by Nick Bartlett, on Nov 29, 2018 9:51:20 AM
Do you have a routine to lock in your shot before practice or games?
One of our biggest pet peeves is watching players step in the gym, grab a ball, and immediately start jacking 3 pointers and think that’s an acceptable warm up. Even the best shooters/players in the world start under the hoop and work their way out.
Every rep needs to be purposeful, focused, and fundamentally sound. There’s no substitution for reps.
A few weeks ago we asked this same question in this Instagram post alongside our 85-make warm-up routine and the post was well loved, to say the least.
We believe the reason it resonated with our audience so well was because most players desire to have a routine warm up plan, but often don't know where to start or fail to stick with it. We all need reminders!
Whether you are a coach, player, trainer, or parent, create the standard that anytime work is about to be put in on the court - a consistent routine is completed first! It helps set the stage for a successful session in the gym.
Use our sample warm up as a guideline and add in drills / tweak it to your liking. Here are some other things to consider adding:
1. Overhead ball wall taps (50 right hand, 50 left hand)
2. Lay-ups from elbow, 5 each side (try to get to the hoop in one dribble)
3. 5 spot 2 pt shots, make 2 each spot
4. 5 spot 2 pt shots, make 2 each spot
5. Full court dribbling (right hand down and back, then left hand)
The key here is to find a routine that you feel covers the bases of the fundamentals. Follow it strictly for 3+ weeks, even referencing the list to make sure all steps are completed. After that, it will be memorized and the warm up will be a habit.
Can you imagine what doing a simple routine like this every day would do for the mind, skills, and discipline level of a player? LOTS!
No shortcuts.