One of the most dreaded things during the basketball season is the infamous 16 lines. It raises the question: What does this drill do they do to improve the game?
The objective of the drill is to run up and down the width of the court 16 times in a minute. However, there is a punishment for the lines that aren’t completed. Individually, each line that isn’t run is counted up at the end. During practice, players have to run one down-and-back fast break play to account for each line that they didn’t complete. The average amount of lines they have to make up is around 10-12 at the beginning of the season, but that number is typically cut down toward the end of the season.
Coach Knauf stated, “It’s a reachable goal. It helps with quickness, and it’s only hard running for a minute. Also, it’s competitive because it’s a team and individual goal.” Additionally, senior Olivia Good states, “I think they have made me faster going up and down the court throughout the past two years. It’s not always the most fun start to practice, but I feel like it gets us ready for what’s to come. Another benefit I, as well as the rest of my team, get from running 16 lines every day is the increase in our agility by being able to stop and go at a rapid pace. My personal record happened last year and I got 15 lines.”
Good talked about the dynamic in the gym during the lines saying, “When 3:10 hits, we’re on the line. I feel like since we all know it’s coming we aren’t nervous about it, but some people dread it because they do know it’s coming.”
Unfortunately for the basketball team, 16 lines doesn’t seem to be going away soon. According to World Record Camps, sprints improve speed, stamina, and athleticism, as well as prevent muscle injuries. This will enhance the team as well as an athlete’s health. A few minutes of pain will equate to a higher level of play.
Just remember, when a coach says to “hit the line,” embrace the benefit rather than the pain.
