Ankle health is crucial for basketball players, as the sport places a significant amount of stress on the ankles due to the constant jumping, cutting, and pivoting movements. A strong and stable ankle can not only improve performance but also prevent injury.

To strengthen the ankles, it is important to perform exercises that target the muscles that support the joint. Some examples include:

Ankle Dorsiflexion: Sit on the floor with your legs out in front of you. Loop a resistance band around your foot and hold the ends of the band in your hands. Slowly raise your foot towards your shin as far as you can without lifting your heel off the ground. Hold for a few seconds and then slowly release. Repeat for several repetitions on both feet.

Ankle Inversion/Eversion: Sit on the floor with your legs out in front of you. Loop a resistance band around both feet and hold the ends of the band in your hands. Slowly turn your feet inwards, then outwards against the resistance of the band. Repeat for several repetitions on both feet.

Calf Raises: Stand on the edge of a step with your heels hanging off. Rise up onto your toes, then lower yourself back down with control. Repeat for several repetitions.

In addition to exercises that target the muscles that support the joint, yoga poses can help improve mobility in the ankles and prevent injuries. Some yoga poses that help to strengthen and improve ankle mobility include:

Downward-Facing Dog: Start on your hands and knees. Push your hips back and lift your knees off the ground, coming into an inverted ?V? shape. Spread your fingers wide and press into the ground to lengthen through the spine. Relax your head and neck.

Mountain Pose: Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart. Press through the balls of your feet and engage your thigh muscles to lift your kneecaps. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your gaze forward.

Warrior II: Step one foot forward, bending your front knee and keeping your back leg straight. Bring your arms out to the sides, parallel to the ground, one in front and one behind you. Turn your gaze over your front hand.

It's important to remember that, when performing exercises and yoga poses, proper form is key to avoiding injury and reaping the full benefits. Take your time to master the proper form of each exercise, and be sure to listen to your body and only perform exercises and poses within your current ability level. As you progress, you can gradually increase the intensity and duration of your exercises.