Height/Weight:             6’0”, 175 lbs

Current team:               New Orleans Hornets

Years in NBA:               4

College:                       Wake Forest

This past weekend I was fortunate enough to work the 2^nd Annual Chris Paul Elite Guard Camp.  I sat down with CP on the final morning of camp to ask him questions about his training. Please note, I have paraphrased his answers, these are not verbatim.  I didn’t use a recorder; I merely scribbled notes as fast I could when writing down his answers!

Q: At what age (or grade) did you first start lifting weights?

A: I didn’t start to lift weights until I got to Wake Forest.  Coach Prosser was a big advocate of it.  I needed to get stronger to compete at that level.

Q: How do you feel like it helped your game?

A: Getting bigger and stronger helped me compete with the big time players in the ACC. It made me stronger with the ball and on defense. I only weighed 155 lbs in high school!  I got up to about 175 in college, and although I am currently listed at 175 lbs; I am actually right around 190 lbs.  I have worked hard to get stronger and put on some muscle to help me survive the rigorous NBA season.  I feel so much more powerful now.

Q: Why do you think strength & conditioning for basketball players is important?

A: Strength and conditioning is not just about lifting weights and running sprints.  While that is certainly part of it; so is stability training (for balance) and flexibility.  All of these components help you move better on the court.  Going from high school to college the game gets so much more physical.  You go from playing with boys to playing with men.  You need the extra strength.

Q: What does your off season training program consist of now?

A: Since this was my first summer off in a couple of years (because of the Olympics last year); I took more time off than normal after the season (about a month).  My body and mind needed a rest.  But now I am back in full force. If I am not working with my private trainer I follow the program set up by the Hornets strength & conditioning coach.  My main focus is getting stronger (especially in my core), improving my flexibility (I used to not be able to touch my toes!), and maintaining my new bodyweight (+10 lbs.).  I usually get up around 7am and eat breakfast, then do my dynamic flexibility and my strength work, then take a few hours off, and then come back and do my court work (ball handling, shooting, etc.).  At night I spend about an hour stretching.  That has helped me more than you know.

Q: What is the biggest difference between playing in college and in the NBA?

A: The speed of the game is certainly faster, but the biggest adjustment for me, since I play so many minutes every night, is how long the season is. 82 games plus pre-season plus playoffs is a grind! Your mind and your body have to be strong and durable. 

Q: What did you learn from your Olympic experience?

A: I learned what it takes to be a true champion.  I never won a state title in high school. I never won a national title in college. I haven’t won a national championship in the league yet; so this was my first time being a real champion.  Luckily I got to do it on the biggest stage in the world!  Being a champion is about details, hard work, and consistency.  People forget we prepared for over 3 years to win that gold medal! 

Q: What do high school and college players need to improve on the most?

A: They need to learn how to really play the game.  They need to learn how to think the game. Many of the top players are just so athletic and talented; they never learn how to really play.  They also rely too much on their athletic ability and not enough on proper fundamentals and footwork. 

I would like to extend a special thank you to CP for taking the time to speak with me and for letting me work his prestigious camp.

Don’t forget to check it out and subscribe to www.YouTube.com/StrongerTeamDotCom and check out the latest exercise of the week.  And if you want the inside scoop on the basketball training scene, as well as daily inspirational quotes, follow me on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AlanStein and www.Facebook.com/AlanSteinJr.  

Train hard.  Train smart.

Alan Stein

www.StrongerTeam.com

Height/Weight:                    6’3”, 175 lbs

Current team:                      Portland Trailblazers

Years in NBA:                      6

Previous teams:                Washington, Denver, Milwaukee

College:                                Maryland

Last week I was invited to speak to the campers at the Steve Blake Basketball Camp in Germantown, MD.  After I did a 15 minute demo and got the entire camped warmed up and stretched out; I had a chance to sit down with Steve and talk about his training.  Steve is a class act and a great guy.  I have always admired the way he plays because he is unselfish, fundamentally sound, plays to win, and he makes those around him better. Please note, I have paraphrased his answers, these are not verbatim.  I didn’t use a recorder; I merely scribbled notes as fast I could when writing down his answers!

Q: At what age (or grade) did you first start lifting weights?

A: I actually started a program my freshman year in high school because I was always pretty skinny and thought adding muscle would help my game.  I really started to take it serious my junior year of high school.  Our whole team lifted then; we were on a pretty structured program.  I continued to lift whenever I could my senior year at Oak Hill.

Q: How do you feel like it helped your game?

A: The added size and strength helped me compete against older players and prevented me from getting knocked off the ball.  I only weighed 155 lbs in high school!  I am only 175 lbs now (note: this makes Steve one of the lightest players in the entire league).  But don’t let my weight fool you; I am pretty strong!

Q: Why do you think strength & conditioning for basketball players is important?

A: Proper strength and conditioning can help in every area of basketball; improves quickness, the ability to jump, gives you a quicker first step, and makes you tougher on defense.  It also helps to ward off injuries.

Q: What does your off season training program consist of now?

A: I had shoulder surgery about a month ago; so I have been taking some time off.  Normally I only take a few weeks off. But my off season program consists of a lot of balance/stability work and a lot of core work.  I work closely with Bob Medina (Trailblazers’ strength & conditioning coach) as well as take some martial arts classes.  Martial arts helps with everything; flexibility, balance, and core strength.  I also work with our shooting coach.  In the Blazers’ offense I only get shots, and they are spot up shots, from a few specific areas on the floor.  So I shoot hundreds and hundreds of spot up jumpers from those spots every day. I try to practice smart as well as hard!

Q: What is the biggest difference between playing in college and in the NBA?

A: Everyone in the NBA is big, strong, and very athletic and the game is unbelievably fast. 

I would like to extend a special thank you to Steve for taking the time to speak with me.

Don’t forget to check it out and subscribe to www.YouTube.com/StrongerTeamDotCom and check out the latest exercise of the week.  And if you want the inside scoop on the summer training scene, as well as daily inspirational quotes, follow me on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AlanStein.

Train hard.  Train smart.

Alan Stein

www.StrongerTeam.com

Height/Weight:             6’11”, 240 lbs

Current team:               New York Knicks

Years in NBA:               6

Previous teams:           Washington, New York

College:                       Indiana

I was fortunate to sit down with NBA talent Jared Jeffries when he stopped by the 2009 Vince Carter Nike Skills Academy last week.  I really enjoyed learning from him and appreciated his time. Please note, I have paraphrased his answers, these are not verbatim.  I didn’t use a recorder; I merely scribbled notes as fast I could when writing down his answers!

Q: At what age (or grade) did you first start lifting weights?

A: I really didn’t lift till I got to Indiana.  We kind of had a program when I was in high school, but I did everything I could to avoid it.  I hated to lift because I was embarrassed at how skinny and weak I was.  Weight room wasn’t really my thing, I just wanted to play.  Once I got to college I realized how important it was. I had to lift and get strong just to compete at that level.  The staff at IU helped cater a program for me really helped me.

Q: How do you feel like it helped your game?

A: The added size and strength made it so I could box out harder as well as not get knocked off the ball.  It also helped to reduce the onset of fatigue during games.  I am 45 lbs. heavier than I was in high school! I weighed 190 lbs in HS, 205 in college, and play around 235 now in the NBA.

Q: Why do you think strength & conditioning for basketball players is important?

A: It is important for players to do anything they can to get that edge.  Working on your strength, core, agility and explosiveness will help your overall game.  It is also important to help you make it through the long NBA season.

Q: What does your off season training program consist of now?

A: I don’t take much time off after the season and focus most of my efforts on the weights.  I lift pretty heavy in the off season. I have a great trainer in Tampa I work with.  I don’t really do much running, other than what I do during my skill work, until the end of summer to get ready for training camp.

Q: What is the biggest difference between playing in college and in the NBA?

A: The NBA game is SO much faster, the temp is unbelievable.  Plus everyone is a great athlete in the league and everyone knows how to play.

I would like to extend a special thank you to Jared for taking the time to speak with me. 

Don’t forget to check it out and subscribe to www.YouTube.com/StrongerTeamDotCom and check out the latest exercise of the week.  And if you want the inside scoop on the summer training scene, as well as daily inspirational quotes, follow me on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AlanStein.

Train hard.  Train smart.

Alan Stein

www.StrongerTeam.com

Height/Weight:             6’7”, 235 lbs

Current team:               Boston Celtics

Years in NBA:               10

Previous teams:           Boston

College:                       Kansas

While in Boston working the 2009 Paul Pierce Nike Skills Academy I was thrilled to have the opportunity to sit down with veteran NBA All Star Paul Pierce and talk about his training experiences and off season workouts.  Paul was amazing throughout the camp and was very involved in the instruction. He jumped in several drills and showed the elite high school and college players exactly what it takes to play in the NBA.

Prior to stepping aside for our one on one interview, Paul spoke briefly to the entire camp. He gave them the background on his amazing journey from Inglewood, California (where he grew up) to winning an NBA championship in 2008 with the Boston Celtics.  Please note, I have paraphrased his talk and his answers, these are not verbatim (but pretty close).  I didn’t use a recorder; I merely scribbled notes as fast I could when writing everything down!

Here is an overview of his talk:

I grew up in California and had two very athletic older brothers. Both got college scholarships, so I always felt I needed to follow in their footsteps.  I started playing basketball when I was 11 years old.  I didn’t really hit the national scene until my junior year in high school.  Heck, I actually got cut from varsity my sophomore year.  The coach wanted me to play JV, but I begged and convinced him to let me practice with the varsity, even if that meant riding the bench.  That turned out to be a good decision because I got so much better that year by working on my game every single day.  By my senior year I was a McDonalds All American in one of the best classes ever; Chauncy Billups, Vince Carter, and Kevin Garnett where all in my class.  I decided to go to Kansas to get away from California so I could focus solely on my school work and on playing ball.  The transition to college was really tough, but after my freshman year I knew I had what it took to play in the NBA.  After two All American caliber seasons at Kansas (sophomore and junior years), I entered the NBA draft.  I was expected to go in the top 5, but didn’t get drafted until 10^th.  I was very disappointed.  I knew I should have been happy to be a lottery pick, but for some reason I was angry that 9 teams passed on me.  That lit my fire and gave me so much motivation.  I was so determined to prove I was the best player in that draft class.  I used to get up shots at midnight and would call out the names of the 9 guys drafted a head of me every time I made a shot.  I was on a mission. Looking back, I am proud of what I have accomplished, but am not at all content.  I have so much more to prove and feel like I have another 4-5 years left in me.  My life and my career have had several ups and downs so I don’t take anything for granted.  I try to stay humble and keep working hard, every day. I still feel like I have something to prove.  That is what drives me.  I am a leader on the Celtics and a leader’s job is to make everyone else better and to “show up” and “be on” every day.  That’s what I try to do.

Q: At what age (or grade) did you first start lifting weights?

A: I didn’t lift in high school. I was actually scared it would stunt my growth and mess up my jump shot.  Obviously now I know that is not the case, but back then, that’s what people told me.  Lifting weights was definitely not encouraged.  Once I got to Kansas I was put on a very structured strength training program and I got really strong. Really strong. I was benching like 300 lbs and was really swole!

Q: How do you feel like it helped your game?

A:  Getting strong really helped me be more physical and compete at the college level. I was always pretty thick; I weighed 215 lbs in high school, 225 lbs in college, and play now at about 235 lbs. I have never been the quickest guy, or the most explosive, but I know how to use my strength and my body.

Q: Why do you think strength & conditioning for basketball players is important?

A: It is so important to take great care of your body, especially in the NBA because of such a long, grueling season.  Being on a program will keep everything tight and keep you strong and in shape.

Q: What does your off season training program consist of now?

A: I am just as in to my off season training program now as I was 10 years ago.  I take my off season work very serious.  It kills me to see guys new to the league, or who have only been in the league for a couple of years, not putting in the work.  They are selling themselves short.  Like I said earlier, I am still very motivated and still feel like I have a lot to prove.  I get up every day around 6:30am to make sure my workout starts at 7am sharp. I am usually finished by 9:30am.  I like knocking my workout out first thing so I have the rest of the day free.  I usually take about 2 weeks off after the season and then get back to work.  The best way to get in great shape is to not get out of shape!  I lift, run on the beach in Cali, and do some plyos.  Plus get shots up every day.  I have several of my boys I work out with and who help push me.

Q: What is the biggest difference between playing in college and in the NBA?

A: The NBA game is so much faster, with better athletes and a 24 second clock keeps things moving.  However, I have learned how to play “slow” and still be very effective.  It’s all about knowing how to use your body.  I have also learned how important it is to have a routine, especially on game day.  We play 3 or 4 games a week.  Having a routine in your preparation helps you be more consistent.  Consistency is a key to being successful. You gotta have a routine!

I would like to extend a giant thank you to Paul for taking the time to speak with me as well as for taking the time to kick such wisdom to the campers. Paul is truly a class act.

Don’t forget to check it out and subscribe to www.YouTube.com/StrongerTeamDotCom and check out the latest exercise of the week.  And if you want the inside scoop on the summer training scene, as well as daily inspirational quotes, follow me on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AlanStein.

Train hard.  Train smart.

Alan Stein

www.StrongerTeam.com

Height/Weight:             6’6”, 220 lbs

Current team:               Orlando Magic

Years in NBA:               10

Previous teams:           Toronto, New Jersey

College:                       North Carolina

I got an unbelievable opportunity to sit down with NBA All Star Vince Carter this past week while I worked the 2009 Vince Carter Nike Skills Academy.  Vince was amazing all week; very hands on with the players and really taught them the ins and outs of the NBA game. I sincerely appreciated his time. While he was at the gym with us he got the call letting him know he was traded to the Orlando Magic.  He was super excited! Please note, I have paraphrased his answers, these are not verbatim.  I didn’t use a recorder; I merely scribbled notes as fast I could when writing down his answers!

Q: At what age (or grade) did you first start lifting weights?

A: I lifted a little bit in high school, but nothing really structured.  I just kind of did what I thought would help. Once I got to college I got more in to it.  Coach (Dean) Smith wasn’t a big believer in the weights earlier in his coaching career; but that kind of changed around the time I got there.

Q: How do you feel like it helped your game?

A: The added strength really helped me be more physical at the college level. I was always pretty explosive; but lifting weights made me more solid.  I weighed 190 lbs in high school, 205 lbs in college, and play now at about 220-225 lbs.

Q: Why do you think strength & conditioning for basketball players is important?

A: To compete at the highest levels you have to be strong and in great shape. Your conditioning is something you have total control over, so there is no excuse for not being as strong and as fit as you can be.  Strength & conditioning can help you become a better athlete and become more efficient with your movements.

Q: What does your off season training program consist of now?

A: Now that I am older it is important I maintain a solid base all year round; so I don’t take much time off after the season.  I follow the program my (Nets) strength coach gives me.  I also make sure I stretch every day; many times twice a day, especially my Achilles and calves. I want to make sure I show up to training camp in the best shape possible. Early in the off season I focus on my strength work and my skill work, don’t run too much.  Then as training camp approaches, in August and September, I start doing a lot of running and sprint work.  I prefer to dribble a ball while I do it.

Q: What is the biggest difference between playing in college and in the NBA?

A: The overall speed.  Guys at the NBA level are incredibly fast and quick and the game is played at a much faster pace.  Guys in the NBA are really strong too.  I felt very prepared coming out of UNC though.  Going from high school to college was a harder transition for me than going from college to the NBA.

I would like to extend a special thank you to Vince for taking the time to speak with me as well as for taking the time to be so actively involved in his camp.

Don’t forget to check it out and subscribe to www.YouTube.com/StrongerTeamDotCom and check out the latest exercise of the week.  And if you want the inside scoop on the summer training scene, as well as daily inspirational quotes, follow me on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/AlanStein.

Train hard.  Train smart.

Alan Stein

www.StrongerTeam.com