Of course, some of the best athletes and NBA players of all time have natural ability, but they get to truly be the best because of their dedication to the sport both during the season and in the offseason.
Players like Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Russell Westbrook, and so many more have something in common — they’ve always had an offseason schedule and regimen that gets them prepared in the best way possible for the upcoming season! Of course, players like Kobe are no longer playing, but surely his NBA playing schedule and readiness has carried over into his daily life now. Their offseason program consists of many things, not just playing basketball and staying in shape, both mentally and physically. Some of the basketball (NBA) players have also shown true talent for other games and successfully competed in poker tournaments.
- Rest – It is important to get enough rest during the offseason. Too often you see players using their “off-time” to simply party. They work so hard during the season that they have almost no breaks at all, so when they do, they just aren’t sure what to do with all the free time they now have. Yes, spending time with friends and loved ones is a great way to relax and get some rest, but players also need to remain cognizant of the work that still needs to be done. Taking time to participate in other sports and interests is important to your mental health as well.
- Recover – Because a pro athlete’s body gets pretty beat up during the season, they need time to nurse injuries and simply let their bodies heal back up. It is important for these athletes to use this time to do so before jumping right back into heavy weights or court time again.
- Be Honest – It is important for any athlete to take the time to reflect back on their season. They should appreciate what they did well and know what they need to improve on before the next season. Athletes who don’t do this will never be the best, because you can be sure that all their coaches and staff will be reflecting on each player, noting what they need to work on before the next season.
- Create a Schedule – Finally, be sure to create a schedule for the entire offseason. All of the things mentioned above (rest, recovery and reflection) are of limited value if there isn’t a schedule. Finding a healthy balance among these things, including a demanding workout regimen, can’t be successful without a schedule. This includes balancing any celebrity appearances, sponsorships, etc. Dwight Howard’s Off-Season Workout provides a great example for the athletic part of the offseason.
Creating a schedule is good for anyone, whether you are an athlete or not. A schedule gives you focus and something to strive for each day, each week, each month, and so on. It is a way to hold yourself accountable for the actions that need to happen each day. The importance of a schedule is often overlooked, but never by the best of the best. Believe you me, they have a schedule they stick to day-to-day.
