Caitlin Clark is set to return to the court after her prolonged injury-related hiatus to represent Team USA in the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Qualifiers, and she is taking special care of a few things to get herself in the best form.

After spending so much time away from the court, the 24-year-old knows that getting back into rhythm will take patience. On March 7, an X update from the hoops enthusiast, Kareem Copeland, revealed what exactly Clark is focusing on to be in the best possible shape.

The Fever No. 22 isn't going for practice games currently, and hence, she said, "Just trying to get my lungs in the best shape I possibly can without really playing a competitive game. So that’s kind of been my main focus. And obviously, just continuing to focus on my body and make sure I’m as healthy as possible."

So for now, her biggest point of concern is rebuilding her conditioning. And after dealing with multiple soft-tissue injuries, she further admitted that it can sometimes get into your head a little bit.

However, Clark also disclosed, "These past couple months I’ve really kind of put that behind me and really just feel confident in what I’ve been able to build and where my body’s at and more than anything where my game’s at."

Well, she might be refraining from playing practice matches currently, but she looked eager to resume that soon as well. The 24-year-old said, "A lot of live play more than anything. It’s the best way to get back into game shape.”

Given that Clark hasn’t appeared in a true live game since July 2025, her return is expected to draw a large number of eyeballs. However, she knows that she might face a significant issue after returning.

Caitlin Clark Admits She May Need Time to Shake Off the Rust

Injuries followed Caitlin Clark throughout her sophomore season with the Indiana Fever, limiting her 2025 WNBA season to just 13 games.

Moreover, while rehabbing that groin injury in August, Clark also sprained her ankle, an injury she later described as “one of the worst sprains I've dealt with.”

By December, while attending a camp with USA Basketball in Miami, Clark shared that she was back to 100% health. However, she admitted that the rust issue might trouble her a bit.

“I think it'll probably take me a second to knock a little bit of the rust off,” Clark said over Zoom. “I'll probably be a little bit nervous, which I usually don't get nervous, but that probably just will come from, you know, I haven't really played basketball in a while... But more than anything, just really excited.”

Clark also emphasized the work she has put in behind the scenes, saying, "I know how much work and how much time I put in to make sure my body's as healthy as it can be, and to get back not only to a point where I feel like I'm myself, but I feel like I'm even better than where I was at the beginning of last season."

So, how quickly do you think Caitlin Clark will regain her rhythm after her return from such a long injury layoff?

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Written by

Sauramita Debbarma

Edited by

Souvik Roy