The army’s immensely dedicated soldiers are always making sure they’re in shape and able to cope with the physical demands of fighting in a full spectrum of operations. From military fitness tests to intense weight training in gyms, they unlock their best performances through a variety of training techniques. Some of their routines might even benefit the NBA’s cohort of basketball professionals, too.
In fact, we’ve seen a number of sporting professionals take part in army training over the years. For example, soccer teams have attempted many army-style drills, and we’ve also seen NFL players in army settings. However, while some NBA fans who cheer on their favorite players and assess DraftKings MVP odds have fought for their nation and returned from the battlefield, many NBA professionals probably aren’t aware of what army training actually entails.
So, without further ado, we highlight some key reasons why NBA athletes could benefit from army training. Of course, they’re supreme athletes in their own right, but mixing up their training methods to keep things entertaining could work for some.
A new way to train
While NBA players establish routines and perform familiar exercises daily, there is a strong risk of boredom setting in if they use the same training techniques consistently. As mentioned above, mixing things up could help them unlock their finest performances, while also enabling them to gain insight into new training techniques that have been explored for decades.
Work on mental toughness
It’s probably fair to say that most, if not all, NBA players could handle the fitness side of army training. However, despite the mental challenges they face on the court in the NBA, there isn’t anything quite like army training for instilling mental toughness. Many military training techniques revolve around mental strength, fighting back against adversity, and never giving up on the battlefield. For NBA players who are out of form and part of losing units, these tried and tested techniques could assist them when any mental challenges surface.
Improve physical conditioning
As mentioned, professional basketball players are dedicated athletes who look after themselves and have teams of professionals ensuring they’re doing the right things. With that in mind, their physical conditioning is probably unrivalled when compared to some athletes in other sports, be it boxers or UFC fighters. However, that doesn’t mean that they can’t explore other techniques that could improve this important aspect of their game. The army have been taking on functional training techniques for decades now, with some of the most gruelling drills and the like ensuring combatants are at their peak in terms of physical performance. These techniques can only benefit NBA players, perhaps by boosting strength, improving cardiovascular endurance, and even decreasing their chances of going through a career-threatening injury.
It teaches discipline
There have been numerous examples of NBA players who perhaps aren’t as committed as their teammates or have experienced issues away from the court, perhaps with the police or with their respective franchises. Army training could stamp this type of behavior out, with military life revolving around discipline, dedication, punctuality, and respect.
Leadership skills
Nobody can relate to the traumatic situations soldiers have to overcome and the testing times they’re always having to deal with. To come out the other side, leaders are vital. Likewise, working together in unison saves lives. Army training really emphasizes this and more, making sure teams of soldiers are in sync and fluid. Given basketball’s team aspect, these leadership skills could also come in handy.