By Zac Clark
See the issue: March 2009

Running the point and slashing to the rack night after night is guaranteed to leave New Orleans Hornets PG Chris Paul with bumps and bruises. Keeping his high-speed game in gear is an important part of the training regimen created by the Hornets’ head strength and core trainer, Jack Manson.

“Stretching is one of our main focuses with Chris,” Manson says. “He gets pretty tight and sore in his hips and glutes, so that’s where we focus."

Paul adds, “I’m definitely not one of the most flexible guys out there to begin with. My hips get really tight after games. I have to work on [flexibility] almost every day."

The following flexibility routine helps preserve CP3 throughout the long basketball season.

In-season Stretching Routine
Seated Hamstring
Targeted muscles: hamstrings, low back, groin

 

•    Sit on ground
•    Extend upper torso over straight legs
•    Bend forward at hips
 
Assisted Spinal Twist
Targeted muscles: hips, low back, glutes

 

•    Sit with left leg straight and right foot flat outside of left knee
•    Turn to right while gently pressing left elbow to outside of right knee
•    Exhale as you turn trunk
•    Repeat in opposite direction

Assisted Figure 4
Targeted muscles: hamstrings, hips, glutes    

 

• Cross left ankle over right knee
• Grab behind right knee with both hands and pull toward chest or have partner push right leg toward chest
• Repeat in opposite direction

Coaching Point: Bring each stretch to a point of tension and hold for 30 seconds. Repeat on the opposite side when necessary.
Benefits: Injury prevention and improved flexibility in core, hips and groin

 
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