So we worked with athletic training expert, Jason Ellis, co-founder of Rock and Armor, to give you an exercise that you can add to your workout. Jason is a professional trainer and a former professional basketball player that has played in the NBA D-League and overseas.
And don’t forget that BAM Jam presented by Treasure Valley Ford Stores is March 21-22. Be sure to register by March 8 to get in.
Workout #2 – Developing Core Strength
The primary uses of core strength in basketball:
- Finish around the rim
- Maintain a proper defensive stance
- Offensive and defensive post play
- Rebounding through contact
- Strong foundation on screens
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Jason Ellis explains the 20-50-10 exercise and how it will help develop your core strength for basketball |
With great core strength you are going to be able to take a hit and still finish at the rim, maintain your defensive stance when you a defending on the ball, hold off your defender when you are in the post, maintain your position when you are defending the post, get more rebounds in traffic and set better screens to get you and your teammates open for better shots.
*Below is a short video that explains the exercise and gives an example of how to do it.
Exercise: 20-50-10
Phase 1 – Start with a bumper (rubber plate) at the weight of your choice. The example uses about 10 pounds. Lay flat on your back with legs straight in the air, holding the plate with your arms locked out straight.
With your arms locked straight, reach up and try and touch your toes 20 times. You want to really emphasize getting your scapulas and shoulders off the ground.
Phase 2 – Immediately move from Phase 1 to Phase 2. Transition by keeping your legs straights and moving them down nearly to the ground. Keep them about 1/2 inch off the ground. Sit up and lean back with your arms slightly bent and rotate your truck while keeping your legs straight. Rotate 50 times (25 on each side).
Phase 3 – Immediately move from Phase 2 to Phase 3. Bring your knees to the plate (fetal position) while remaining on your gluteus maximus . Extend the plate and your legs out at the same time while keeping your balance. After extending out, return to the starting position and repeat for a total of 10 reps.
The exercise should take no longer then five minutes to complete two sets with a rest in between. You should feel it in your front abdominals, side obliques and lower back.
Modifications: you can adjust the counts as you see fit. For a reduced workout you may try 10-20-6. For an increased workout increase your amounts to 30-60-20. Keep your middle count even so both sides get equal repetition.
Looking for more workouts? Click here for “Developing Lateral Quickness”
About Jason Ellis and Rock and Armor

Rock and Armor Physical Therapy and Sports Performance, LLC offers a unique approach to athletic enhancement, fitness, and healing for active individuals of all ages. We are sports enthusiasts who believe fitness and healing should be fun, and occur in open spaces free from confinement. Our 8,000 SF facility allows athletes and active individuals to rehabilitate injuries in a setting that feels more like a gym, field, or court, and less like a doctor’s office.
Contact
Phone: (208)917-2660
Email: rockandarmor@yahoo.com
535 N. Locust Grove Rd, Suite 170
Meridian, ID 83642