Achilles

The Achilles tendon connects the calf to the heel and handles explosive push-off loads. Overuse tendinopathy and, less commonly, rupture affect basketball players.

Achilles Tendinopathy — Overuse

Prevention exercises

Calf Raise
Beginner · No equipment
gastrocnemius, soleus
3 × 12–20 reps, slow tempo
Eccentric Heel Drop
Intermediate · No equipment
gastrocnemius, soleus, Achilles tendon
3 × 15 slow reps per leg
Single-Leg Balance
Beginner · No equipment
peroneals, calf, ankle stabilisers
3 × 30–60 s per leg

Kevin Durant — Reported injury story
Kobe Bryant — Reported injury story