Training for basketball or volleyball has many similar features. Because of this, you can use some of the same exercises and training routines that are specific to volleyball for basketball, and vice versa. For example, both basketball and volleyball require the ability to jump higher. Thus, the exercises and training to improve your jump height can be the same regardless of your sport.
In addition, situations arise in both sports that require the jump to be executed very quickly. Thus, the training for quick jumps can be the same for both sports. However, for most athletes in they be necessary to spend some time learning new technique that is most suitable for quick jumps.
To be an outstanding player in volleyball or basketball, you must have the ability to execute quick movements on the court, especially a very quick first and/or second step. In volleyball, this quickness is usually needed to get to the ball to make a return, while in basketball it is needed to elude your opponent and/or keep up with him if he is capable of executing very quick movements.
Thus, the skills and physical abilities needed to execute quick movements on the court are the same in both sports and allow you to use the same type of training but with slight modifications to match the movements seen in each sport. In addition, the ability to make quick changes in direction are important in both sports, but probably more so in basketball and beach volleyball. As with quick jumps, it may also be necessary to learn the technique for better cutting actions.
Basketball and volleyball require quick arms, also known as quick hands. Note, however, that your hands can’t travel very far without the arms moving them into the position or spot needed. Thus, think more in terms of how quickly you can move the arms rather than hands. Training to do this is basically the same in both sports.
To make your training most productive, instead of thinking of training for your sport, think in terms of training to develop a particular physical quality such as the ability to jump higher, to be quicker, etc. In this way, you can zero in on the key exercises and the type of training needed to improve each of these physical qualities.
As you do this, you will see your sports performance improve greatly. In addition, you will see that your playing in either or both of these sports will improve even though you are doing the same exercises and type of training. Specific training for each of the skills involved in these sports can then be incorporated into gameplay. For more specific training guidelines, see Explosive Basketball Training and Build a Better Athlete