Basketball is a game characterised by jumping (to contest possession), and repeated short fast sprints and breaks. Thus, basketball players will utilise both aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. Players are also required to think tactically and display good technical ball skills for the duration of the game. Depending on the level of competition, players will train anywhere from one session per week to one or two sessions per day. The most noticeable physical characteristic of basketball players is their height, but they also tend to have low to medium body fat levels for speed and agility on the court.

Basketball players need to have sound nutrition strategies to enable them to perform at their peak, not only as individuals, but as a team unit. This requires good eating practices during training as well as for performance during games. Maintaining euhydration is another challenge that faces basketballers, as they tend to have high sweat rates even when playing on an air-conditioned court.

Are you playing at your best? Click here to read the fact sheet on performance nutrition for basketball