The Heat are in town to play the Toronto Raptors and Bill was kind enough to sit down with me for lunch and share some of his knowledge and experience. Bill is a class act, and regardless of his extensive background was interested in learning more about Todd Wright's methods at the University of Texas, so he could better serve one of the Heat's 2010 Draft Picks, former Longhorn Dexter Pittman. It just goes to show you, the best are always trying to get better and that's why they stay on top! He described Canadian, and Eastern Commerce alumni Jamaal Magloire as one of his hardest workers, shared his thoughts on various training methodologies for basketball athletes and commented that the current crop of Heat players is one of his favorites, as it is a veteran heavy squad and everyone is willing to put in the extra work necessary to be the best and most importantly, to win.
When asked what separates the Superstars from the rest of the league:
"The superstars have God-given talent. I've seen superstars willing to work to become even better, and I've seen guys that are great players and think that's enough. If you can get those guys (who are talented and think that will carry them) to buy into the off-court training and the extra on-court work it takes them up to another level. The key thing is the true superstars get it, in the weight room, on the court, doing their drill work and that's why they're superstars."
On what is important for the athletic development of young basketball athletes:
"If young athletes develop a proper strength base they are going to have more power, in turn making them quicker and helping them jump higher. Their on-court basketball specific drills are important, you've got to be able to shoot and do all of that, but when they get stronger and more powerful, their quickness, speed and vertical jump go way up. Kids want to get into the weight room and do the beach workout, chest and arms but the real key along with core strength is hip and leg strength. Everything they do from running to jumping to moving comes from the legs and hips and the strength and power allows you to do unbelievable quick, fast, and explosive movements."
There you have it folks. There's no secret formula to becoming the best basketball athlete, even for the LeBrons, Boshs, and Wades of the world. It's all about putting in the quality work required both on and off the court to improve and get better both physically and skill-wise. You've got to learn to love the grind!
Come check us out at ATP to see how we can help you build your best basketball body!
Come check us out at ATP to see how we can help you build your best basketball body!
Josh
jdford@gmail.com
416.894.3365
www.facebook.com/ATPbasketball
www.torontoathlete.com
ATP Sport Conditioning Centres located in Downsview Park, 75 Carl Hall Road Unit #15
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