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Offseason preparation isn't the same for all NBA players, as each player has his own unique set of goals to pursue. Of course, there are some common threads. Here's a look at a typical plan we create and execute for any player who walks into our gym, while keeping in mind there are different variables in teaching 5-foot-9 point guards from Texas and 7-6 centers from Brazil.
Some guys come to us in June either for a summer league tuneup or (for older veterans) just a crash course in something new they want to work on over the next few months. For students heading to summer league, we spend approximately three hours a day on the court, five days a week (plus two hours on the court every Saturday) working on athleticism, having a "tighter" handle, being more consistent in all aspects of shooting, and developing finishing moves (whether it be in the post or off a drive). Extra attention is always given to off-hand finishes while jumping off the weaker leg.
Probably more important is the time spent teaching the overall game; the big theme is making reads on ball screens or pinch-post action. But it's also important for players to learn how to read defenses and how to look for the shot-blockers before getting into a dribble-drive mode.
This summer our students spent more time working on defending and contesting shots of drivers and shooters, as well as being more aware of help responsibilities when their opponents are running ball screens. As we've always taught, quickness can be developed through better anticipatory skills more than through something physical. Ideally, students will come away from the workouts and show up for their first practice with their summer team in great shape and feeling genuinely confident about their game. If they fail to show up with that mindset, the failure is mine.
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In the age of Synergy Sports and the NBA Pass, what works for some in November may not work again in January. The smarter player evolves, while the others die out. We end each session by putting our hands in, counting to three and chanting "Be a Pro!" Because doing all of the above, as well as eating right and getting lots of rest, is exactly how a player becomes a pro.
Some guys come to us in June either for a summer league tuneup or (for older veterans) just a crash course in something new they want to work on over the next few months. For students heading to summer league, we spend approximately three hours a day on the court, five days a week (plus two hours on the court every Saturday) working on athleticism, having a "tighter" handle, being more consistent in all aspects of shooting, and developing finishing moves (whether it be in the post or off a drive). Extra attention is always given to off-hand finishes while jumping off the weaker leg.
Probably more important is the time spent teaching the overall game; the big theme is making reads on ball screens or pinch-post action. But it's also important for players to learn how to read defenses and how to look for the shot-blockers before getting into a dribble-drive mode.
This summer our students spent more time working on defending and contesting shots of drivers and shooters, as well as being more aware of help responsibilities when their opponents are running ball screens. As we've always taught, quickness can be developed through better anticipatory skills more than through something physical. Ideally, students will come away from the workouts and show up for their first practice with their summer team in great shape and feeling genuinely confident about their game. If they fail to show up with that mindset, the failure is mine.
----
In the age of Synergy Sports and the NBA Pass, what works for some in November may not work again in January. The smarter player evolves, while the others die out. We end each session by putting our hands in, counting to three and chanting "Be a Pro!" Because doing all of the above, as well as eating right and getting lots of rest, is exactly how a player becomes a pro.
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