This will be my last blog of the summer.

 

Why?

 

I am exhausted.

 

I am mentally and physically worn-out. I have been going non-stop since late March and I need some time to rest, recover, and re-energize.  In the past 4 months, I have worked a clinic or camp in 21 different cities, 16 different states, and hosted events for coaches & players from Canada, Brazil, Senegal, Egypt, Russia, and Mozambique. I have been on more planes, trains, and automobiles than John Candy and Steve Martin. 

 

Not only that, but my wife and I welcomed our twin sons, Luke and Jack, into the world in late March as well.  For those of you with children, I don’t need to elaborate on how grueling (yet unbelievably rewarding) the first few months of parenting are. And we have twins!

 

Don’t get me wrong, I am not complaining. These past 4 months have been the most rewarding of my career. I would do it all again in a heartbeat. I am eternally grateful to have had so many amazing opportunities and experiences.  But nonetheless, I am dog-tired.

 

With pre-season right around the corner, I need to start preparing. I owe it to myself, and to everyone I work with, to be able to give my best effort in everything I do. And I owe it to my wonderful wife and sons, to spend some time at home.

 

In order to be at my best this pre-season, I need to rest the month of August.  My blog will be back, better than ever, after Labor Day.

 

With that said, I am not the only one who needs to rest. Most players have been going just as hard as I have with individual workouts, AAU tournaments, summer league games, and elite camps. I know of several players who haven’t slept in their bed at home for more than a dozen times the entire summer!

 

With such a rigorous schedule, your body is banged up, fatigued, and broken down. You need to get in some quality active rest between now and when school starts.  Honestly, scheduling an adequate period of active rest may be the most important thing you do all summer.

 

You need to get away from the game, mentally and physically, to re-charge your battery and be refreshed and ready to start the school year and your team’s pre-season workouts.

 

I recommend you take anywhere from a few days, to two full weeks, and do nothing physically active except for the 5 recovery exercises listed below.  You need to evaluate your current state.  If your summer wasn’t too exhausting, then take a few days off.  If your summer was packed tighter than an airplane bathroom… then you should probably take an entire week or two off.

 

And when I say “off”… I mean off. That means no lifting, no conditioning, no shooting, no ball handling and no pick-up games.  Trust me, it will do you good.

 

Perform the following exercises every day during your active rest period:

 

Lacrosse Ball Foot Massage

Why it’s important: Basketball players’ feet are constantly confined to rigid, stiff basketball shoes and ankle braces 20-25 hours a week. If your feet are constantly in basketball shoes, your ankles and feet get weaker and less mobile. Performing a “self massage” on a lacrosse ball helps loosen up the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of your feet.

How it’s done: In just your socks, balance on one foot and roll your other foot on top of the lacrosse ball. The more weight you put on the ball, the more pressure and the deeper the massage.

How many reps: Do two sets of 30 seconds for each foot.

Foam Roller

Why it’s important: It has a similar premise to the lacrosse ball. It’s a self-massage that helps elongate your muscles and rid your body of lactic acid and “knots.” 

How it’s done: Start with your lower calf. Roll back and forth on top of the foam roller as if you were kneading dough. Follow the same protocol for your hamstrings, butt, outside of your hip, lower back, upper back, and your shoulder.

How many reps: Roll over each body part for 30 seconds.

Variation: You can substitute the foam roller with an over-inflated basketball.

Lunge and Reach Stretch

Why it’s important: Great stretch for the entire body! 

How it’s done: Step out as far as you can into a forward lunge. Keep your ankles, knees, hips and shoulders facing forward. Put your palms on the floor in front of you (inside of your front leg). Straighten you back leg. If your left leg is forward, keep your right palm on the ground and raise your left palm toward the ceiling (by rotating your core).  Look up as you reach up. Then perform the same movement with your other hand (left leg forward, raise your right hand). Then switch legs and repeat.

How many reps: Perform 5 reps for each hand on each leg. 

Assisted Hamstring Stretch

 

Why it’s important: Tight hamstrings can cause numerous problems.

 

How it’s done: Lay on your back with both legs flat.  Wrap a towel or elastic band or jump rope around the middle part of one foot.  Keeping both legs straight (one stays on the ground), slowly pull your foot towards your nose.  Make sure your ankle stays dorsi-flexed (“toes to your nose”).  Hold for 15 seconds. Then, keeping your torso and hips flat on the ground, drop your leg laterally (if you are stretching your left leg, drop your leg down to the left).  For a more intense stretch, continue to pull your foot towards the top of your head.  This is a great groin stretch. Hold for 15 seconds.  Lastly, cross over and drop your leg to the opposite side. For a more intense stretch, continue to pull your foot towards the top of your head.  This will give a stretch to your low back and IT band. Hold for 15 seconds.

 

How many reps: Perform 3 rounds of all 3 phases (straight, lateral, crossover… each round takes 45 seconds).

 

Bodyweight Hangs

Why it’s important: Helps decompress your spine.

How it’s done: Find a sturdy pull-up bar that is high enough that you can hang from it without your feet touching the ground. Then simply grab the bar and hang. Let every muscle relax and let gravity decompress your spine.

How many reps: Hang for 3 sets of 15 seconds. 

 

If you need additional info, or a visual on how to perform these exercises, please check out the initial episodes of the Can He Dunk? Project at www.CanHeDunk.com.  We performed these movements with the participants before every workout. 

 

We will post a new episode each week for the next 3 weeks… so make sure you stay tuned to see who ends up dunking!

 

In addition to the Can He Dunk? videos, I just posted the remaining two videos from the Nike Basketball Skills Academies.  These will be my last two YouTube videos of the summer (videos will return after Labor Day, along with the blog).

 

Kevin Durant Nike Basketball Skills Academy: http://TinyUrl.com/DurantAcademy

 

Amar’e Stoudemire Nike Basketball Skills Academy: http://TinyUrl.com/AmareAcademy

 

Please enjoy your last few weeks of August and get the rest you deserve. 

 

But then get back to work.  Your pre-season workouts will lay the foundation for your season.

 

We will be offering a very comprehensive 8 Week Pre-Season Strength & Conditioning Program download at http://Shop.StrongerTeam.com in early September.  It will include everything you need to get stronger, more explosive, and in great basketball shape.

 

Remember… the best players and the best teams are in the best shape!

 

In the meantime, please let me know if I can be a resource to you for your program. You can email me at Alan@StrongerTeam.com.

 

Until September,

 

Alan Stein

www.StrongerTeam.com

www.Twitter.com/AlanStein

 

“Success leaves footprints… are you following them?”

 

If you want to be successful, you need to learn from the path successful people have taken.

 

I had the opportunity to be around several of the NBA’s best and hear some invaluable insight on what it takes to be great.  Kevin Eastman, Tim Grover, Amar’e Stoudemire, Andre Iguodala, and Deron Williams left some footprints. 

 

I am most certainly going to follow them…

 

Kevin Eastman is an assistant coach with the Boston Celtics and the Director of the Nike Basketball Skills Academies.  He has coached at every level and is one of the most respected basketball minds in the world.

 

Question: What makes Kevin Garnett a future Hall of Famer?

 

Coach Eastman: His drive, focus, and discipline.  He does all of the little things necessary to be great and he does them daily.  He is always looking to learn.

 

Question: What did Rajon Rondo do differently this past off-season to propel him to the upper tier of NBA point guards?

 

Coach Eastman: He didn’t do anything drastically different.  He has just continued to grow and mature at a steady pace and this past year reflected many years of hard work (not just one off-season). Rajon has always been very dedicated to his craft and has always worked hard.  One example of his dedication is the fact he worked with a shooting coach (Mark Price) and concentrated on improving his accuracy from two specific spots, the short corners and elbows. This is where he gets 90% of his shots in our offense.

 

Question: Ray Allen is one of the best shooters in the history of the NBA.  What is his shooting regimen?

 

Coach Eastman: Ray is the only player I know who arrives at every game 3 hours before tip-off.  He follows an intense shooting routine and works himself into a full sweat.  He pays close attention to detail, especially with his feet.  He makes sure he uses the exact same form every single time. Ray Allen is not one of the best shooters in the league by accident!

 

Question: How would you describe Paul Pierce’s game?

 

Coach Eastman: Paul is a professional scorer.  He knows how to score.  He is not the quickest or most athletic player, but he understands how to play the game, how to use ball fakes, and how to play at different speeds. He lets the game come to him. He gets shots from where he wants, when he wants.  He is really hard to stop.

 

Question: What are the biggest skill deficiencies you see in high school players?

 

Coach Eastman: They play too fast, they over dribble, and they care too much about “me” and not enough about “we.”  Getting players to understand tempo is extremely challenging, but it is a quality that all of the top players have.

 

Question: What advice would you give young coaches?

 

Coach Eastman: Never say no to a basketball opportunity.  You never know what doors they will open. Gather as much knowledge as you can, from as many different sources as you can.  Sift through that knowledge and formulate your own system and philosophy.  You can learn everywhere, so always carry a pen and paper.  Network and build quality relationships. Try to be in the company of successful coaches and soak up their knowledge.  Ask questions. Coach to your personality and be authentic (don’t try to be someone else).

 

Question: What aspects of the game do coaches need to emphasize more with their players?

 

Coach Eastman: Most coaches are great with drills.  They know millions of them.  But they need to teach their players to transfer those drills into playing the actual game.  That transfer is the ultimate goal. Most high school (and many college) players don’t really know how to play.  Coaches need to emphasize time and score, proper spacing, ball movement, help defense, post feeds, tempo, etc.

 

Question: What are the 3 most important qualities of being a successful coach?

 

Coach Eastman: (1) You must be a lifelong learner.  (2) You must be honest with yourself, with your staff, with your players. (3) You must understand the importance of relationships.  Coaching is all about inspiring and motivating to improve performance. What you “bring” to each workout (energy, enthusiasm, effort, patience, etc.) is more important than what you “know.”

 

I highly recommend you visit www.KevinEastmanBasketball.com to learn more about the upcoming Coaching U Live.  It will be the most intense, detailed, no-nonsense look at all aspects of teaching and coaching the game.  Coaching U promises to deliver well over 700 teaching/coaching points!

 

Tim Grover is an internationally renowned basketball trainer who has worked with Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Dwayne Wade (among numerous others).

 

Question: What makes Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Dwayne Wade so remarkable?

 

Tim Grover: They are never satisfied.  They look at ways to improve every workout, every practice, and every game.   When they look at game stats, they look at turnovers, fouls, and how many points the guy they were guarding scored. They work diligently on improving their weaknesses.  They pay attention to the smallest details… especially footwork. They constantly study the game.  They study their opponent (to expose weaknesses).  They study their teammates (to highlight their strengths). They study the history of the game and respect previous generations.

 

No matter how successful they are, they do these 3 things every day: show up on time, listen, and work hard. The great ones are always the hardest workers.  They set the tone. They set the standard.  They are confident but they do not feel entitled.  They feel they need to prove their greatness day in and day out.  They know basketball can be taken away immediately… so they don’t take it for granted.  They play every day like it could be their last. Great players also believe the harder you work out, the easier the game becomes.

 

Question: Who was better, Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant? 

 

Tim Grover: Michael Jordan is hands down the best player of all-time. Even Kobe would agree. MJ had a feel for the game that is unparalleled.  His instincts offensively and defensively were amazing.

 

Amar’e Stoudemire, Andre Iguodala, and Deron Williams are NBA All-Stars and three of the top players in the league.  Each is committed to working extremely hard in the off-season.

 

Question: What does a typical day in your off-season consist of?

 

Amar’e Stoudemire of the Phoenix Suns: 

·         I wake up at 8:00am.

·         I eat breakfast, usually Granola and fruit. 

·         I warm-up, stretch, foam roll, do corrective exercises, core work, and lift heavy.

·         I go right to the court.

·         I start with inside work: jump hooks, baby hooks, short jumpers, and Mikan drill. 

·         Then I move to perimeter stuff: ball handling series, face-up moves, game shooting. 

·         I finish around 12pm (3+ hours of intense work). 

·         I don’t play 5 on 5 in the off-season, but rather focus on my individual development.

·         I follow this schedule 5-6 days per week.

 

Andre Iguodala of the Philadelphia 76ers:

·         I wake up at 8:30am.

·         I eat a light breakfast.

·         I start my workout at 10:00am. 

·         I start with a ball handling series, working hard on my off-hand. 

·         I then go through a comprehensive stretching series. 

·         Then I do 1.5 hours of intense game-like shooting (500+ makes).  

·         Then I head to the weight room. 

·         I lift legs/core twice a week and upper twice a week.  I lift heavy. 

·         I don’t play much 5 on 5 in the off-season.

·         I work out 4-5 days per week.

 

Deron Williams of the Utah Jazz:

·         I wake up at 8:00am.

·         I eat breakfast. 

·         I start with my strength training. 

·         Most of my focus is on core strength and stability.  I do a lot of bodyweight stuff. 

·         I also focus on quickness and agility and proper movement. 

·         For cardio I do a lot of biking and swimming to give my joints a break. 

·         Then I go to shooting.  I intentionally shoot from spots I don’t shoot well from in games.

·          I record shots/makes and compare to last year’s numbers.  I must improve!

·         Then I do a finishing series: working on floaters, runners, power lay-ups, Euro-steps.

·         Then I do ball handling drills. 

·         I try to play 5 on 5 three times per week. 

·         I work out 5-6 times per week.

 

I think it is very important to highlight that all three of these NBA All-Stars wake up early, eat breakfast, and are dedicated to their strength & conditioning and on-court basketball development.

 

Everyone one of these brilliant men constantly stressed the importance of working hard. But what does it mean to “work hard”?

 

By my own personal definition, hard work is the conscious choice to leave your comfort zone.  To push past what you are capable of doing.  It is giving as much as you have at that moment.  When things get uncomfortable, do you back down or do you push ahead?  The great ones work hard consistently.  Anyone can work hard occasionally.  Working hard is a learned characteristic and a trait each of us has 100% control over.  Working hard is a choice.

 

If you want to see the drills from the Deron Williams Nike Basketball Point Guard Skills Academy please check out http://TinyUrl.com/DeronWilliamsSkillsAcademy

 

Please let me know if I can ever be a resource to you for your program. You can email me at Alan@StrongerTeam.com.

 

Train hard.  Train smart.

 

Alan Stein

www.StrongerTeam.com

www.Twitter.com/AlanStein

I am not sure if you saw it, but Steve Nash cried after his Phoenix Suns lost to the LA Lakers in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals this past Saturday.  After showing sincere sportsmanship in congratulating Kobe and crew, the cameras briefly caught him shedding a few tears in the locker room as he hugged coach Alvin Gentry.

 

Seeing him cry made me respect him even more.

 

Steve Nash has a genuine passion you rarely see in professional sports.  In the past couple of weeks, he has had his eye split open and his nose broken… and not a tear in sight.  And yet he cares so much about winning, about his teammates, about the organization he plays for, and about the game of basketball… he was brought to tears when the season was officially over.  I love that.  I admire any player with that type of passion. 

 

A colleague of mine, Brian McCormick, has been saying for years that even though Nash isn’t a highlight reel dunker, he is absolutely one of the best athletes in the NBA.  I adamantly agree.  Most people judge athletic prowess solely on one’s ability to jump.  But Nash demonstrates his elite athletic ability in a myriad of other ways – hand/eye coordination, body control, balance, and the power to decelerate on a dime.  And let’s not forget his stamina.  He is always one of the best conditioned players in the league.  I watched him do a halftime interview this past season and he wasn’t even remotely out of breath. And he had just played the entire first half!

 

Steve Nash is the epitome of everything you want in a basketball player. He is fundamentally sound and understands the game.  He is savvy, unselfish, and physically and mentally tough. He is committed to being the best player he can be, is a remarkable teammate, and a resilient leader.  And to top it off, he is a two-time league MVP, consistent All-Star, and a future Hall of Famer.

 

I have been very fortunate to work the Nike Basketball Skills Academies since their inception four years ago. In 2008, I had the pleasure to work the Steve Nash Point Guard Academy. True to form, and the reason the camp is named after him, Steve Nash was spectacular.  I am so thankful for having had the opportunity to meet him and to learn from him.

 

Despite his commanding presence on the court, he was very soft spoken and humble.  Instead of just showing up because he had to, he spent quality time with the players. 

 

He explained how the key to life is being able to find solutions (on and off the court).  Plenty of people have (and/or cause) problems, but the people that consistently find solutions are the ones who are successful.  He also focused on the importance of being a good teammate - someone people want to coach, want to play with, and want to be around.  Lots of guys have talent in the NBA, but the ones who have long careers are the ones who do the little things to get better every day.  He said this quality is paramount for point guards. 

 

Steve credited his work ethic and desire to get better as the pillars to his success.  He said he wakes up every day and asks, “How can I make myself better today?”  He has a master list of every shot in his offensive arsenal - jump shots, runners, floaters, Euro-steps, quick lay-ups, and “wrong” foot lay-ups.  During his off-season workouts, he makes 50 of each shot every day at game speed.  So when you see Steve Nash make an amazing shot in a game, it isn’t luck. He has practiced it thousands and thousands of times.

 

He also told the players that point guards need to be able to change direction, change speed, and understand the game better than every other player on the floor. He told them that basketball is all about percentages (“always make the highest percentage pass available and take the highest percentage shot”) and angles (“your angles dictate your percentages”).  He acknowledged that most people don’t think of him as a great athlete because he doesn’t jump very high and dunk over people.  But he adamantly disagrees.  He knows there is much more to being a good athlete than jumping. Steve also placed a high priority on being in impressive basketball shape, since that is a trait every player has complete control over.

 

His off-season workouts consist of training with his strength coach three times per week. They put a focus on core strength and stability.  Many of his strength exercises add a balance component because he performs them on an unstable surface: BOSU ball, wobble board, etc.  He doesn’t play 5 on 5 during the summer, but instead plays in two soccer leagues, jumps rope, and runs stairs for conditioning.  He gets in daily shooting workouts to keep his handle and shot sharp.  He stressed the importance of having a solid daily routine and creating sound work habits.

 

Just watching him in action with the campers was astounding. Even though he didn’t go 100%, you could see how quick he is, how high his basketball IQ is, and how precise he is with everything he does.  He is part sniper, part magician, and part conductor.

 

On the court, nothing he does is haphazard and he never appears flustered.  He is always in complete control, regardless of the situation.  Steve Nash represents everything that is right with the game of basketball and I sure enjoyed watching him work.

 

Another thing that makes Steve Nash so impressive is his longevity.  He has maintained a consistently high level for a long time (just finished his 13^th year in the NBA).

 

“Anyone can be great for a day or a week or even a year. It is consistent, long term excellence that is most impressive.”

 

While I would have loved to have seen Nash make it to the finals, I am happy to see a Celtics vs. Lakers rematch.  No, I am not a Celtics or a Lakers fan (nor do I pretend to be).  But I am a fan of any person, team or organization who can sustain success for long periods of time. And both of those organizations have achieved greatness for decades. That is impressive.

 

Speaking of which, when I was in the 7th grade (1988), I got my hands on a very controversial cassette tape (kids, ask your parents what a cassette tape is) – N.W.A.’s Straight Outta Compton.  This album ignited the gangsta rap genre and put hip hop in the public eye.

 

Two of the founding members of N.W.A., Dr. Dre and Ice Cube, are not only still around, but are two of the most influential businessmen in pop culture today.  They have managed to stay on top of the ultra competitive entertainment industry for the past 20 years. Ice Cube is the producer of a new TV show on TBS (which for the record, I don’t plan on watching) and Dre has created the hottest headphones to ever hit the streets (of which I own a pair and love them).  Do you think anyone will even know who Lady Gaga is in 20 years? Or the Jonas Brothers?

 

Coaching is about making people better. It’s not just about making players better, but also about making one another better.  I am a voracious reader and spend an inordinate amount of time working on my own professional development.  While I learn from a wide variety of sources, there are two coaches in particular I follow regularly and suggest you do too:

 

Kevin Eastman (Assistant Coach with the Boston Celtics)

www.KevinEastmanBasketball.com

Twitter: @KevinEastman

 

Brian McCormick (Author of the brilliant Hard 2 Guard Player Development Newsletter)

www.180Shooter.com  

Twitter: @BrianMcCormick

 

If you would like to subscribe to Brian’s FREE newsletter, simply email hard2guardinc@yahoo.com and put “Subscribe” as subject.

 

In addition to these two, I subscribe to numerous newsletters and blogs. I file them in an email folder in Outlook called “Professional Development” and then print (and read them) at the end of every week.

 

Lastly, I will leave you with this concept. The key to improving agility and conditioning is intensity.  One of the best techniques for elevating intensity is through competition.  Here are members of the DeMatha Basketball team competing in a series of agility races during an off-season workout:  http://tinyurl.com/CompetitiveDrills

 

My intense summer camp circuit is about to begin.  Stay tuned for blogs, videos, and Tweets with behind the scenes insight from the Chris Paul CP3 Elite Backcourt Camp, the NBA Players Association Top 100 Camp, and all of the Nike Skills Academies (Deron Williams, Kevin Durant, Paul Pierce, Amar’e Stoudemire, and LeBron James). It’s going to be an epic summer.

Please let me know if I can ever be a resource to you for your program. You can email me at Alan@StrongerTeam.com.

 

Train hard.  Train smart.

 

Alan Stein

www.StrongerTeam.com

www.Twitter.com/AlanStein

Let it be known I have always been a “Nike guy.” Ever since I was little I was captivated by everything Nike stood for and represented.  Nike revolutionized international culture, sports marketing, and most certainly… basketball. Prior to launching his own brand, MJ not only wore the Swoosh, but made it one of the most recognizable brands on the planet. He has since passed the torch to Kobe and LeBron; the two reigning megastars of the greatest game on earth. 

 

Let me also say I am overwhelmingly thankful to be a part of the Nike Basketball family and working their events and camps is always an honor and a tremendous experience. Their summer Skills Academies are a highlight of my busy summer.  I have been involved with Nike Basketball, in a variety of capacities, for nearly 7 years and commend them for their high level of professionalism and applaud the way they do everything first class. Nike sets the standard.

 

Prior to recapping the Vince Carter Nike Skills Academy; let me back track a tad and lay the foundation for how this all began.

 

Six years ago Nike accurately recognized the need to focus more attention on improving the fundamentals and skills of grassroots basketball players.  Every summer camp, despite their claims, was focused on playing games and giving kids exposure to college coaches.  Nike wanted to create something that took a step back and put more emphasis on actually teaching the game from the ground up; working on and coaching the fundamentals of passing, ball handling, defending, and shooting. Thus they created the Nike Skills Academy.  What started off as one academy at the Nike headquarters in Beaverton, with a handful of elite coaches, and 20 of the top high school players, has grown in to four position specific academies (point guards, off guards, wings, and big men), sponsored by four NBA All Stars (this year Deron Williams, Paul Pierce, Vince Carter, and Amare Stoudemire), an elite staff of NBA coaches and player development personnel, and the top 20 high school and top 10 college players at each of the respective positions.  As if that is not impressive enough, there is a follow up camp where the top 80 high school players and an elite group of college players are invited to the prestigious LeBron James Nike US Skills Academy; the mecca of grassroots basketball development and competition. 

 

Despite only being around for 6 years, the Skills Academy Wall of Fame is unbelievable. Who has passed through the Nike Skills Academies? Well for starters, 8 of the first 9 players selected in this year’s NBA Draft, are Skills Academy alumni (Ricky Rubio being the lone exception).  Who else? Jerryd Bayless (Blazers), Kevin Durant (Thunder), Kevin Love (Timberwolves), and Derrick Rose (Bulls) to name a few.  Not a bad roster, huh?

 

This will be my 3^rd year involved; I began when the Academy format expanded to each position. I have had the privilege to work Nike Skills Academies for Kobe Bryant, Amare Stoudemire, Steve Nash, Paul Pierce, Vince Carter, and LeBron James.  I can fully attest that Nike goes to great lengths to fulfill their mission statement:

 

Positively impact the lives of elite players by providing superior instruction, personal mentorship, and a once in a lifetime experience.

 

This year’s Vince Carter Nike Skills Academy was held in Orlando, Florida and included the nation’s top wing players (3’s and 4’s).  DeShaun Thomas (Fort Wayne, IN), Tristan Thompson (Brampton, ONT), Jereme Richmond (Waukegan, IL), and Perry Ellis (Wichita, KS) highlighted the group of high schoolers (NOTE: top rated players Michael Gilcrest and LaQuinton Ross where set to come but cancelled at the last minute).  Al-Farouq Aminu (Wake Forest), Devin Ebanks (West Virginia), DeShawn Sims (Michigan), and Delvon Roe (Michigan State) headlined the college players.

 

As always, Nike assembled an incredible coaching staff led by Kevin Eastman (Boston Celtics) and the legendary Tates Locke (who has been involved in basketball for 54 years; he actually hired Bobby Knight for his first coaching job!).  Kenny Atkinson (Knicks), Paul Cormier (Nets), Rod Baker (Rochester Razorbacks), Paul Biancardi (ESPN), Craig Ehlo (former NBA player), Miles Simons (former NBA player), and yours truly rounded out the staff.  My job was to ensure the players were warmed up and adequately stretched, serve as a strength & conditioning resource, and mentally prepare them for their workouts.  I was also the “energy” guy and made sure every workout began with a high level of enthusiasm.

 

At the initial staff meeting, Coach Locke, amidst an array of hilarious one liners, kept his rules very succinct: be on time, work hard, and don’t lie.  Coach Eastman took it a step further and asked the staff to teach the players three things; how to work out properly, how to play their position, and how to be a professional.

 

Coach Eastman also added in several other coaching points worth mentioning:

 

• Be early; on time is late.
• Coach in sound bytes, not paragraphs.
• Sweat with the players.
• Have a positive impact on at least one player’s life each day.
• Be demanding, not demeaning.
• Respect their coach at home.

 

The first day of camp got off to a great start with both groups; it was obvious from the start there was a tremendous amount of raw talent present.  It was also obvious both groups had great attitudes and were very coachable.  Coach Locke said the college guys were the best group of listeners he has ever worked with.  The initial focus of both workouts was weak hand development (series of lay-up, passing, and ball handling drills) and perfect footwork (proper pivots and shot preparation).

 

Vince Carter was there for the entire two and half hour high school workout and was very hands on.  He spoke (and demonstrated) about the importance of being efficient with their movements and to eliminate all wasted motions (“stay tight”).  He showed how change of speed is the key to getting open on the wing and getting the ball where you want it (not where the defense wants you to get it).  He mentioned several times that “just because the game is played at a fast pace; doesn’t mean you have to run around frantic. You can play slow and be very successful.”  He also talked about the significance of finishing strong around the basket, “don’t make a $1,000,000 move and a $1 finish.”

 

Each of the successive workouts built upon prior workouts and foot work and off hand development continued to be emphasized.  Defensive “expression”, intimidating ball pressure, quality post moves, “Euro lay-ups”, and being “ball ready”, were also taught and stressed.  VC was there every day, sweating with the players, and jumping in nearly every drill to show them first hand how it’s done in the league.  Jared Jeffries of the NY Knicks stopped by to grab a shooting workout with Coach Atkinson and talked to the players about the value of being versatile and honestly evaluating your strengths and weaknesses.

 

The high school players played five on five games (with referees) for the last 30 minutes of each nightly workout.  Despite having all wing players (no point guards); the games were highly competitive and fun to watch.  The kids played above the rim.

 

I can honestly say the kids made improvement in the three days they were there. Obviously that will be short lived if they don’t go home and continue to practice what they were taught.  “Repetition is not a form of punishment.” 

 

The Academy as a whole could not have gone any better; it was a success by all standards. Vince was a class act the entire time. I could not have been more impressed with his involvement and attitude towards helping the players.  He even got the phone call letting him know he was traded to the Orlando Magic while he was at the gym! He was super excited and we were the first to know! On Thursday, VC came to the hotel and watched the draft with the kids.  VC walks the walk.

 

Make sure you check my other recent posts; my interview with Mr. Vince Carter himself and a book review of Jack Canfield’s The Success Principles.

 

I am in Boston now and will be working the Paul Pierce Nike Skills Academy this week and the LeBron James Nike Skills Academy next week! I will post a blog recapping each of those events as well as continue to add additional NBA player interviews and pertinent book reviews.

 

Make sure you subscribe to www.YouTube.com/StrongerTeamDotCom for the latest exercise of the week clip as well as motivational talks and drills from camp.  For exclusive insight to my camps, as well as daily coaching points and quotes, follow me on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AlanStein.

 

Train hard.  Train smart.

 

Alan Stein

www.StrongerTeam.com