Biomechanics of Upper Extremity Movements and Injury in Basketball

Abstract

Upper extremity biomechanics in the basketball athlete are important to understand because of the frequent and skillful ball manipulation that occurs in the sport. Upper extremity injures are not as common as those to the lower extremity, but injury patterns are consistent with high contact forces. Thus, the upper extremities need to balance agility with strength and stability. This chapter will focus on global upper extremity movement demands characteristic to the sport of basketball, joint specific biomechanics during basketball-specific upper extremity movements, and biomechanical considerations of basketball-related upper extremity injuries.