Michael Jordan's legendary work ethic and training routines were key to his dominance in basketball. His regimen focused on strength, endurance, skill development, and mental toughness. Below is a detailed breakdown of his training routines:
1. Strength & Conditioning (Tim Grover's "Attack Athletics" Program)
Jordan worked extensively with trainer Tim Grover, who designed a program to build strength, agility, and explosiveness without sacrificing speed.
A. Weight Training (4-5 Days a Week)
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Upper Body Days (Chest, Shoulders, Arms)
- Bench Press: 3–5 sets, 6–10 reps
- Shoulder Press: 3 sets, 8–12 reps
- Bicep Curls: 3 sets, 10 reps
- Triceps Dips: 3 sets, 10 reps
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Lower Body Days (Legs, Core)
- Squats: 3–5 sets, 8–12 reps
- Lunges: 3 sets, 10 reps per leg
- Calf Raises: 3 sets, 15–20 reps
- Deadlifts: 3 sets, 8 reps
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Core Training
- Sit-ups: 100+ reps per session
- Planks: 1–2 minutes per set
- Medicine Ball Twists: 3 sets, 20 reps
2. Speed, Agility & Explosiveness
Jordan’s quickness and jumping ability were crucial to his game.
- Sprints (Full-court & half-court sprint drills)
- Ladder Drills (Improved footwork & reaction speed)
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Plyometrics (Jumping exercises to increase vertical leap)
- Box Jumps: 3 sets, 10 reps
- Depth Jumps: 3 sets, 8 reps
3. Basketball Skill Development
A. Shooting Routine (Daily)
- Free Throws: 100+ per session
- Mid-Range Jumpers: 200–300 shots per day
- Three-Pointers: 100+ shots per session
- Post Moves: Fadeaways, turnaround jumpers
B. Dribbling & Ball Handling
- Two-Ball Dribbling Drills
- Cone Dribbling Drills
- 1-on-1 Isolation Moves
C. Defensive Drills
- Slide Drills (Lateral quickness)
- Closeout Drills (Guarding perimeter shooters)
- Rebounding Drills (Box-out techniques)
4. Mental Training & Competitive Mindset
Jordan’s mental edge was as important as his physical abilities.
- Visualization Techniques (Imagining game scenarios before playing)
- Film Study (Analyzing opponents & self-improvement)
- Daily Competitive Scrimmages (Practicing at game speed)
5. Recovery & Nutrition
- Diet: High-protein, lean meats, complex carbs, and healthy fats
- Hydration: Water & electrolyte-rich drinks
- Sleep: 8+ hours per night
- Massages & Ice Baths: To aid muscle recovery
Final Takeaway
Michael Jordan’s training was a 365-day commitment to excellence. His legendary work ethic, combined with elite physical conditioning and mental toughness, made him the GOAT.
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