A thing called plyometrics

You won’t find it in a dictionary – this thing called plyometrics. At least not in the dictionaries of the so-called old school. The term is almost hip-hop. A with-it, new-age science coined from the root word "ply" which means, according to Webster, "to do work with, wield or use (a tool or faculty), especially with energy... to work steadily at one’s business or trade."

I talked to Kirk Collier, skills coach of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) team Red Bull, about plyometrics the other day. In case you didn’t know, Collier swears by it. There are training machines or tools that apply the principles of plyometrics in developing one’s athletic skills and physical attributes.

Collier, 40, earned a Master’s degree in vocational rehabilitation counseling at South Carolina State. He’s been involved in coaching or training athletes since 1983 and has worked with a variety of athletes in different sports. Two years ago, Collier was brought in by Red Bull management to help out the Thunder.

Collier has preached the gospel of plyometrics at Red Bull from Day One. If at first players were skeptical of his approach, now, they’re embracing it with open arms. He’s worked wonders at Red Bull. And he’d like to eventually open a school in plyometrics here. Collier said he’s hoping to set up camp at the Makati Coliseum and import high-tech equipment for the school.

"In basketball, Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant are what you call the complete package," he said. "They’ve got athleticism, the skills to excel in the game, and the knowledge to know what to do on the floor. The goal of plyometrics is to develop the complete package. You take Larry Bird – he had the skills and the knowledge but not the athleticism of a Jordan. You take Dominique Wilkins who had the athleticism and the skills but not the knowledge. Someone like Shell’s Rob Wainwright could be the complete package with the right training."

Collier said it’s all about technique and repetition. "You work on an athlete until he learns to play instinctively," he explained. "In shooting a free throw, for instance, there are things to remember to do it right – like bending your knees, breaking your wrist, putting your right foot slightly ahead of your left, and so on. You don’t think about all those steps when you’re at the line – everything must come instinctively. And that’s where technique and repetition come in at practice. No, it doesn’t necessarily mean practice makes perfect because you might be using the wrong technique so in that case, practice won’t make perfect."

In the US, some athletes pay as much $450 to enroll in a four-day camp but learn nothing from "All-Star" teachers, said Collier. That’s because short-term camps can’t focus on an individual’s skills and zero in on how to maximize his athletic abilities. Collier said he plans to offer a long-term curriculum in his plyometrics school so that students aren’t short-changed.

Collier said sometimes, US athletes take a short-cut to development because they think that with innate athleticism, their future is guaranteed. "I’m not surprised that European countries are beginning to catch up in terms of basketball ability because big Europeans are learning to develop skills," he went on. "An example is Dirk Nowitzki who can take a step away from the basket, bring the big defender away from the lane, and hit the outside shot. He’s got the skills that more athletic American big men don’t have. That’s why I’d pick a player like Steve Nash more than a Stephon Marbury to play on my team. Nash may not be as athletic as Marbury but he has the skills and knowledge of how to bring his team to victory."

At Red Bull two years ago, Collier said only DaVonn Harp and Mick Pennisi were able to bench press over 200 pounds. Today, Willie Miller is the team’s third strongest player and Homer Se, Lordy Tugade, and Edmond Reyes are pressing over 200, too. What’s incredible is Miller’s development due to plyometrics. He’s dunking and overpowering big guys for rebounds and he’s only about 5-10, 192 pounds.

Collier said in his school, he’ll emphasize halfcourt play because that’s where the game is often settled. "The high-flyers usually don’t get far in the playoffs," he said. "You develop skills in the halfcourt game. In transition, it’s all quickness and jumping ability. When it comes down to a last shot to win or lose a game, you look for execution in the halfcourt."

It’s difficult to stop Collier from talking about plyometrics or basketball or sports in general once he gets going. That’s because he has a passion for what he does.

No wonder Nike signed up Collier to work alongside Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao and Sta. Lucia Realty assistant coach Alfrancis Chua for the Hoopology Basketball Camp that starts tomorrow at the RFM gym on Pioneer street in Mandaluyong. Passion for the game has brought Collier, Guiao, Chua and Nike together.

Collier will share his thoughts on plyometrics – how to maximize one’s leaping ability and basketball skills – during the camp which runs up to April 17. Miller, a Nike athlete, will be around to demonstrate what plyometrics has done to his game.

Other Nike athletes who’ll be there to hobnob with campers are Alvin Patrimonio, Andy and Danny Seigle, Eric Menk, John Arigo, Kerby Raymundo, Jeffrey Cariaso, Nick Belasco, Jun Limpot, Olsen Racela, Alex Compton, Paul Artadi, Magnum Membrere, L.A. Tenorio, Mike Bravo, Arjan Cordero, and Larry Fonacier.

GrandSlam Sports’ Nonnie Mediarito said Nike Stadium stores will be open to enroll campers until today. GrandSlam Sports, incidentally, is coordinating the affair.

Campers are in for a treat. They won’t only be learning from the stars but they’ll also be taking home a bunch of goodies like a leather ball and a camp uniform.

Nike Marketing Manager Auty Villarama said the camp will weave the "Nike perspective" into the curriculum. The perspective, he said, embodies attitude, determination, teamwork, skills enhancement, and best of all, enjoying the game and sometimes, feeling "in-Vince-able." Villarama, of course, referred to Vince Carter whose latest Shox model was introduced in the local market a few weeks ago. Only 300 pairs were flown in and sold out in a few hours at a price of P8,000 a pair. Not to be outdone, Jordan’s latest XVII model came out just about the same time and the limited quantity of 300 pairs was wiped out in also a few hours at a price of P10,000 a pair.

Plyometrics. Hoopology or the study of basketball that hones in on skills development. In-Vince-able. Those are the terms of the New Generation that’s transforming the landscape of basketball into a cage of dreams.