In this section, we will observe how NBA players use stretching to improve their performance on the court.
NBA players are known for their athleticism and skill, and stretching is a crucial component of their training routine.
By incorporating stretching into their daily routine, NBA players are able to improve their flexibility, reduce the risk of injuries, and enhance their overall physical ability.
Let's get started!
Michael Jordan's personal trainer Tim Grover on Jordan's stretching training:
"He [Michael Jordan] stretched before and after each workout, even when he did three workouts a day," Grover says. Jordan also stretched individual muscles between sets of weight-training exercises and, of course, as part of his warm-up routine before games.
“You drive a truck; my body is a Ferrari. This is important.”
"Baker and Kobe were getting ready for a workout, and some younger guys were there too. They were messing around in the warmups, they weren't taking their stretching seriously, and Kobe went off on them. 'That's why you're not gonna have a long career. That's why I'ma bust your a** when I see you. That's why you're not gonna get to the second contract.'"
Watch a video of Kobe Bryant telling you to stretch.
"Stephen Curry ensures to perform some stretching exercises before and after each of his training sessions. Stretching exercises help in keeping his muscles relaxed and they also minimize the chances of injuries. Moreover, stretching keeps his body agile and athletic."
Watch this video on how the USA Basketball team prepares for a game.
On Stretching:
"I’ve just learned more about my body and how to prepare my body. But I’ve been taking care of my body since I started playing basketball,” LeBron said earlier this season. “Like, even when I was younger — you can ask any of my best friends growing up — before I went to sleep I would stretch and as soon as I would wake up I would stretch."
Watch this collaboration with Walmart to promote stretching:
Stretching is important for everyone, including you a young athlete. As you can see, these basketball players believe that stretching is crucial for their performance and injury prevention.
If you're serious about sports or physical activity, stretching should be an essential part of your routine too. By stretching, you can improve your flexibility, prevent injuries, and optimize your performance.