Well things are going well with the guys. I have seen a lot of improvement in the short amount of time that we have been working out. I forgot to mention that I am running these workouts without a translator. It makes for some very interesting situations. I am learning the hand signs that they use for numbers and learning some words for exercises as well. Most of the time, demonstration is enough for them to realize what I want them to do. The time that I have with these guys is priceless. It is really helping me build a good foundation with them.
One main thing I am focusing on with their movement skills (linear or multi-directional) is their first step quickness. They have the habit, like many other athletes I have worked with, of taking a negative step, multiple steps, or misaligning their bodies for efficient power and explosiveness. So reaction drills focusing on the taught movement skills at varying intensities/speeds are really working well. These guys really pick up things quickly. I think the extra time with me and not a lot of basketball work has allowed them to focus a lot more and not be flooded with too much information.
Also last month marked the return of most of our team for preseason camp. Our two American players arrived and are ready to start up. We are still missing four of our players who will not be back until about a week before the season since they are training and playing with the national squad for the East Asian Games. I am continuing with the training progression I have set with the three younger players that have been here, but I have changed the schedule due to the return of the other players. The veterans are now training in the mornings and the younger guys are training in the afternoon. I changed the schedule so we have alternating days of resistance and movement training with mid-week regeneration and Sundays off. I am restrained a bit due to the practice schedule but I need to be flexible, and as long as I am getting accomplished what I want, then it is fine.
Ideally, I am looking to work on power movements to get the guys explosive leading up to the season. I realize though that my power has to come from promoting the proper firing patterns and increasing the overall strength rather than doing multiple power movements in addition to the strength and corrective training. These guys are very quad dominant with improper firing patterns. If you have worked with basketball players before, you know that many are quad/calf dominant in their jumping technique. They are limited in glute/hamstring strength and firing. This causes knee and back pain. I am seeing more benefit from not having them do plyometrics and power movements, since they are jumping so much in basketball practice, and focusing on resetting their firing patterns through strength movements. It seems that performance is going to come from keeping them healthy and strong throughout the long season and not looking at a lot of power and explosive work.
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