I had the pleasure of connecting with Mr. Tommy Sheppard, the Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Washington Wizards, prior to their recent game against the Boston Celtics.  Tommy is a brilliant basketball mind and was extremely hospitable. He gave us (Stronger Team’s Blair O’Donovan was with me) a tour of the Verizon Center and introduced us to everyone.  Tommy is as classy as they get.

I was also fortunate to connect with my friend (and mentor), Coach Kevin Eastman. As he always does, Coach Eastman took time out of his rigorous schedule to sit and talk shop.

We arrived at the arena at 3:30pm (for a 7:00pm game) to make sure we caught all of the pre-game action.  True to legend, Ray Allen was the first player to take the court. I got a chance to speak with Ray for a minute – what an amazing guy – no ego whatsoever.

Ray’s pre-game shooting routine for the day consisted of making 5 shots from 5 spots (corner, wing, center, other wing, other corner) from 5 different distances (close, two steps back, mid-range, college 3, and pro 3), with 5 free throws in between each set.  For those of you keeping score at home, that’s 150 makes… in about 20-30 minutes (I didn’t actually time it).  Even though he was spot shooting, there was nothing casual about it.  He was low, had his hands up, and was ‘shot ready’ for every pass and he shot every shot at game speed.

To me, the most impressive part is the fact that Ray has been going through a similar pre-game routine for the past 15 seasons!  That is a true commitment to excellence.  Ray Allen is not an All-Start and one of the game’s all-time best shooters by accident.  He has earned it.

On the other end of the court, one of the Wizards’ assistants was working out Yi Jianlian. They worked on everything from ball handling to shooting off imaginary screens to a variety of finishes around the basket.  It was really impressive.  I got to meet Yi as well. He spoke better English than most of the kids I work with!  He was much bigger in person than I thought he would be – very broad shoulders, sturdy legs, and had humungous hands.

John Wall was soon to follow and went through a series of game speed ball handling drills (a lot of two ball drills) and mid-range jumpers off of a fast break (sprint – stop – pop).  I have known John since high school, so it was really cool to re-connect.  He is special talent and an outstanding young man.

Once these three guys were done, other players began to trickle out.  A great lesson for every youth and high school player out there is that each player in the NBA has their own pre-game routine and they are very consistent in following it.  They have each honed a routine that gets them prepared to play.

Once most of the players had taken the court, we got to spend some time with Celtics’ strength coach, Bryan Doo.  Bryan is a wealth of knowledge.  He was doing some pre-game conditioning with Kendrick Perkins and Luke Harangody.   He put them through a series of movement patterns (skips, cariocas, etc.) as well as some timed, full court conditioning. At the pro-level, players that are returning from injury or players that don’t play many minutes in games, are required to do additional conditioning to make sure they stay in tip-top shape. 

Bryan has a tremendous relationship with his players because he is wise enough to give them the professional courtesy of having some ownership of their training program.  Veteran players love to incorporate things they have done with previous teams. Bryan is a master at blending ‘their’ stuff with ‘his’ stuff.

For those of you that liked the ‘My Coach Sucks’ video (http://TinyUrl.com/MyCoachSucks), those two high school kids are back to teach another important lesson:

‘I Need Exposure’: http://TinyUrl.com/INeedExposure

If you support this message – please forward to every player and coach you know!

How you do anything is how you do everything,

Alan Stein

www.StrongerTeam.com

www.Twitter.com/AlanStein

www.Facebook.com/StrongerTeam

I have been writing a weekly blog since 2008 and work diligently to provide fresh content.  However, every once in a while, I feel it is necessary to revisit a previous post.

I originally posted ‘Vertical Jump Con Artists’ on November 4, 2008 and again on July 14, 2009. 

I decided to update it and post it one final time for 2 distinct reasons:

1. “How can I improve my vertical jump” is the most common question I receive from players of all ages and levels – even during the season
2. My opposition to these ‘con artists’ has grown in the past two years.

Please watch this video before reading: http://TinyUrl.com/VerticalJumpScams

Here is Vertical Jump Con Artists 2.0:

I am constantly bombarded with ads for vertical jump training programs, created by gurus claiming to be experts at improving a player’s explosiveness and athletic ability - all of which are selling programs, gizmos, gadgets, and even pills that promise to deliver unbelievable improvement in one’s vertical jump. 

It is my professional opinion that nearly every one of these programs is a scam. These guys are not credible performance specialists; they are simply con artists who are trying to trick honest kids out of their money.  And that is unacceptable.

As a legitimate basketball strength & conditioning coach, as well as someone who has a valid vertical jump training program (www.CanHeDunk.com), these guys give people like me a bad rep.  I don’t ever want to be mentioned in the same sentence as these hacks.

This blog is not directed at any one person or program in particular; I’m taking aim at this group of con artists as a whole and want to expose them and their fallacies.

Also note, I am not claiming these programs don’t work; you may very well increase your vertical jump. I am simply stating these programs don’t live up to their ridiculous claims and promises. You may improve your vertical jump; but you won’t gain 8-12 inches! I have not tried these programs myself; my thoughts and opinions are based purely on my vast experience in this industry.

The claims these guys make are unbelievable.  Some guarantee an increase in vertical jump of 8-12 inches in a matter of weeks. Others claim they will double your vertical jump, or better yet, get your vertical up to 40 (or even 50) inches. 

For someone to make such bold promises, they must be the best of the best, right? Then why are their “resumes” paper thin?  Most make claims to have worked with high level players, although not one recognizable player is ever named.  Most make claims they have helped hundreds or even thousands of athletes, but where is the proof?

What is their real resume? Do they even train basketball players or do they just pretend they do?

I have worked as a full time private, professional basketball strength & conditioning coach for the last 10+ years. I take offense to someone with an empty mug shot and phony resume claiming to be an expert in my field.

Why are all of their testimonials from people no one has heard of? You do not have to work with NBA players to be a quality strength coach or expert in vertical jump, but seriously, if their programs did what they claim, don’t you think just one noteworthy player would have used their services and been proud to say so? I am aware that high school athletes and members of NCAA Institutions are not allowed to endorse commercial products. But pro players can endorse whatever they want. So can coaches as well as a host of other credible professionals.  Yet no one ever endorses theseprograms.

If you think their resumes and testimonials are a hoax, you should see the claims they make regarding results – which for the record – are not possible for 99.9% of players.  A 50-inch vertical jump? An increase of 12 inches in 4 weeks? Not a chance. 

Don’t believe me? Do you actually think a 50-inch vertical is possible to attain for 99.9% of players?

I looked up the results from the NBA pre-draft combines in 2007, 2008, and 2009.  These standardized tests were administered by the NBA’s top strength & conditioning coaches, guys with real experience and educational backgrounds.  Their first test, the “No Step Vertical Jump” is measured on a Vertec device and is done with no shuffle step, no side step, no drop step and no gather step – just straight down and straight up (a true vertical jump).

• Guess how many players had a 50-inch vertical jump?  None.  Guess how many had a 40-inch vertical? None.  Not one player broke 40 inches on this particular test in those 3 years. Not even guys who are known for their hops like Michael Beasley and Derrick Rose.
• For the second test, the “Max Vertical Jump”, players were allowed to take as many steps toward the Vertec as they wanted. They were required to start within the 15’ arch and had the choice of a 1 or 2 foot takeoff. Even using this protocol, only 9 players (less than 3%) got above a 40-inch vertical, with 42 being the highest.

If college basketball superstars aren’t jumping 50 inches, how am I supposed to believe any kid off the street will be able to after following one of these programs?

One of the main reasons they trick so many kids is because they offer a money back guarantee.  As soon as you see “money back guarantee” onany type of workout product or program, you must question its credibility.  Nothing in this world is guaranteed.  Nothing. And to paraphrase Chris Farley in the movie Tommy Boy, “the only reason they have a guarantee is because they know they sold you a guaranteed piece of crap!”

I don’t offer a money back guarantee on my Can He Dunk? Program.  You know why?  If you don’t get results, it is your fault, not mine.  I know the program works; I have used versions of it with thousands of players.  I don’t make promises for results.  Some folks will make much better gains than others. All I know is that if a player does the program, they will improve. How much they improve is dependent upon their genetics, their starting level, and their effort and consistency.

Another reason I know these programs are scams is because all of their websites are identical; same layout, same color scheme, same rhetorical questions. These con artists are experts at designing sites to trick folks into buying their product.  They spend more time on their computer working on their site than they do training players!

They always come up with a catchy headline.  Then they list several problems their perfect customer has (can’t jump, no time, no money, etc.).  Then they list several benefits to dispute these problems.  Then they think of a few reasons why someone would not buy their product or program and give an “answer.” It is called, “identify problem… agitate…. solve by using their program.” It’s Infomercial 101. These guys are merely wordsmiths who prey on kids’ insecurities. They rely on the fine print to make it legal.

Don’t believe me?  Go check out the sites yourself. They start off with a letter directly to you.  Then they say something to the effect that ‘this will be the most important thing you ever read.’  Then they make several ridiculous claims. Then they sprinkle in some questionable testimonials.  Then they act like they don’t even want your business if you aren’t 100% serious or committed. Then they act like they are giving a huge discount. Then they start tacking on free stuff.  Blah, blah, blah.

The truth is your genetics dictate your ultimate potential to jump.  Muscle fiber type and CNS efficiency are two examples of traits that determine how high of a vertical jump you can attain. Not everyone can have a 40-inch vertical, in fact, most can’t.  Not everyone will be able to dunk a basketball. Not everyone has the ability to play in college, much less the NBA. This is reality.

We were all born with different abilities and potentials. Everyone can improve their vertical jump, but not everyone can achieve the results these spinsters claim. 

I don’t want to get accused of being hypocritical.  I am proud of the fact that I created the Can He Dunk? Program (www.CanHeDunk.com). The info in this program is legitimate and I make no guarantee on results.  But if a player follows the program consistently, with great effort, and is accurate and progressive, they will make gains.  

I would love to hear your feedback on this blog. Email me at Alan@StrongerTeam.com.

If you didn’t already, please watch this video and share it with every player you can: http://TinyUrl.com/VerticalJumpScams

Train hard.  Train smart. Have fun.

Alan Stein

www.StrongerTeam.com

www.Twitter.com/AlanStein

www.Facebook.com/StrongerTeam

One of my coaching mentors is Kevin Eastman.  Coach Eastman is an assistant coach with the Boston Celtics and is the Director of the Nike Basketball Skills Academies.  He is a brilliant coach and works as hard on his craft has any coach I have ever met.  He truly inspires me. 

If you aren’t familiar with Coach Eastman’s work, you need to check out www.KevinEastmanBasketball.com. You should sign up for his e-newsletter and attend his ‘Coaching U’ this July.

Coach Eastman wrote a recent blog entitled, ‘Characteristics of Great Players.’  It was a bulleted list of what the best players in the league do on a daily basis that makes them special. 

The fascinating part is – every bullet point on his list is 100% controllable! The ‘characteristics of great players’ are things that every player at every level can do. You don’t have to be Paul Pierce or Rajon Rondo to do these things.

Here is a slightly revised list of Coach Eastman’s ‘Characteristics of Great Players’: 

·         Great players have tremendous focus during the entire practice or game (‘Play Present’).

·         Great players listen with their eyes and ears whenever a coach or teammate is speaking.

·         Great players want to be coached. They crave coaching because it makes them better.

·         Great players want to work out and want to practice. They know that is when they get better.

·         Great players go just as hard in practice as they do in games.

·         Great players stick with a drill until they get it right.  They aren’t satisfied with average.

·         Great players pay attention to every detail. Everything is important.

·         Great players can’t stand lazy teammates (or coaches).

·         Great players very rarely miss practice for any reason.

·         Great players want to hear the truth – not have people ‘blow smoke.’

·         Great players hold themselves accountable for everything they do. Everything.

·         Great players hold their teammates accountable for everything they do. Everything.

·         Great players are committed to excellence in all areas – mind, body, and spirit.

·         Great players hate to lose.  They want to win every drill, every sprint, and every game.

How many players on your team does this list describe?

If this list describes you, can you use your leadership to positively influence your teammates?

If this list doesn’t describe you, you have no one to blame but yourself.

Don’t believe me? Watch this video: http://TinyUrl.com/MyCoachSucks

Train hard, train smart.

Alan Stein

www.StrongerTeam.com

www.Twitter.com/AlanStein

www.Facebook.com/StrongerTeam

www.YouTube.com/StrongerTeamDotCom

PS: I am turning 35 years old on January 20^th and am offering a 35% discount on all PDF downloads and selling DVDs for $35 each (with free shipping) at http://Shop.StrongerTeam.com!  This sale will only last for 24 hours - from 12:01am to 11:59pm on January 20th.

PSS: Actually, I have a confession to make... I went ahead and activated the sale already!!  So you can get your discount now!  But it will end at 11:59pm EST on January 20th!

I look forward to your order and appreciate your business.

If you missed the HoopHall Massacre - we were crushed on national TV (ESPN) by the #3 ranked St. Anthony’s Friars.

We got out worked, out hustled, out toughed, and crushed in every facet of the game. It was the worst loss in DeMatha Basketball history.  We couldn’t get it going on either end of the floor… nothing went right. It really was a nightmare.

There are two stats that sum up how poorly we played:

1)    We had the same number of turnovers as points (25).

2)    St. Anthony’s point guard scored 3 more point than our entire team (28-25).

No excuses from us; a pitiful performance from start to finish. We did everything in our power to prepare for this game and thought we were ready to compete – but obviously we weren’t.

But it is only one game.  It is not the end of our season, much less the end of the world.  And while this loss certainly hurts – we have to collectively put it behind us, learn from it, and use it as fuel to refocus and finish the second half of our season as well as we are capable of.

We don’t have time to pout and wallow in self pity.  We need to use this as a wake-up call and come together like a true team (family).

"Adversity is always a prerequisite to great things."

Thankfully we don’t play again until Friday, so we have all week to address our issues in practice.  Then we play 4 league games in 7 days (Friday – Sunday – Tuesday – Thursday).

How will we respond? 

Will our loss to St. Anthony’s be the hole that sinks our ship and sends us spiraling downward?

Or will we accept the challenge to start climbing the mountain again?

I have full confidence that Coach Jones and our staff will fix the issues we are having and get us back on track.

“Everything will be OK in the end. If things aren’t OK; then it isn’t the end.”

Thanks to everyone who sent messages of kind words and support.

Always learning,

Alan Stein

www.StrongerTeam.com

www.Twitter.com/AlanStein

www.Facebook.com/AlanStein

“In the game of basketball, the mental aspect is to the physical aspect as four is to one.”

Bob Knight

Affirming the following 20 statements is how you ‘get in the zone’ and maximize your performance on the basketball court:

1)   I play to play well, not to avoid mistakes.

2)   I focus on the process of my development and let the results take care of themselves.

3)   I ‘Play Present’, one play at a time, and focus on the task at hand.

4)   I act confident even when I don’t feel confident.

5)   I focus on the ‘Next Play’ after a mistake or a bad call.

6)   I use positive self-talk to coach myself through challenging situations.

7)   I focus on what I can control and let go of what I can’t control.

8)   I trust my abilities and my talents on the court at all times.

9)   I think positively toward adversity.

10)  I am not afraid to fail, I just go for it.

11)  I know that how I think will affect how I feel and what actions I take.

12)  I consistently use a pre-game mental routine to get myself focused.

13)  I visualize myself being successful during the game.

14)  I listen to (and trust) my coaches and I am a great teammate.

15)  I welcome pressure because I know I am prepared.

16)  I practice (and workout) with the same intensity and focus of a big game.

17)  I think calm and act calm when things seem chaotic.

18)  I don’t let physical fatigue cause mental fatigue.

19)  I am comfortable being uncomfortable.

20)  I learn from a loss and focus on the next game.

I adopted this list from a program called “Be a Pro: A Mental Skills Training Guide for Competitive Athletes,” which was created by my friend and colleague, Graham Betchart. 

Graham is the founder of GB Performance Coaching and is an expert at teaching players how to maximize their potential.  For more info on how he can help you or your team, email Graham@GBPerformanceCoaching.com.

If you haven’t already done so, please read my previous post, ‘Play Present.’ Click here to read: http://Blog.StrongerTeam.com/post/2011/01/12/Play-Present.aspx

Train hard, train smart.

Alan Stein

www.StrongerTeam.com

www.Twitter.com/AlanStein

www.Facebook.com/StrongerTeam

PS: I am turning 35 years old on January 20^th. I will be offering a 35% discount on all PDF downloads and will be selling DVDs for $35 each (with free shipping)!  This sale will only last for 24 hours - from 12:01am to 11:59pm on January 20th.

Visit http://Shop.StrongerTeam.com to start putting together your wish list!

To receive the special discount, you must be on our email list.  You can register at www.StrongerTeam.com/register.aspx