Kristin Lage, associate athletic trainer at Texas Christian University, was particularly adamant about the benefits of stretching when it comes to older players. The biggest challenge for the recreational athlete is that they are on their own. They don't have structured stretching and warm-up time, so they have to discipline themselves. Lage advised that athletes warm up their muscles with lateral motion and sprints and then stretch. Well, not many old dogs chase cars.
Basketball is a strenuous sport and it is easy to get dehydrated.
Water is better because it is easily absorbed by the body. Avoid carbonated and caffeinated drinks. If you start getting muscle cramps, you are close to dehydration. If you have ever run into a screen or been hit in the face by an errant pass, you know all too well the dangers of losing your focus in a basketball game. While it may not seem important as stretching or hydration, concentration is an important trait for a recreational athlete to maintain.