Three Tips to Enhance your Workout

By Tom Sadler

Coach Sadler shares three quick wins for more effective workouts...

All too frequently, I walk in to our gym and see players working out...

The problem is they’re not really working on the stuff that will have serious benefits for their game. Too often I see players just chucking up shots and ultimately messing around.

For me, this is not maximising their training time, and (let’s be honest) we have all probably been there at some point. 

Now it’s very easy to be disciplined and to work hard when the coach is on hand and pushing you through your workout.  But if you are going to succeed in this game there has to come a point in where you are self-disciplined enough to work hard and more importantly motivate yourself to attack sessions when the coach isn’t around.

One of the first things we do as a coaches is teach kids how to train effectively and how to maximise their workouts.

When working out on and off the court we try and implement the following 3 simple things that will enhance their workout:

1.       Train with purpose and challenge yourself. We design and make our workouts not only challenging but force players out of their comfort zone. We make it more difficult, both physically and mentally. We purposefully make it tougher than anything they will face in a game. So when it’s time for tip-off we know our guys will be ready.

2.      Shoot game shots. For me there is no such thing as casual shooting. Getting lots of shots up is great for rhythm and routine but even if your just spot shooting you should be working on your footwork as you receive the ball. You should be also be focusing and concentrating on getting the ball to your set position as quickly as possible. We always try and create game like conditions and situations for our players. This can be by having them working hard to get open, coming off screens, shooting off the dribble, and finishing around the basket. The drills and shots imitate that of a game, whether at full speed or not, the focus and concentration must be the same throughout.

3.       Get a rebounder. Whenever possible you need to try and have someone there to rebound the ball. With someone there with you you’re not wasting time by chasing your shots around the hall. It will also allow you to hold your follow through on your shot. It’s really important that you should always look to finish each shot with holding your follow through. Repetition is great, but correct repetition is even better.