To study the effects on alcoholics of improved physical fitness, 25 alcoholics resident in the Senogawa Mental Hospital, Hoirshima, Japan, for at least 6 mo. participated 3 times a week in 1 h of basketball in a hospital courtyard. All but 5 patients were aged 31-45. Each patient''s basic physical strength was examined at least 3 times at 2 mo. intervals, each examination covering a variety of measures of physical characteristics and skills. A factor analysis of 17 of the measures yielded 4 factors accounting for at least 70% of the variance at each examination: instantaneous and coordinated movement; somatotype 1 (degree of obesity); somatotype 2 (dimensionality); and muscular strength. The basketball therapy was associated with a noticeable improvement in physical condition, particularly coordination. The patients'' physical strength and agility increased and their neurological disturbances were alleviated.