Klay Thompson’s Secret to Playoff Consistency
Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors shooting guard, has emerged as one of the most consistent three-point shooters in the NBA during the playoffs, leading his team to victory after victory in its quest to win a championship. It’s hard to believe that just two years ago Thompson was the laughing stock of his own franchise. The question on everyone’s mind then was whether or not he would be able to make an impact in the league at all. But two seasons later, Thompson has become one of the most feared shooters in the league and has become invaluable to the Warriors. The secret behind his success?
Regular season practice helps
No one can make you stay consistent during the regular season, so it’s up to you to practice consistency. Regular season practice will allow you to be prepared come playoffs time. Practice your shooting methods and skills with a personal shooting coach if necessary. Make sure you train yourself to stay consistent during the regular season so that come playoff time, you don’t have to change anything about your approach or mindset because you are comfortable and prepared.
He makes sure he gets enough sleep
Getting enough sleep keeps your mind clear and sharp. This is especially important during playoff time, when games happen every other day. Make sure to get a good night’s rest—and lots of it. Klay also makes sure he eats properly. (Note: If you’re wondering how to shoot three pointers consistently, check out Ryan’s post on shooting form). ##
He focuses on his pregame routine
Your routine should loosen you up and allow you to feel your best. Part of that is just getting in your pregame shots, because your shooting mindset depends on feeling comfortable and confident with your shot going into an important game. Make sure you are actually making baskets when you shoot during your pregame warm-up—firing up air balls doesn’t count.
Mental visualization
The Warriors go on insane runs and jump out to big leads during games. They’re able to do that because they keep their mind sharp. You should always picture yourself playing and hitting shots during crucial moments. It’ll keep your mind sharp, so you can think clearly when things heat up. Make sure you visualize in a way that puts you in situations similar to what you’ll encounter on game day—you don’t want your body and mind getting confused!
A healthy diet helps him maintain mental energy
Klay stays consistent with a balanced and healthy diet, making sure he’s performing at peak: Every practice and game, he’ll load up on proteins and carbs (think lean meats, rice, pasta), but then also incorporates some low-glycemic fruits like pears or grapefruit into his eating plan. Klay says he knows what works for him and doesn’t overdo it during times when his schedule gets a little nuts. One other thing: Klay is a big believer in cold water.
He takes care of his body, including stretching and eating right
Recovery is the most important thing during the regular season and playoffs. Recovery includes stretching and eating right, so you can be at your best when it counts most: game time. Getting a good night’s sleep and practicing with intensity will help, too. And don’t underestimate the power of mental preparation either: getting yourself in the right mindset is one of the best ways to ensure that you perform well during big games.
Practice hard!
Practice hard, play hard. It’s not as simple as it sounds. In the NBA, the intensity of team practice increases as the season goes on, which is why playoff athletes must be ready for anything when they take the court in April and May. So how do players stay sharp and ready to score without racking up too many miles on their legs? They practice like a champion.
If you want to level up your shooting accuracy, we got you. We created the 6ixShooter Academy. A one-stop basketball training program to help elevate your game and become an unstoppable shooter with coach Seth McCoy a.k.a 6ixShooter. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
If you want to level up your shooting accuracy, we got you. We created the 6ixShooter Academy. A one-stop basketball training program to help elevate your game and become an unstoppable shooter with coach Seth McCoy a.k.a 6ixShooter. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
