Left Arm Workout for Basketball

by Chris Blake

If you want to be a good basketball player, you will have to develop the ability to use both hands to dribble, pass and sometimes even shoot the basketball. A player that only uses one hand is much easier to stop than a player who can play on either side of the basket. Right-handed players are much more common than left-handed players, but there are many exercises that will allow you to be just as effective with either hand.

Left-Handed Shooting

The best way to develop left arm, wrist and fingertip strength is to practice using only your left arm. Starting close to the basket, practice correct shooting form with your left hand only. Use the same form as you would if you were shooting a regular shot, but do not use your right hand as a guide hand. Make five shots before taking a step back and repeating the exercise. It may feel strange, but this develops muscle tone and memory that will strengthen your left arm.

Ball Handling

Without the ability to dribble the basketball with both hands, your success as a basketball player will be limited. When practicing, dribble with your left hand only. If it helps, allow a teammate or a coach to tie your right hand behind your back so that you cannot rely on it for help. Begin with simple drills such as stationary and full-court dribbles and add exercises such as dribbling around your left leg, figure 8s, pound dribbles and inside-out dribbles.

Fingertip Strength

You may not think about fingertips when considering the muscles it takes to be a good basketball player, but your fingertips are extremely important because they allow you to control the basketball when you are dribbling, passing and shooting. Fingertip pushups, with your fingertips on the floor rather than your palms, are great for developing fingertip strength. If you are not strong enough to do these, try doing ball squeezes to strengthen your basketball muscles.

Weight Training

Strength and agility are both important for successful basketball players. Many coaches have weightlifting and conditioning programs in place for their teams. The more balanced your strength is, the better you will be on the court. Weight training allows you to achieve symmetry in your workout which can prevent one arm from becoming much more dominant than the other. Lifting weights with each arm individually will ensure that you are getting an equal workout, that both arms are getting stronger and that you aren't dominating your life with your strong arm.

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