You Are What You Can Guard

Hello Everyone!

Last summer while I was at PGC's Essentials Course at the University of Washington, I heard Director Tyler Coston say something I will never forget about basketball players.

"You are what you can guard."

Source: Getty Images

Basically, if you can't guard someone you will probably be on the bench, not playing. The same can be said for most sports that have athletes play both offensive and defensive roles. If you want to be out there competing you have to be able to stop your opponent.

Source: Getty Images

So if you're looking for more playing time you can find it by being able to guard anyone. Now as soon as I say that I am sure some of these doubts (dare I say excuses) immediately popped into your head.

• But some opponents are way bigger than me. 
• But some players are too fast for me to keep up. 
• But some competition can just blow right by me. 

All 3 of these common thoughts are reflective of your strength, speed, and quickness skills. And all of those skills are 100% in your control. Please note I am not talking about height when I reference bigger. In the game of basketball, if you're 5'5 your primary responsibility will not be to guard the other team's 6'9 center, we know that. Yet, you have probably played against others who "play bigger" than you. Who out muscle you, who initiate contact with you, who make you play smaller than you actually are. That's something you can control.

Most players do just that...play. No training or development, just playing with the same skills they've always had. On the other hand, those that continue to elevate their game to the next level, also continue to elevate their strength, speed, and quickness.

For example, training to get stronger, faster, and quicker in the game of basketball should be as much a routine as shooting foul shots. The more you practice/train your strength, speed, and quickness, the more results you get.

Here are 3 tips for creating a "do anywhere" workout to help you stop your opponents.

1. Include single leg jumping exercises in your training because in games, you'll often find yourself only able to move off of one foot. 
2. Include reaction drills that require you to improve your first move quickness and timing. 
3. Use core stabilization exercises that force you to maintain a strong center (just like you'll have to maintain your positioning against your competition). 

By adding strength, speed, and quickness to your game you'll be able to guard more competition which will help you play more.

Keep Training!
Coach Amanda Kephart