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Sergio DolzTRAIN
SportIntermediateFree routine

Basketball fitness foundations

Strength and low-speed movement to complement team training. The session includes preparation and supplementary low-load movements. You may split them up or shorten the session according to tolerance.

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A person practising basketball on a court. AI-generated image.
A person practising basketball on a court. AI-generated image.
Approximate duration
40 min
Level
Intermediate
Session
9 exercises
Demonstrations
9 with video

Prepare your workout

Equipment
Dumbbell, Fixed support and Clear space; Stable wall for supplementary exercises
Before you choose
Choose a variation and load you can control. Match the range to your ability.
Intensity
Keep 2–3 reps in reserve and extend rest if needed.
Warm-up
Before the session, complete one gentle round of the three listed movements. Allow about 6 minutes for preparation, transitions and rehearsing the first exercise; extend this if needed. Rehearse the first exercise with light resistance before its sets, keeping breathing comfortable.

Duration is approximate. Prepare your equipment and take the indicated rests; needing more rest can make the workout longer.

PREPARE TO MOVE

Your warm-up

Start with this gentle preparation before your working sets. The listed duration includes the warm-up.

  1. Knee-raise march

    60–90 s at a comfortable pace

    Stand in a clear area to march on the spot or move slowly forward. Raise one knee comfortably, coordinating the opposite arm. Place the foot down with control and alternate in a steady rhythm.

    What you train: Trains arm-leg coordination and balance while raising each knee.

    Watch video
  2. Supported toe raise

    1 × 5 gentle repetitions per side

    Stand beside a fixed support with both heels grounded. Lift the fronts of your feet without shifting your body back. Slowly lower until your whole feet rest on the floor.

    What you train: Strengthens the front lower-leg muscles that lift your toes while walking.

    Watch video
  3. Supported calf raise

    1 × 6 gentle repetitions

    Stand beside a firm support with weight shared between both feet. Slowly raise both heels without shifting forward. Lower with control until your whole feet are grounded.

    What you train: Strengthens the calves and trains ankle control when rising onto your toes.

    Watch video
STEP BY STEP

Your complete workout

9 exercises
  1. Supported ankle mobility

    1 × 6 each side

    How to do it
    1. Place one foot near a wall with the whole sole grounded.
    2. Move your knee forward in line with your toes, keeping the heel down.
    3. Return slowly and repeat with the other ankle.

    What it trainsTrains ankle mobility with the foot grounded.

    Rest
    Rest about 20 s between sets and when changing exercises; extend the break if needed.
    Tempo
    Slow, controlled movement
    The movement, step by step

    With your foot planted near a wall, move your knee forwards without lifting your heel. Return and repeat.

    Technique cueStay within a comfortable range; your knee need not touch the wall.

    Watch the demonstration for Supported ankle mobilityNHS University Hospitals Plymouth Physiotherapy · English · Opens a new tab
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    Technical reference from the stated source. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

    Date checked:

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Move your foot closer to the wall.
    To progress
    Move your foot slightly further away if you can keep your heel down.
    Avoid this mistake
    Forcing your ankle or rotating your foot to gain distance.
    View exercise guide
  2. Controlled lateral movement

    3 × 20 s

    How to do it
    1. Stand on level ground with clear space on both sides.
    2. Take short, controlled sideways steps without crossing your feet.
    3. Brake to a steady stop, then change direction.

    What it trainsTrains sideways movement, braking and foot placement.

    Rest
    Rest about 45 s between sets and when changing exercises; extend the break if needed.
    Tempo
    Slow, controlled movement
    The movement, step by step

    Take short sideways steps on level ground. Control your stop and change direction without crossing your feet.

    Technique cueStart slowly; increase speed only while your footwork stays controlled.

    Watch the demonstration for Controlled lateral movementExperience Life · Life Time · English · Opens a new tab
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    Start with short, slow steps; match speed to your session.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Walk sideways more slowly.
    To progress
    Increase your speed a little if you can slow down with control.
    Avoid this mistake
    Prioritising speed before controlling your stopping movement.
    View exercise guide
  3. Goblet squat

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Hold a dumbbell at your chest, feet comfortably apart.
    2. Send your hips back and bend your knees, keeping your balance.
    3. Push through both feet to stand with control.

    What it trainsStrengthens the quadriceps and glutes while your trunk supports the weight.

    Rest
    Rest about 75 s between sets and when changing exercises; extend the break if needed.
    Tempo
    Slow, controlled movement
    The movement, step by step

    Keep your feet planted and hold a dumbbell close to your chest. Bend your hips and knees with control, then push through the floor to stand.

    Technique cueKeep your knees pointing in the same direction as your toes.

    Watch the demonstration for Goblet squatNASM · English · Opens a new tab
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    Explanation in SpanishCuídatePlus · Víctor Téllez · Spanish audio; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
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    Supplementary tutorial on foot positioning, grip, lowering and breathing. For this card's dumbbell variation, also consult the main demonstration and follow your session's prescription.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Squat to a chair without added weight.
    To progress
    Add a one-second pause at the bottom before standing.
    Avoid this mistake
    Lifting your heels or dropping without control.
    View exercise guide
  4. Reverse lunge

    2 × 6 each side

    How to do it
    1. Stand with your feet comfortably apart.
    2. Step back and bend both knees to lower your pelvis with control.
    3. Push through the front foot to return; steady yourself before alternating.

    What it trainsStrengthens the glutes and quadriceps and trains balance while stepping back.

    Rest
    Rest about 60 s between sets and when changing exercises; extend the break if needed.
    Tempo
    Slow, controlled movement
    The movement, step by step

    Step backwards, bend both knees and return to your starting stance. Alternate sides, pausing in a stable position.

    Technique cueKeep the front knee following the direction of your foot.

    Watch the demonstration for Reverse lungePureGym · English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Technical reference from the stated source. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

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    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Do a supported split squat.
    To progress
    Add dumbbells while maintaining the same control.
    Avoid this mistake
    Rushing the movement or letting your knee collapse inwards.
    View exercise guide
  5. Supported calf-raise hold

    2 × 20 s

    How to do it
    1. Stand beside a firm support with weight shared between both feet.
    2. Raise both heels to a comfortable height for the prescribed hold.
    3. Breathe throughout and lower your heels slowly.

    What it trainsTrains calf endurance through a stationary heel-raise hold.

    Rest
    Rest about 45 s between sets and when changing exercises; extend the break if needed.
    Tempo
    Slow, controlled movement
    The movement, step by step

    Raise your heels with stable support and hold a comfortable position for a few seconds. Lower slowly.

    Technique cueFinish before you start losing ankle stability.

    Watch the demonstration for Supported calf-raise holdE3 Rehab Exercise Library · English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Technical reference from the stated source. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

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    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Keep both feet supported and shorten the hold.
    To progress
    Alternate placing a little more weight on each leg.
    Avoid this mistake
    Holding until you lose control of your ankle.
    View exercise guide
  6. Wall push-up

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Place your hands on the wall at chest height and step slightly back.
    2. Bend your elbows to bring your chest towards the wall, keeping your body aligned.
    3. Push away to straighten your arms and return.

    What it trainsStrengthens the chest, triceps and shoulders with less load than floor push-ups.

    Rest
    Rest about 45 s between sets and when changing exercises; extend the break if needed.
    Tempo
    Slow, controlled movement
    The movement, step by step

    Place your hands at chest height. Bend your elbows to move towards the wall, then push back to the start.

    Technique cueMove your whole body together, rather than just your head.

    Watch the demonstration for Wall push-upBESS - British Elbow & Shoulder Society · English · Opens a new tab
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    Technical reference from the stated source. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

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    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Move your feet closer to the wall.
    To progress
    Progress to a lower, fixed surface.
    Avoid this mistake
    Letting your waist sag or moving only your head forwards.
    View exercise guide
  7. Suitcase carry

    2 × 25 s each side

    How to do it
    1. Hold a dumbbell at one side in a clear space.
    2. Walk slowly with regular steps and an upright trunk.
    3. Stop with control and change hands.

    What it trainsStrengthens grip and trains the trunk to resist an uneven load while walking.

    Rest
    Rest about 45 s between sets and when changing exercises; extend the break if needed.
    Tempo
    Slow, controlled movement
    The movement, step by step

    Walk slowly through a clear area holding a dumbbell at one side. Switch hands when you finish.

    Technique cueKeep your shoulders level even though only one side carries weight.

    Watch the demonstration for Suitcase carryE3 Rehab Exercise Library · English · Opens a new tab
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    Technical reference from the stated source. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

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    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce the weight and distance.
    To progress
    Increase the time a little while maintaining a natural walking pattern.
    Avoid this mistake
    Leaning your body to compensate for the weight.
    View exercise guide
  8. Shoulder circles

    Additional exercise

    1 × 5

    How to do it
    1. Sit or stand with your arms relaxed at your sides.
    2. Make small, slow shoulder circles backwards.
    3. Reverse direction, then let your shoulders relax.

    What it trainsGently mobilises the shoulders and shoulder blades before activity.

    Rest
    Rest 30 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    Effort reserve
    RIR 3: finish with about 3 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    Sitting or standing, let your arms relax. Make small, slow circles with your shoulders backwards, then forwards.

    Technique cueKeep your head still and breathe naturally.

    Watch the demonstration for Shoulder circlesBromley Healthcare · English · Opens a new tab
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    Technical reference from the stated source. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

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    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Make smaller circles.
    To progress
    Make the circles larger only within a comfortable range of movement.
    Avoid this mistake
    Moving abruptly or tensing your neck.
    View exercise guide
  9. Unloaded hip hinge

    Additional exercise

    1 × 5

    How to do it
    1. Stand a short distance in front of a wall, facing away, knees slightly bent.
    2. Send your hips back to lightly touch the wall as you hinge forward.
    3. Push through your feet to stand without moving them.

    What it trainsTeaches hip-back movement and trunk coordination before loaded hinging.

    Rest
    Rest 30 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    Effort reserve
    RIR 3: finish with about 3 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    Stand with your back a short distance from a wall. With your knees slightly bent, push your hips back until they brush the wall, then stand upright again.

    Technique cueUse the wall as a hip reference, not a place to drop your weight.

    Watch the demonstration for Unloaded hip hingeE3 Rehab Exercise Library · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
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    Use the wall as a reference: touch it with your hips and return without dropping into it.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Move closer to the wall and reduce the range of movement.
    To progress
    Move your feet a little further away; then practise without touching the wall.
    Avoid this mistake
    Bending only your back or turning the movement into a deep squat.
    View exercise guide
FINISH THE SESSION

Finish and prepare your next step.

Finish with 3 minutes of gentle movement. Duration is approximate: extend breaks when needed and review recovery.

How to progress

First complete repetitions with good technique. In another session increase only reps, range or a small amount of load. Reduce work if recovery worsens.

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General routines for adults. If you have a health condition, an injury, are pregnant or have medical instructions, consult your professional before starting and ask for adaptations. Stop if you experience pain, dizziness or unusual breathlessness.