Basketball Training Workout #3 – Never Let Them See You Sweat

Hey guys,

I’ve been reading a very interesting book about Reginald F. Lewis (the first African-American financier to execute a billion dollar leveraged buyout) and a quote by him really stuck out to me:

“His apparent nonchalance stemmed from something he picked up in the Fugett household, which was a custom of making the difficult appear easy. Repetition, endless practice and solitary preparation weren’t for public consumption. Never let ’em see you sweat, just let ’em see you excel with seeming ease.” (p.59)

This stuck out to me for two main reasons:

1 – The best players actually put in a lot of work that most people don’t see to reach the level they are at. It’s not an accident they are as good as they are. It’s not natural talent (although being blessed with height and crazy athletic ability doesn’t hurt) that sets them apart, but their dedication and discipline to train their skills using a detailed training plan and committing themselves to getting better no matter what (even players that aren’t blessed with height or crazy athletic ability beat out lazy “naturally talented” players).

2. People who have no clue about what it takes to be successful (repetition, endless practice, and solitary preparation) will always assume you are just naturally talented. Never buy into your own hype. Remain dedicated to repetition, endless practice and preparation in order to stay ahead of your competition and reach your own personal goals.




On that note, here’s your workout for this week:

Hand Quickness and Passing
Backboard throws Sets: 2 Rep: 10 throws

Sweep body ball drops Sets: 2 Rep: 10 catches each side

Ball – Hip – Ball Sets: 2 Rep: 10 catches

Side dribble kick to partner and wall Sets: 2 Rep: 20 passes

Partner Passing (with wrist weights): Left to right hand push pass Sets: 2 Rep: 10 right hand passes; 10 left hand passes

Partner Passing (with wrist weights): Left to right hand bounce pass Sets: 2 Rep: 10 right hand passes; 10 left hand passes

Dribbling Workout
One arm side-to-side Sets: 2 Reps: 20 dribbles each hand

One arm front to back Sets: 2 Reps: 20 dribbles each hand

Stationary two-dribble crossover Sets: 2 Reps: 10 two-dribble crossovers with right hand and left hand

1 BFC side to side taps Sets: 2 Reps: Full court up and back

1 BFC between the legs frontside/backside to crossover Sets: 2 Reps: Full court up and back

Scissors side ways dribble (switch hands/sides at each free throw line and half court) Sets: 2 Reps: Full court up and back

Retreat dribble continuous (switch hands/sides at each free throw line and half court) Sets: 2 Reps: Full court up and back

3 Cone full court – Explosion (no bungee) Sets: 2

Offensive Skills
Finishing drills – Make 10 floaters Sets: 1

Make 28 series – Baseline lay-ups Sets: 1 Rep: Make lay-up attacking left and attacking right

Make 28 series – Baseline reverse lay-ups Sets: 1 Rep: Make lay-up attacking left and attacking right

Make 28 series – Baseline reverse double pump lay-up Sets: 1 Rep: Make lay-up attacking left and attacking right

Make 28 series – Lay-ups from the wing Sets: 1 Rep: Make lay-up attacking left and attacking right

Make 28 series – Reverse lay-ups from the wing Sets: 1 Rep: Make lay-up attacking left and attacking right

Make 28 series – Finger roll from top of the key Sets: 1 Rep: Make lay-up attacking left and attacking right

Make 28 series – Floater from top of the key Sets: 1 Rep: Make lay-up attacking left and attacking right

Triple threat series – Sway shot Sets: 1 Rep: Make 4 shots curling left and curling right

Triple threat series – Sway delay drive Sets: 1 Rep: Make 4 shots curling left and curling right

Triple threat series – Sway crossover Sets: 1 Rep: Make 4 shots curling left and curling right