Biomechanics is a discipline that studies and analyzes the physical movements of the human body, whether walking, running, or performing any action involving displacement. This observation provides valuable data on how the body moves during certain tasks. “In biomechanics applied to basketball movements, coaches and players can optimize their performance while minimizing the risk of injuries,” explains Francesco Cuzzolin, director of the Performance area of Olimpia Milan. “Biomechanical analysis can identify areas of potential injury risk.”
Francesco Cuzzolin is an institution in physical preparation in Italy. In the past, he has worked with Benetton Treviso, Virtus Bologna, the Russian and Italian national teams, and with the NBA’s Toronto Raptors. Since 2021, he has led a team of six people at Olimpia Milano, including fitness coaches, physiotherapists, and an osteopath. Together, they are responsible for preparing one of the most important basketball teams in their country.
Cuzzolin will be one of the 14 speakers at the III edition of EPIC (ELPA Performance International Congress), the Congress that the EuroLeague Players Association is organizing on May 10 at the Tecnocampus in Mataró, affiliated with Pompeu Fabra University. The title is very clear: ‘Biomechanics and injury prevention in basketball’ and will pivot on how movement patterns are related to the most frequent injuries in this sport. “Understanding the forces involved in jump landings can prevent injuries by teaching athletes how to safely land and absorb impacts” he assures. “By integrating biomechanics into basketball training programs, we can help athletes reach their maximum potential on the court safely for longer.”
The Congress is open to health and sports professionals in general, and basketball in particular.. Other speakers at the May 10 event include the Head of Medical Services of the EuroLeague, Dr. Ignacio Muro; former fitness coach of the Gasol brothers, the Spanish national team, and FC Barcelona, Toni Caparrós; or head of medical services at Efes Istanbul, Ugur Dilicikik; as well as other renowned nutritionists, physiotherapists, psychologists, and recovery specialists. EPIC is supported and collaborated with by the Catalan Basketball Federation, FC Barcelona, the Spanish Association of Basketball Doctors, or the Catalan Coaches Association, among others. Registrations are already open.
