Okay, so I’ve been digging into this whole NBA player workout and shooting balance thing, and let me tell you, it’s a beast. I wanted to see if I could even remotely replicate some of it – spoiler alert, it’s tough!
My Experiment Begins
First, I started with some basic research. I looked up some common NBA workout routines, focusing on the ones that talked about balancing strength training with actual shooting practice. It seemed like a lot of players split their days, focusing on weights in the morning and shooting later on.

So, I tried that. Day one, I hit the gym early. I’m no stranger to lifting, but I focused on compound movements – squats, deadlifts, bench press, rows – stuff that works multiple muscle groups. I kept the reps moderate, nothing crazy, aiming for that sweet spot of building strength without completely wiping myself out.
- Squats: 3 sets of 8 reps
- Deadlifts: 1 set of 5 reps (I’m still working on these!)
- Bench Press: 3 sets of 8 reps
- Rows: 3 sets of 10 reps
After the gym, I took a good long break, ate a solid meal (lots of protein and carbs, trying to channel my inner LeBron), and then headed to the court.
Shooting After Lifting: Ouch
This is where things got interesting. My legs felt like Jell-O. My usual jump shot felt…off. I tried to focus on my form, really pushing through my legs, but it was a struggle. I started with some free throws, just to get a feel for the ball and my release. Then I moved to spot-up shooting, working my way around the arc.
Honestly, my shooting was pretty bad. My shots were short, my arc was flat, and my consistency was all over the place. It was clear that my muscles were fatigued, and it was messing with my shot mechanics.
Adjustments and More Practice
I didn’t give up, I take a break and eat some food. I did few days of this morning-weights, afternoon-shooting routine, and it did not get much easier. My body was starting to adjust, but my shooting was still suffering.

So,I tweaked things, I reduced, the weight I was lifting, focusing more on form and speed, I also shortened my shooting sessions, emphasizing quality over quantity. Instead of just chucking up hundreds of shots, I focused on making, say, 50 shots from each spot, really concentrating on my technique.
My Takeaway (So Far)
This whole experiment is still a work in progress. It’s definitely shown me how incredibly demanding NBA players’ routines are. Balancing intense workouts with precise shooting practice is a real skill, and it takes serious dedication and discipline.
I get some of the points, to keep the balance is a long run, not one or two days,

I’ll keep experimenting and see if I can find a better rhythm. For now, I have a newfound respect for those guys on the court!