Basketball requires a high degree of muscular and cardiovascular endurance. Running up the court, propelling passes and jumping for a shot all require the use of your entire body. Cramps are the bane of any athlete, but are especially detrimental during a high-movement game such as basketball.

If you are trying to make the cut at basketball tryouts you need to prepare both mentally and physically. By practicing the fundamentals, and coming to the tryouts in top condition, you will have the confidence to impress the coaches.

The sudden stops and jumps in a game of basketball are rough on your shock absorbers -- the knees. Soreness in the knees may be a normal side effect of enjoying a great game, but watch for the warning signs of a more serious injury before brushing off sore knees as a minor annoyance.

In basketball, the frontcourt is the half of the court on which the team with possession of the ball is attempting to score and is also known as that team’s offensive end of the court. The backcourt is the half of the court that the team with the ball advances the ball from into the frontcourt.

The practice of "getting in the zone" before a big game applies to amateurs and professionals alike. It typically refers to a state of mind where basketball is in the forefront and confidence, relaxation and preparation combine to make you a better player.

Small hands can make it difficult to grip and palm a basketball, especially if the leather is worn down, and players with small hands might find themselves losing control of the ball more while dribbling or passing. Even if you can jump high enough, small hands might keep you from dunking the ball.

To build basketball abs you need to train the abs in the same way basketball players use them. With these exercises, you'll build athletic basketball abs.

Not everyone who owns a basketball keeps an air pump of some type on hand. Possibly this is because basketballs tend to maintain inflation for long periods of time. Then, one day you retrieve the ball from a closet only to find it needs air.

A basketball player who possesses strength and power and is conditioned will have performance advantages on the court.

Although basketball is a team sport, there are a number of individual skills you can improve by practicing alone. Passing, shooting and dribbling are some of the skills you can practice anytime.

Having the proper size and type of basketball shoes is important for overall comfort and performance, but there are some steps to take before hitting the court. It can be exciting to get a pair of shiny new basketball sneakers, and breaking them in first can ensure your feet feel as good as they look.

Sharpening your ball-handling skills and dribbling fundamentals gives you a decided advantage over any defensive player. It is important to learn which type of dribble to use in a given situation.