One staple in the game of basketball and conditioning has long been the jump rope. While every tool has its place, the jump rope is a tool that I use regularly for two reasons:
• The natural rhythmic pattern of having to turn the rope and jump/bounce at the same time, there is a major coordination factor involved.
• Quick contacts with the feet force athletes to stay on the front half of their foot - thus improving the "elasticity" of the lower leg (this means quicker and more explosive!).
Here are 5 of my favorite and most effective jump rope drills: