NATIONAL BASKETBALL STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING ASSOCIATION

(NBSCA) PERFORMANCE SUMMIT 2019—CHICAGO IN REVIEW

STEPHEN BIRD, PHD, CSCS, RSCC*E, RNUTR, THOMAS HUYGHE, MSC, CSCS AND ERNEST DELOSANGELES, MSC, ATC, CSCS

T
he 2019 National Basketball Strength and Conditioning time (2,5,21). As such, player monitoring and management were
Association (NBSCA) Performance Summit (PS) was held heavily reliant upon quantifying court minutes (time on feet)
at Palmer House Hilton, Chicago, IL, May 19, 2019. With combined with the professional judgement of the trainer, further
the largest contingent of strength and conditioning coaches, emphasizing the significant role of building relationships and
athletic trainers, and sports coaches in attendance to date, gaining trust between players and trainers. Outlining the lessons
the 2019 NBSCA PS was well represented across the National learned throughout his NBA career, Shareef identified three
Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), National Basketball notable stages of learning; these being 1) initial, 2) developmental,
Association (NBA), and NBA G-League. With several delegates and 3) transition (Table 1). Stage 1 introduces the importance of
representing sports outside of basketball, there was significant communication. Stage 2 provides opportunity for professional
interest in the theme of a multi-faceted approach to strength development (physical and mental improvements), while growing
and conditioning in the professional team setting. In conjunction personally through meaningful relationships. Stage 3 promotes
with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), transition through education and experience, which is built on the
this year’s event was live streamed for the first time with online solid foundations of communication and relationships.
participants from seven countries. This article provides a review of
sessions presented at the 2019 NBSCA PS including strength and TABLE 1. THREE STAGES OF LEARNING—THROUGH THE EYES OF
conditioning methods and coaching strategies, in-season strength AN NBA ALL-STAR
programming, force plate assessment, injury prevention, and STAGE DESCRIPTOR
player monitoring.
Stage 1: Develop sound communication skills.
LESSONS LEARNED ACROSS THE CAREER OF Initial I was not a good communicator.
AN NBA ALL-STAR Trained a lot with Robert Hackett (Head
Opening Address: Shareef Abdur-Rahim, President of NBA Strength and Conditioning Coach,
G-League and Former NBA All-Star Vancouver Grizzlies) to develop body,
Stage 2: which helped developed my skills. This
FROM BERKELEY TO VANCOUVER Developmental time not only allowed me to develop
One of the first “one and done” players, along with the likes of as a player (physically and mentally),
Stephon Marbury, Shareef left the University of California, Berkeley but I had personal growth through
after one year to enter the 1996 NBA draft, where he was selected establishing meaningful relationships.
third overall by the Vancouver Grizzlies behind Allen Iverson and
Being educated by the coaches I worked
Marcus Camby. His playing career spanned from 1996 – 2008
with and what worked with me. At times
across four NBA teams (Vancouver Grizzlies, Atlanta Hawks,
my body would not do want my mind
Portland Trail Blazers, and Sacramento Kings). Shareef was a
wanted to do, I was in an athlete transition.
member of the United States Men’s National Basketball team Stage 3:
But being around trainers, like Pete and
that won the gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, and he Transition
Manny, who cared about you, not only as
was named an NBA All-Star in the 2001 – 2002 season. However,
a player but a person provide you with
in reflection, Shareef acknowledges that he was not great at
confidence in the process to continually
communicating early in his career, which could have impacted
improve and develop as a player.
his professional development, and he highlighted a meeting with
Robert Hackett (Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at the
WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?
Vancouver Grizzlies) as a turning point where he learned the
The three stages of learning are important considerations in
importance of “open communication.”
Shareef’s role as President of the NBA G-League. As he openly
communicates his lessons learned, he noted that more than 50%
LESSONS LEARNED
of current NBA players have spent time in the NBA G-League.
Shareef highlighted the importance of developing strong, trusting
This is an important consideration as a large part of the players’
relationships between the players, strength and conditioning
development is spent with the strength and conditioning coach
coaches, and trainers in order to achieve continuous improvement.
and training staff at this level. Additionally, it is not just the
This is evidenced by his continued contact with trainers like
players that enter through the NBA G-League, but officials and
Wally Blaze, Pete Youngman, and Manny Romero; trainers who
coaches as well. A key goal of the NBA G-League is to provide
possessed an energy and passion coupled with interpersonal skills
a professional pathway program, not only to develop players,
that made “you feel as a player that they really cared about you,
coaches and officials, but to provide opportunities to integrate
not only as a player but a person.” Such personal relationships
with teams (i.e., NBA Summer league). All of this is made possible
were of extreme importance for Shareef in helping manage his
through clear communication and the development of sound
body early in his career, and it was noted that the advanced
personal relationships.
athlete monitoring systems of today were not widely used at that

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problems.” That is to say—within your organization it is people

TAKE-HOME POINTS: LESSONS LEARNED ACROSS
that make your program, from the high performance staff that
THE CAREER OF AN NBA ALL-STAR
bridge the gaps between training information and data analytics,
Most important life skills are communication to the key stakeholders such as management, coaches, and
1.
and building relationships. players. Exercising critical thinking, professional judgment, and
As a player, explain to me how you can make that even with so-called advanced technology, it requires a human
2.
me better, and then I am locked in. being to understand, implement, and adapt to solve problems.

STATE OF PERFORMANCE ANALYTICS: PRACTICAL COMMUNICATING WITH KEY STAKEHOLDERS

APPLICATION AND REALITIES High-performance staff must recognize that key stakeholders
Keith D’Amelio, Nike Performance Specialist within an organization are driven by what is important to them
within their context, as such they all think about things differently.
INTRODUCING THE STOCKDALE PARADOX This is an extremely important consideration in order for a
This presentation highlighted the Human Factor as the missing coach to communicate among the varying personalities of key
link in high-performance environments and introduced coaches stakeholders within the NBA (i.e., management, coaches, and
to the Stockdale paradox, “You must retain faith that you will players). Reflecting on his personal experiences, D’Amelio outlined
prevail in the end, regardless of the difficulties, while at the same the primary objectives and individual characteristics of key
time, confronting the brutal facts of your current reality, whatever stakeholders within the NBA, describing practical examples and
they might be.” Admiral Jim Stockdale was an American pilot key points (Table 2).
in the Vietnam War. In his book, “Good to Great,” he recounted
what he had endured over eight years while in a prisoner of Communication is a reoccurring central theme, which is considered
war camp, recollecting that he was repeatedly tortured (6). By as one of the most vital tools for any business, and is a highly
his own account, Stockdale came out of the prison camp as a valued and regarded discipline in the theory and practice of sport
stronger person than he went in. The Stockdale paradox appears leadership (14). Communication is considered to be the most
counterintuitive, however, relating the Stockdale paradox to high- imperative characteristic displayed in successful organizational
performance staff, D’Amelio argued that in order to be successful leadership, and is a key factor when managing complex change
in elite sport, “You must retain absolute faith you will prevail in the (10,17). In order to successfully manage complex change, a
end, while as high-performance staff, we can’t ignore the chaos framework for change can be useful (13). Knoster, Villa and
that is sport.” That is to say—as high-performance staff we must Thousand present key themes when thinking about systems for
have faith in the program and process, despite the fact that we are managing complex change, which includes vision, skills, incentives,
often clouded in chaos that is elite sport. resources, and an action plan (13). Effective change is a result
of all themes being addressed (Figure 1). Conversely, inability
THE HUMAN FACTOR to address all themes (i.e., missing pieces in the sequences) can
The modern high-performance environment utilizes technology result in negative behavioral consequences, including: confusion,
for data capture and performance analytics. Organizations use this anxiety, resistance, frustration, and false starts. Hence, the take
technology to unearth key metrics to solve performance related home message emphasizes the importance of the organizational
problems. However, the drive for increased technology overlooks vision being openly communicated and understood by the high-
the important human component—a situation best summed up by performance staff. This can only be achieved when there is clear
Patrick Ward “technology does not solve problems, people solve purpose and meaning.

FIGURE 1. THEMES FOR EFFECTIVE CHANGE

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NATIONAL BASKETBALL STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING ASSOCIATION
(NBSCA) PERFORMANCE SUMMIT 2019—CHICAGO IN REVIEW

TABLE 2. PRIMARY OBJECTIVES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF KEY STAKEHOLDERS WITHIN THE NBA
DESCRIPTOR MANAGEMENT COACHES PLAYERS
Winning, being competitive,
Primary Objective: Maximize return on investment Winning
part of team
Don’t care about today, or Want direct honesty and
Noticeable Unrelenting passion to
tomorrow, they care about 3, transparency—athletes
Characteristics: improve and get better
6, and 12 months from now do not like gray areas
The Paradoxical World
of the Head Coach.
Return on Investment. As an early-career strength coach Burgers and fries, best
While meeting with management, working with a key draft pick food in the NBA.
the strength and conditioning who wasn’t performing well on
Chef asked to add burgers to
coach presents the idea that the practice court, the coach
the menu. Player A comes over,
purchasing software X, although storms over to me, kicks the bike
“Man these are the best burgers
extremely expensive, would over and in front of all the staff
I have had, what’s on it”… I reply,
Practical Example: provide a significant direct return pointing at me, yells “What are
“Meat, like cow.” Overtime, other
on investment and increase you doing in there (pointing to
players start eating the burgers.
profit. The obvious tangible the weights area), he is shooting
One day a player specifically
outcome here is increased profit. like ****, you keep him off the
asks, “What type of meat is this?”
weights.” Following a game, I see
Management thinks this is a Reply, “Bison.” Player A hears this,
the coach walking over to me,
great idea and invests the money gets mad and storms out, “You
and I’m thinking what now, the
to purchase the software. lied to me, you said it was cow.”
coach says “He is getting pushed
around in the paint, get him on
the weights and harden him up.”
Return on investment is one of Coaches operate in an
the most popular performance environment where there
measurement and evaluation is a guillotine above their Ensure that your
metrics used in business (4). head. This changes how they communication answers the
think. Laird and Waters (15) specific questions, which will
The focus here is showcasing
reported that the probability alleviate any opportunity
how high-performance staff
Key Point: of qualified, experienced for miscommunication.
can use this concept to argue
coaches recalling critical things Make an effort to be mindful of
for full-time employment?
accurately is only 59.2%. your body language and build
1) Will there be a significant
Coaches remember what positive rapport with verbal and
direct return on investment?
is important to them, so nonverbal communication.
2) What is the obvious tangible keep that in mind when you
outcome (increased profit)? communicate with them.

WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN? TAKE-HOME POINTS: THE IMPORTANCE

D’Amelio highlights that high-performance excellence within OF THE HUMAN FACTOR
an organization starts with the fundamental principles of
Embrace the Stockdale Paradox: Have
communication. This human factor allows staff to recognize 1.
faith in the program and process.
what drives key stakeholders and through the use of deductive
reasoning to gain insight into what is important to them within Human factor: Technology does not solve
2.
their context (management, coaches, and players). Such problems, people solve problems.
organizational excellence requires exceptional planning and True culture of excellence does not accept complacency
belief in the program. The internal motivation and drive of high- 3.
or mediocrity. There is no silo mentality.
performance staff to meet the organizational vision overrides the
Organizational vision well-communicated and
challenges and resistance to change. Finally, D’Amelio challenges 4.
understood; provides clear purpose and meaning.
coaches to ask themselves at the end of each day, “What can I do
tomorrow that I didn’t do today to improve my organization?” Communication is the key for successful leadership;
5.
key stakeholders all think differently.

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BASKETBALL CONDITIONING: SPECIFIC an average of 4,500 – 5,000 m during the course of a game
APPLICATION AND DRILLS (8). High-intensity efforts generally last less than 20 s with
Brady Howe, Phoenix Suns Head Strength and Conditioning Coach guards performing more high-intensity efforts than forwards
and centers (8,20). Additionally, the biological age and training
CONSIDERATIONS IN BASKETBALL-SPECIFIC CONDITIONING experience of individual players may vary greatly. For example,
Coach Howe provided an overview of five key considerations a coach may have a 19-year-old first round draft pick who is
for basketball-specific conditioning (Figure 2). A central theme unaccustomed to the training and playing load that an 82-game
of this presentation was continuously questioning your current season brings. Conversely, the same team may have a 15-year
training programs in order to allow a forward-thinking mindset veteran. Therefore, both players would be managed differently,
of the specific and transferable application of basketball-specific highlighting the importance of knowing the roster. The structure
conditioning related to the five key considerations. Howe argues of the team roster and coach’s playing style may also influence the
that by challenging individual training philosophies, coaches demands of each player. Playing a small lineup presents different
grow on a daily basis as basketball-specific conditioning may metabolic demands compared to having a taller lineup on the
be approached and prescribed in multiple ways to maximize court. The lineup may be determined, in part, by the coach’s
court transfer. It is suggested that strength and conditioning playing style, whether they play “up-tempo” in offense or creating
coaches resist the temptation to view conditioning solely as more “switches” on defense. Howe presents a typical NBA team
“cardiorespiratory,” but rather a metabolic conditioning continuum roster in Table 3.
ranging from “alternate” to “basketball-specific” that also caters
for players transitioning to return to play. PLAYER PROFILING
In order to design player-specific conditioning programs, one
KNOW YOUR SPORT AND KNOW YOUR ROSTER of the first steps is to establish baseline testing data, which
When analyzing the activity demands of NBA basketball, many may include musculoskeletal screening and functional testing
physiological variables require consideration. For example, a (3,9). Available resources at a strength and conditioning
majority of the playing time is spent at more than 85% of the coach’s disposal, such as facilities and equipment, play a role in
athlete’s maximum heart rate (HRmax), with players covering determining which test may be applicable for their environment. It

FIGURE 2. FIVE KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR BASKETBALL-SPECIFIC CONDITIONING

TABLE 3. NBA ROSTER—PLAYER CLASSIFICATION AND PLAYING MINUTES

PLAYER CLASSIFICATION NUMBER MINUTES PER GAME
Star player 1–3 30 – 40
Role player 3–5 10 – 30
Back-up player ~5 5 – 15
Development player ~5 Less than 5

TABLE 4. NBA PLAYER PROFILE TESTING—PERFORMANCE QUALITIES AND TESTS

PERFORMANCE QUALITY TEST
Power Countermovement jump test
Endurance Yo-Yo or 3-min step test
Strength Isometric mid-thigh pull test
Strength-speed 135-lb trap bar jump test
Agility 505 test
Acceleration 10-m sprint
Speed ¾ court sprint test

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NATIONAL BASKETBALL STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING ASSOCIATION
(NBSCA) PERFORMANCE SUMMIT 2019—CHICAGO IN REVIEW

is important to establish the key performance qualities of interest Figure 3 displays training strategies and exercise selections to
with reliable and valid tests to provide consistent and high-quality achieve targeted adaptation to prepare players for the demands
player information. Table 4 displays key performance qualities of competition.
and tests that may be considered in the development of an NBA
player profile. Table 5 outlines metabolic conditioning strategies and
prescriptions employed during the return-to-play process
RETURN-TO-PLAY CONDITIONING transitioning from general endurance towards basketball-specific
During the course of an 82-game regular season, NBA players conditioning. Important to note here is that the suggestions given
play almost every other night. Therefore, the primary goal in Table 5 should be viewed from a holistic standpoint rather than
of basketball-specific conditioning is based on microdosing an isolated standpoint, as all types of work prescribed to the
to optimize a high level of daily performance. However, if athlete (e.g., strength, basketball, conditioning) play a role into the
players are injured, they will not obtain the primary game- evolution and development of a player’s ability to generate and
related stimulus. Return-to-play conditioning should provide use his energy system, if planned appropriately.
progressive physiological stimuli aimed at targeted adaptation.

• Individual specific conditioning needs • General endurance • Non-weight bearing conditioning

• Physiological stress / adaptation • Threshold training (Pool/swim, Anti-gravity treadmill)
• High resistance intervals • Assault bike
• High-intensity continuous training • Treadmill
• Alternative small sided games • Climber
• Ski Erg
• Sled
FIGURE 3. TRAINING STRATEGIES AND EXERCISE SELECTION FOR TARGETED ADAPTATIONS

TABLE 5. METABOLIC CONDITIONING STRATEGIES USED IN THE RETURN-TO-PLAY PROCESS

TRAINING STRATEGY TRAINING ADAPTATIONS TRAINING PROTOCOL OBJECTIVE MEASURES
Increase cardiac output,
improve efficiency of O2 supply 30-90 min continuous work
General Endurance HR range
(increase volume over time)
Stimulate cardiac
(aerobic capacity) Sustainable work rate
hypertrophy, increase left Maintain HR ranges (130-150)
ventricular cavity volume
Increases the max rate of ATP
1-4 min continuous work
regeneration with the goal of
increasing aerobic power 3-5 reps
Repeatable work rate
Threshold Training Raise anaerobic threshold, 1:1 work-to-rest ratio
increase power output Wattage (sustainable
(aerobic power) Keep HR within range power output)
Rely less on anaerobic of entire set
energy system to generate Maintain HR 150-165 bpm
the necessary ATP
Increase O2 utilization and HR recovery
recruitment of type 2 fast
High-Resistance Interval twitch muscle fibers 8-12 second intervals, 10-15 HR under anaerobic threshold
Training (alactic power) reps, 45-60 second rest Wattage (sustainable
Working just under
anaerobic threshold power output)

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ALTERNATIVE BASKETBALL CONDITIONING

Once the player has re-established baseline conditioning levels
and exhibit psychological readiness for court return with no
obvious alternated movement strategy, they can proceed to the
next stage. Three key implementation considerations include: 1)
training doses are prescribed via graded exposure (i.e., progressive
overloaded), 2) training progressions target more game-specific
drills, and 3) monitoring the player’s progress and training dose
tolerance. Table 6 outlines times to complete on-court drills and
distances, which allows for programming relative to speed zones,
while Figure 4 displays an on-court maximal aerobic speed drill
utilizing the time/speed zone approach.

FIGURE 4. EXAMPLE OF ON-COURT MAXIMAL

AEROBIC SPEED DRILL

TABLE 6. SAMPLE CLASSIFICATION TIMES FOR ON-COURT DRILLS RELATIVE TO SPEED ZONES
SPEED (MPH) FULL COURT HALF COURT WIDTH FT LINE 3PT LINE OPP. FT LINE
10.0 6.4 3.2 3.4 1.1 o1.6 5.3
10.5 6.1 3.1 3.2 1.0 1.5 5.1
11.0 5.8 2.9 3.1 1.0 1.5 4.8
11.5 5.6 2.8 3.0 0.9 1.4 4.6
12.0 5.3 2.7 2.8 0.9 1.3 4.4
12.5 5.1 2.6 2.7 0.9 1.3 4.3
13.0 4.9 2.5 2.6 0.8 1.2 4.1
13.5 4.7 2.4 2.5 0.8 1.2 3.9
14.0 4.6 2.3 2.4 0.8 1.2 3.8
14.5 4.4 2.2 2.4 0.8 1.1 3.7
15.0 4.3 2.1 2.3 0.7 1.1 3.5
15.5 4.1 2.1 2.2 0.7 1.0 3.4
16.0 4.0 2.0 2.1 0.7 1.0 3.3
16.5 3.9 1.9 2.1 0.7 1.0 3.2
17.0 3.8 1.9 2.0 0.6 1.0 3.1
17.5 3.7 1.8 1.9 0.6 0.9 3.0
18.0 3.6 1.8 1.9 0.6 0.9 3.0
18.5 3.5 1.7 1.8 0.6 0.9 2.9
19.0 3.4 1.7 1.8 0.6 0.9 2.8
19.5 3.3 1.6 1.7 0.6 0.8 2.7
20.0 3.2 1.6 1.7 0.5 0.8 2.7
Abbreviations: mph = miles per hour; FT = free throw; Opp. = opposition

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NATIONAL BASKETBALL STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING ASSOCIATION
(NBSCA) PERFORMANCE SUMMIT 2019—CHICAGO IN REVIEW

BASKETBALL-SPECIFIC CONDITIONING OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Once the medical staff considers the player at full-health and Finally, the NBA environment presents multiple logistic and
pre-injury status, they can transition to basketball-specific travel-related limitations, which may impact opportunities to
conditioning. The primary goal of this stage is to progress conduct conditioning. Despite this, practice days and game days
the player to game-intensity basketball-specific conditioning, offer unique training/conditioning opportunities. For instance,
which may be achieved using small-sided games. Small- “breakfast club sessions” (early morning), as well as pre-practice/
sided games may be implemented in collaboration with the game, during practice/game, and post-practice/game sessions,
coaching staff (e.g., skill drills can be blended into on-court are all periods that can be used appropriately to improve energy
conditioning). Importantly, basketball-specific conditioning and system development through proactive planning. However,
small-sided game situations must be planned in alignment with strength and conditioning coaches must remain flexible towards
complementary strength training to ensure a matching overlap in the day-to-day changes in player readiness.
physical quality development so that there is minimal interference
from weight room intensities to on-court performance (Figure TAKE-HOME POINTS: THE FOUR BS
5). It is paramount that the player’s internal and external load
Be open-minded: use ideas that apply to your
tolerance continues to be monitored. Frequently employed 1.
environment rather than set protocols.
modalities include micro-technology (high-intensity efforts,
speed, distance), wearables (acceleration/deceleration, change 2. Be proactive: plan to reduce overwhelming variables.
of direction, distance, jump count), and internal responses Be specific: plan training according to sport-specific,
(heart rate and RPE). 3. position-specific, and player-specific demands with
respect to context, situation and environment.
Be practical: find a way to get the job done and ensure
4.
players’ care and buy-in before anything else.

FORCE PLATE ASSESSMENT AND

PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Daniel Cohen, Universidad de Santander/
Coldeportes, Colombia

OVERVIEW
Cohen introduced key principles related to the application of
force plate assessments and measures of jump performance,
emphasizing the practical and valid performance of the
countermovement jump as a diagnostic tool (1,12,16). Other
discussion points included the use of neuromuscular performance
assessment tools, the practical applications of jump assessments
FIGURE 5. SMALL-SIDED GAMES - TRAINING OBJECTIVES in determination of fatigue, readiness, and adaptation, and the
importance of benchmarking in the player progression during
rehabilitation in the return to play process.

OBJECTIVE DATA
In the sporting context, objective data is often used as a
conversation starter between medical professionals and strength
and conditioning coaches. Examining the data may not only
provide the health and performance team with new information,
it may inform and validate the clinical practice and informed
decision making of the health and performance staff. Objective
data allows quantification of variables clinicians and coaches
deem important, thereby bringing a perspective based on clinical
evidence that shapes an evidence-based perspective. Health and
performance teams may benefit from the use of force plate data
as a piece of the bigger puzzle they wish to solve. However, this is
by no means the end-all be-all, but another diagnostic tool in the
toolbox (Table 7).

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TABLE 7. STRENGTH AND POWER NEUROMUSCULAR PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT TOOLBOX

ISOMETRICS DYNAMIC SINGLE JOINT DYNAMIC MULTI JOINT
Force Plate Isokinetic Dynamometer Force Plate
Hand Held Dynamometer Nordboard VBT Devices (Gymaware/Tendo)
Sphygmomanometer Jump Mats (Just Jump)

MEASURES OF JUMP PERFORMANCE: THE CASE FOR THE WHAT IS THE VALUE OF PRE-SEASON TESTING?
COUNTERMOVEMENT JUMP Pre-season testing and player profiling should be used to
Several measures of jump performance have been used in elite understand individual abnormal changes that may occur
sports settings and are often incorporated in the testing battery. throughout the season. By establishing individual variability, the
However, strength and conditioning coaches should be familiar coach can determine each athlete’s adaptations in response to
with specific considerations for the use of various measures the workload during the season. Stronger and more aerobically
of jump performance. A reoccurring question posed by Cohen robust athletes may show better recovery compared to their
was that of whether single-leg jump measures are superior counterparts. Cohen provided examples of what changes may
to a countermovement jump (CMJ) in detecting asymmetries. look like in-season for each individual athlete following initial pre-
According to Cohen, while the single-leg jump better reflects season testing compared to one day pre-game and two days post-
asymmetrical differences, some limitations were presented. game. His examples identified how some athletes were stable,
Specifically, due to the fact that the single-leg jump would likely some had decreases in neuromuscular performance, and some
be applied in the later stages of rehabilitation, the ability to showed super compensation. Players with poor responses showed
quickly examine and compare previous data during a rehabilitation lower eccentric deceleration impulse for CMJ. This information can
process may be limited to this stage. Second, testing the bilateral guide decision making for each athlete during their subsequent
CMJ may be more time-efficient to examine asymmetries when sessions in the weight room and on-court.
utilizing dual force plates, in comparison to the single-leg jump.
For example, three bilateral jump tests equate to six single-leg CREATING COACH/ATHLETE BUY-IN
jump tests. Decreasing the amount of data analysis may promote Implementing jump testing may provide some barriers; however,
a more manageable process. Additionally, dual force plates may in order to overcome this, creating a culture where all interested
allow practitioners to observe compensatory movement strategies, parties (coaches, players, administration) see the value in
such as weight/load shifting, which cannot be examined collecting the data is key. When it comes to assisting athletes’
during the single-leg jump. Another measure, the squat jump, buy-in, the concept of “gamification” via creating a leaderboard
provides the ability to examine the acceleration from zero as a can draw upon the perceived competitive climate of athletes (23),
purer measure of concentric force and concentric performance, as self-efficacy factors may moderate the relationship between
however the eccentric phase is not included as it is in the CMJ. social comparison via leaderboards and the athletes’ attitude for
Finally, the drop jump can also be used with good reliability success. This also provides a real-time immediate feedback loop
(18). However, Cohen debated that several CMJ attempts may be for coaches and athletes during the assessment, promoting instant
required to ensure maximal height, which may correspond with educational opportunities. The main goal of using the leaderboard
learning effects. Therefore, the ability of the drop jump to detect is to create interest around force plate testing. If the goal is to
neuromuscular fatigue needs to be interpreted with caution. Table quantify neuromuscular performance, force plates can provide
8 outlines CMJ compared to various jump measures. instant data on numerous jump variables, which can be displayed
with real-time feedback, whether that be eccentric and landing
variables (16) or using a dual force plate system identifying
asymmetries in different time-points of the jump (1).

TABLE 8. THE CASE FOR THE COUNTERMOVEMENT JUMP

CMJ VS. SL JUMP CMJ VS. SQUAT JUMP CMJ VS. DROP JUMP
Evaluation of eccentric and
Implemented in earlier rehabilitation stage Better reliability
concentric phase
More efficient to test bilateral
Implemented in earlier rehabilitation stage
(dual force plates)
Expression of compensatory strategies More compliance in-season with players

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NATIONAL BASKETBALL STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING ASSOCIATION
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REACTIVE STRENGTH INDEX, ASYMMETRIES, AND MORE relevance and beneficial in guiding performance and medical staff
The reactive strength index (RSI) and reactive strength index in selecting a CMJ protocol (11), once they have established the
modified (RSI-mod), [calculated as RSI = flight time (ms)/ key performance indices within their athlete monitoring and player
contact time (ms)], provides insight into the ability to engage assessment strategies.
the stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) (6,18). The RSI has been
reported as a surrogate measure of neuromuscular status and Cohen also presented unpublished data examining changes
used an athlete-monitoring tool to evaluate athlete “readiness” throughout an NBA season for specific variables, noting that
to train (6,7,18,22). Initial work by Cormack et al. reported players’ jumping proficiency should be considered. For example,
that monitoring jump height may detect trivial changes in comparing the changes for NBA pre-season to NBA end of season,
performance, whereas the RSI-mod displayed a substantial players improved their RSI-mod scores. This is likely attributed to
decrease post-match and game-day +1 (7). It was theorized that becoming a more efficient jumper. During analysis of asymmetries
a potential mechanism for the resultant increased ground contact coaches should establish what is “normal” for the playing roster
time in drop jump performance post-match and game-day +1 and position-specific comparisons throughout the season (11).
was due to decreased muscle-tendon stiffness from prior SSC It was highlighted that during the NBA pre-season concentric
exercise, as determined by RSI-mod (7). Because RSI-mod is a and eccentric asymmetries were reduced; however, during early
surrogate measure of lower body neuromuscular performance, it in-season competition increased asymmetries were observed.
is not only a good predictor of jump performance, but may also While pre-season training appears to reduce concentric and
provide insight into running performance as well, based on the eccentric asymmetries, most likely due to training emphasizing
impulse-momentum relationship (6,7,18). More recent works by pre-rehabilitation and specific strength development, the increase
Heishman and colleagues, examining CMJ inter-limb asymmetries in asymmetries reported across the season may correspond
in NCAA Division I collegiate basketball players, suggest that the with a change in this training focus (Table 9). Once again, this
CMJ may provide quantitative data to guide return-to-play and highlights the complexities of programming during an 82-game
return-to-performance protocols following injury with respect regular season.
to inter-limb asymmetries (12). While asymmetry greater than
10% between limbs is often used as a threshold criterion to guide TAKE-HOME POINTS: MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU
return-to-play following injury (19), the authors identified reliable
Force plate data: provides objective context for
CMJ metrics associated with both the concentric and eccentric 1.
coaches and clinicians to aid in decision making.
phases that may prove valuable in enhancing rehabilitation.
Interestingly, the authors suggest that inter-limb variability in CMJ: more efficient jump and provides similar metrics
2.
asymmetry may be positive, and theorize that during injury, as the single-leg jump, squat jump, and drop jump.
an athlete would select a pre-determined movement strategy Pre-season testing: used to understand
that would avoid force application to the injured limb, likely 3.
each individual and establish norms.
manifesting in a consistent asymmetry. This is in agreement, in
part, with research demonstrating previous injury is associated Create interest: educate players and coaches to
4.
with heightened CMJ force-time asymmetries (11). A novel finding create value around force plate assessments.
was that the CMJ protocol (CMJ with an arm swing compared Asymmetries: aim to minimize increases
5.
to CMJ with no arm swing) had an influence on the variability of in asymmetries during the season.
lower extremity inter-limb asymmetries. This may be of particular

TABLE 9. ASYMMETRIES (%) COMPARISON OF NBA PLAYER PRE-SEASON TO EARLY IN-SEASON

PHASE CONCENTRIC PEAK FORCE ECCENTRIC DECEL RFD PEAK LANDING FORCE

Pre-Season 9.3 27.0 14.1

Early In-Season 6.7 23.9 17.7

Abbreviations: Decel = deceleration; RFD = rate of force development. Unpublished data Luke M. Hart.

26 NSCA COACH 6.4 | NSCA.COM

 NSCA COACH 6.4

IN-SEASON STRENGTH PROGRAMMING: What do you do to continue to be innovative?

MULTI-FACETED APPROACH PANEL DISCUSSION • Listen to podcasts or audiobooks every day; there
Derek Millender, Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, is always time.
Cleveland Cavaliers • Continue to search for educational opportunities.
Jeremy Holsopple, Athletic Performance Director, Dallas Mavericks • Open conversations with assistants and mentors.
Bill Foran, Assistant Coach/Strength and Conditioning, Miami Heat • Look outside your sport; be open-minded.
Matt Johnson, Head Strength and Conditioning
Coach, Chicago Bulls Speaking from a psychological perspective, what do you do to
build your relationship with the players?
Brandon Gilliam, Director of Rehab, Miami Heat
• Allow athlete ownership within the program. While the players
know the training program, ask them what exercise in the
QUESTION AND ANSWER DISCUSSION FORUM
gym do they want to do in lifting today. Allow the players to
This session provided an open question and answer discussion
have input and take some ownership.
forum that allowed delegates an opportunity to ask questions
related to these individuals’ philosophies regarding successful, • Caring aspect. This all starts with a conversation about
multi-faceted approaches to in-season strength programming. what’s happening, both with their on-court training and
performance, along with what’s happening outside of
What are the keys to training NBA players? basketball. Sometimes, to show players that you care may
• Fundamentals, strength improves everything. require holding them back, reducing their load when they
want to do more, or holding players accountable with non-
• Patiently and delicately. What are the player’s goals?
negotiables. It’s an old saying, but “no one cares about what
• Make the athletes part of the program, get their feedback on you know until they know how much you care.”
what works best for them.
• Connecting is caring. Developing relationships with
• Collective agreement - everyone needs to be on-board. the players. Once again, this revolves around open
• Older athlete - individualize training to what they can do. communication, not only with the players, but everyone
within the performance team. If they (the players and staff)
• Younger athletes - take into consideration the amount of
know you care and you give them some ownership, you will
games athletes are about to go through during the season.
always get their best.

What are your goals for injury prevention within inter- • Observe body language. I observe their body language when
disciplinary teams? they walk into the facility. If I can see that they are not their
• Flawless communication both within and usual self, I may not get them to lift today, and sometimes I
between departments. may have to forgo my planned 20-minute lift in order to make
a positive connection with the player, and at that point, that
• Educating athletes during the injury rehabilitation process may be just what they needed.
assists their understanding of the process.
• Establish relationship with training staff. What are the biggest takeaways from the NBSCA
• Make the process inclusive. Performance Summit?
1. Relationships: You must be able to build meaningful
relationships with players and coaches.
What is one thing that you feel has been most useful
in your program? 2. Collaborative effort: It takes collaboration to be successful
• Low-minute player will train differently compared than a high- with your staff and players.
minute player. Dial in to what they need.
• Multi-segmental foam rolling. 3. Networking: Very important to network with people across a
variety of disciplines.
• Specific conversations with the certified athletic trainers to
know what the strength and conditioning coach is going 4. Communication: Develop your communication skills, verbal
to do in the gym. and nonverbal communication, soft skills (i.e., people skills,
• Blood flow restriction training, unload athletes but still be able social skills, communication skills).
to make strength gains.
5. Goal oriented: Keep working towards both your goals and
• Isometric (stress relaxation) programs with targeted nutrition team’s performance objectives. Are the goals aligned? Vertical
for tendon health. and horizontal alignment.
• Wim Hof breathing techniques, balance training, and cognitive
6. Context: How can you take this information and apply it
(brain) training.
within the context of your training program?

NSCA COACH 6.4 | NSCA.COM 27

NATIONAL BASKETBALL STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING ASSOCIATION
(NBSCA) PERFORMANCE SUMMIT 2019—CHICAGO IN REVIEW

REFERENCES 14. Krauskopf, K. Successful sport leadership, communication and

1. Beckham, G, Suchomel, T, and Mizuguchi, S. Force plate use in organization. In: Pedersen, PM, Laucella, PC, Kian, E, Geurin, AN
performance monitoring and sport science testing. New Studies in (Eds.), Strategic Sport Communication. Champagin, IL: Human
Athletics 3: 25-37, 2014. Kinetics; 135-168, 2017.

2. Berger, K. Warriors “wearable” weapon? Devices to monitor 15. Laird, P, and Waters, L. Eyewitness recollection of sport
players while on the court. May 28, 2015. Retrieved 2019 from coaches. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport
https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/warriors-wearable-weapon- 8: 76-84, 2008.
devices-to-monitor-players-while-on-the-court. 16. Loturco, I, Pereira, LA, Kobal, R, Cal Abad, CC, Fernandes, V,
3. Bird, SP, and Markwick, WJ. Musculoskeletal screening Ramirez-Campillo, R, and Suchomel, T. Portable force plates: A
and functional testing: Considerations for basketball athletes. viable and practical alternative to rapidly and accurately monitor
International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy 11: 784-802, 2016. elite sprint performance. Sports 6: 61, 2018.

4. Botchkarev, A, and Andru, P. A return on investment as 17. Luthra, A, and Dahiya, R. Effective leadership is all about
a metric for evaluating information systems: Taxonomy and communicating effectively: Connecting leadership and
application. Interdisciplinary Journal of Information, Knowledge, communication. International Journal of Management and Business
and Management 6: 269, 2011. Studies 5: 43-48, 2015.

5. Catapult Sports. Duke basketball using Catapult to 18. Markwick, WJ, Bird, SP, Tufano, JT, Seitz, LB, and Haff, GG. The
monitor performance and support injury rehabilitation. May intraday reliability of the reactive strength index calculated from a
15, 2019. Retrieved 2019 from https://www.youtube.com/ drop jump in professional men’s basketball. International Journal
watch?v=Hnj442Vs-Ts. of Sports Physiology and Performance 10: 482-488, 2015.

6. Cormack, SJ, Mooney, MG, Morgan, W, and McGuigan, MR. 19. Rohman, E, Steubs, JT, and Tompkins, M. Changes in involved
Influence of neuromuscular fatigue on accelerometer load in and uninvolved limb function during rehabilitation after anterior
elite Australian football players. International Journal of Sports cruciate ligament reconstruction: Implications for limb symmetry
Physiology and Performance 8: 373-378, 2013. index measures. American Journal of Sports Medicine 43:
1391-1398, 2015.
7. Cormack, SJ, Newton, RU, and McGuigan, MR. Neuromuscular
and endocrine responses of elite players to an Australian rules 20. Stojanovic, E, Stojiljkovic, N, Scanlan, AT, Dalbo, VJ,
football match. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Berkelmans, DM, and Milanovic, Z. The activity demands and
Performance 3: 359-374, 2008. physiological responses encountered during basketball match-
play: A systematic review. Sports Medicine 48: 111-135, 2018.
8. Crisafulli, A, Melis, F, Tocco, F, Laconi, P, Lai, C, and Concu, A.
External mechanical work versus oxidative energy consumption 21. Torre, PS, and Haberstroh, T. New biometric tests invade the
ratio during a basketball field test. Journal of Sports Medicine and NBA. ESPN The Magazine: NBA Preview Issue, 2014.
Physical Fitness 42: 409-417, 2002. 22. Turner, A, Bishop, C, Springham, M, and Stewart, P. Identifying
9. Delextrat, A, and Cohen, D. Physiological testing of basketball readiness to train: When to push and when to pull. Professional
players: toward a standard evaluation of anaerobic fitness. Journal Strength and Conditioning 42: 9-14, 2016.
of Strength and Conditioning Research 22: 1066-1072, 2008. 23. Wu, Y, Kankanhalli, A, and Huang, K-W. Gamification
10. Elving, WJL. The role of communication in organisational in fitness apps: How do leaderboards influence exercise?
change. Corporate Communications 10: 129-138, 2005. Presented at International Conference on Information Systems,
Fort Worth, 2015.
11. Hart, LM, Cohen, DD, Patterson, SD, Springham, M, Reynolds,
J, and Read, P. Previous injury is associated with heightened
countermovement jump force-time asymmetries in professional
soccer players. Translational Sports Medicine 2: 256-262, 2019.
12. Heishman, A, Daub, B, Miller, R, Brown, B, Freitas, E, and
Bemben, M. Countermovement jump inter-limb asymmetries in
collegiate basketball players. Sports 7, 2019.
13. Knoster, T, Villa, R, and Thousand, J. A framework for thinking
about systems change. In: Villa, R, and Thousand, J (Eds.),
Restructuring for Caring and Effective Education: Piecing the
Puzzle Together. Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes Publishing
Co.; 93-128, 2000.

28 NSCA COACH 6.4 | NSCA.COM

 NSCA COACH 6.4

ABOUT THE AUTHORS monitoring, and analytics for the first team and the youth academy.
Stephen Bird is the Director of Strength and Conditioning at Previously, he served as Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for
the University of Wollongong and is the Senior Performance the Erie BayHawks (Atlanta Hawks National Basketball Association
Science Advisor for the Glasnow Rocks in the British Basketball [NBA] affiliate) and interned as an athletic performance coach for
League (BBL). He has served on the Australian Strength and the Washington Wizards NBA team and University of Michigan.
Conditioning Association (ASCA) Education Advisory Panel, Huyghe is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®)
Scientific Conference Committee, and is an Associate Editor for the through the National Strength and Conditioning Association
Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning. Bird is a Certified (NSCA), Level 1 Accredited Strength and Conditioning Coach
Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) and Registered (ASCA), and is currently a PhD candidate at the University of
Strength and Conditioning Coach Emeritus (RSCC*D) through Murcia. Professionally, he spent over seven years working for
the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), numerous international bodies, including the NBA, NBA G League,
Level 3 Accredited Strength and Conditioning Coach (ASCA), National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), EuroLeague, and
and Registered Nutritionist. Professionally, he served as Director Champions League.
of Strength and Conditioning at the Western Region Academy
of Sport for 10 years and has worked for numerous international Ernest DeLosAngeles is entering his third season as the Head
bodies, including the Indonesian Olympic Committee (2008 Beijing Strength and Conditioning Coach with the Stockton Kings
Olympics and 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics), Basketball Scotland (Sacramento Kings National Basketball Association [NBA] affiliate)
(2018 Commonwealth Games) and Scotland Rugby League of the NBA G League. DeLosAngeles is a Certified Strength and
(2017 World Cup). Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) through the National Strength
and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and Certified Athletic Trainer
Thomas Huyghe is the Director of Athletic Performance at Filou (ATC). He completed his Master’s degree in Sport Performance at
Oostende Belgian professional basketball team overseeing all Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions and his Bachelor’s
aspects of strength and conditioning, sports science, nutrition, load degree in Athletic Training at the University of the Pacific.

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