle strength and power. This can translate to better performance on the court, especially in areas like jumping, sprinting, and overall explosiveness.

Enhanced Endurance: Training with additional weight challenges your cardiovascular system more than regular training. Over time, this can improve your stamina, allowing you to perform at a high level for longer periods during games.

Improved Speed and Agility: By adding resistance, a weighted vest can help improve your speed and agility. When you take the vest off, you'll feel lighter and quicker, which can give you an edge during fast breaks and defensive manoeuvres.

Better Balance and Stability: The added weight forces your body to work harder to maintain balance and stability. This can enhance your ability to stay controlled during quick changes of direction and physical contact on the court.

Increased Vertical Jump: Training with a weighted vest can help increase your vertical jump by strengthening the muscles involved in jumping. This is crucial for rebounding, shot-blocking, and dunking.

Enhanced Core Strength: Wearing a weighted vest engages your core muscles more than regular training, leading to better core strength and stability. A strong core is essential for almost every movement in basketball, from shooting to defending.

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