Basketball requires explosive strength, quickness, and endurance from your upper body. All of your passes, shots, blocks, and dribbles depend on core and arm strength. A proper basketball training program, combined with the right equipment, can transform your game from mediocre to unstoppable.
The Core: Center of Basketball Power
The core is not all about abs; it's the command center for all movement on the court. When you speed up, cut, or shoot, your core delivers power throughout your body.
A strong core allows you to:
-
Make quicker cuts through defenders
-
Deliver decisive passes that can't be picked off
-
Stand your ground against physical opponents
-
Shoot with consistent form even when tired
When you're giving it your all during practice, our Stainless Steel Water Bottle has you covered with no environmental downside of plastic water bottles. Its double-wall construction keeps liquids chilled through training, and the leak-proof technology guarantees it can be chucked into your gym bag without concern.
Bench Press: The Pass Master
The bench press duplicates the horizontal push of basketball passes. It is one of the best upper-body strength exercises. By strengthening your chest, shoulder, and tricep muscles, you'll be able to throw more brutal, more precise passes that cut through defences.
Training tip: Combine heavy bench press sets with medicine ball chest throws to build both strength and explosive power.
The Athlete's Guild Short Sleeve T-Shirt has moisture-wicking material that remains dry through the most brutal bench press sessions. The stretch material follows your movements, never impeding your motion during training. In team colours, it's ideal for displaying team spirit while getting the work done.
Shoulder Training for Shooting Touch
Your shooting stance begins with shoulder strength and stability. Military presses and landmine presses establish the accurate shoulder control necessary for repeatable shooting mechanics.
Our Unisex Columbia Fleece Jacket offers ideal temperature control in outdoor training sessions. It is light yet warm enough to keep your muscles from chilling between sets, which is essential for maintaining shooting accuracy and avoiding shoulder injury.
Olympic Lifts: Total-Body Power
Variations of Olympic lifts, such as power cleans and single-arm snatches, develop explosive upper body power that immediately translates to basketball movement. This way, you can elevate your game through targeted strategies.
Those high-intensity movements produce heat rapidly, which is why basketball athletes adore our Unisex Hoodie with its ease-on, ease-off function. The soft cotton-polyester blend maintains comfort without overheating, and the spacious kangaroo pocket holds your phone while monitoring workout data.
Balance Your Training: Pull Equals Push
Basketball involves countless pushing motions, which can induce muscle imbalances if not adequately addressed. To safeguard your shoulders and avoid injuries, include rowing exercises and external rotation training
-
Important pulling exercises are:
-
Inverted rows for strength in the mid-back
-
Barbell rows for power
-
Face pulls for healthy shoulders
Our Snapback Hat is not only fashionable; it keeps the sweat from trickling into your eyes during these important balancing exercises. The braced front panel and curved bill offer just enough shade for indoor court lighting, and the adjustable strap creates a personalized fit that won't move during dynamic motion.
Sample Upper Body Workout
Build strength and definition with this effective upper body workout, which targets your arms, shoulders, chest, and back.
Day 1 (Power Focus)
-
Bench press: 4 sets of 5 reps
-
Medicine ball chest throws: 3 sets of 8
-
Single-arm landmine press: 3 sets of 6 per side
-
Inverted rows: 3 sets of 10
-
Core rotation throws: 3 sets of 8 per side
Day 2 (Endurance Focus)
-
Push-up variations: 3 sets of 15
-
Dumbbell shoulder press: 3 sets of 12
-
Cable face pulls: 3 sets of 15
-
Barbell rows: 3 sets of 12
-
Plank variations: 3 sets of 45 seconds
Recovery Matters
Strength gains occur during recovery time between workouts. To keep blood flowing to recovering muscles, stay warm in our Denim Sherpa Jacket following training. Stay hydrated with our Shaker Bottles, which keep post-workout protein shakes cold for hours.

Train Like the Pros
Professional basketball players understand that proper training requires proper gear. The Athlete's Guild online training programs are crafted with the consultation of coaches and players who are aware of what works on and off the court.
Whether you're a weekend warrior or a hardcore competitor, your upper body training is worthy of equipment that performs as hard as you do. The Athlete's Guild line blends performance, toughness and style that matches your dedication to the game.
Contact us today and revolutionize your training experience. Your upper body and your basketball game will thank you.