King James and specificity

I'm not sure how many NBA fans we have out there anymore but the conference championships this year have been outstanding. The NBA had an identity crisis a few years ago when players decided to mix it up with the taunting fans. Not good. But there have been several times in history where ONE person can influence an entire culture change. For the NBA, it is LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Just when it looked like you could fold up the NBA this "kid" (now 24) with three straight high school championships comes out and decides to take over the league. And he has kept his nose clean (pardon the pun) and been an absolute joy to watch.

Did anyone catch the now famous "LeBron shot" heard round the world Friday night? With his team down 2 points with one second to go, King James took the inbound pass, turned and nailed a 23 foot three point buzzer beater. WOW! My family and I are rooting for the Cavaliers so we jumped off the couch in utter disbelief. I had given up on them, thinking they didn't have a chance. But as all things go in life, it's not over until it's over.

After the game, the announcers (previous NBA players) were discussing how LeBron and Kobe Bryant practice crazy shots in anticipation of these exact circumstances. LeBron routinely shoots 40-50 foot jump shots in practice. They also take shots off balance, in different positions and with different hands. Triple teamed or wide open.

This ties right in with Z health's concept of specificity, namely, predictability. The body LOVES predictability. When the body is unsure of a movement, it may feel it's a threat and go into startle. As I watched "King James" nail his game winning shot he did not demonstrate any tension in his face or hands. He had done this many times before as they practice, practice, practice these shots.

So when you see people doing amazing things, realize the power of practice but also the power of specificity. Z's concept of doing the exercises exactly and precisely applies here. As much as practice makes perfect, it is important to have PERFECT PRACTICE.

Go Cavs!