How to stay fresh on back-to-backs

Especially for you guys working hard every day, here are some interesting methods for 38-year-old Grant Hill on tough back-to-back NBA games in this story on the Phoenix Suns blog.

However, because Hill would sleep in and eat his first meal at around 11 a.m., he would only be able to fit in two meals before game time.

“I didn’t feel like that was enough food, especially after coming off a game the night before,” Hill said. “So what I do now is I get up early (around 7:30 or 8:00 a.m.), whether it be at home or on the road, and I eat breakfast. So now I’m eating three meals because I felt like I needed to up my caloric intake.”

In addition, the Duke graduate doesn’t allow the late nights to give him an excuse to stay in bed all day. Instead of spending the day watching TV or messing around on the computer, Hill gets out and moves around.

Whether it’s taking a walk or going for a light swim, Hill uses the morning to get his blood going before taking a two-hour nap in the afternoon.

Good advice from a pro, someone who keeps searching for better way to recuperate and succeed. For me, as a 45-year-old who doesn't want to stop playing pickup games, stretching and LOTS of fluid (low-sugar Gatorade, homemade fruit smoothies) make a big, big difference. Also, avoiding overuse. It's key for old guys (and girls) to know when to rest. The body talks to us. We should listen.

Best Wishes Everybody!

Tryouts are done or ongoing for most of you guys, so I wish you the best. Just remember, what separates you from other players is effort. A lot of guys can handle the ball or hit shots, but a coach who has to make cuts will never forget the player who goes after every loose ball, willing to dive, do all the little things that make a big difference like boxing out, playing smart, strong defense ... everything counts.

Give it your best every single play and you'll feel like it was worth all the work you put in. Go get 'um, Thunder!

Coach's Word of the Day: LOW

As in, keep your dribble low. LOW!

I know you know who you are, Thunder. I bring this up because I just saw a promising rookie, Eric Bledsoe, get picked from behind by David West, because he was dribbling the ball almost shoulder-high on a double team near halfcourt. No way Bledsoe should've been picked, but he got lazy.

Good player (I just added him to one of my fantasy teams), but young players often forget how crucial it is to keep the dribble at knee-level, particularly when defenders get tight on you. Crossover? Keep it low, low, low. Double team? Get low, dribble low and take a step back to create space.

LOW.

That's the word of the day. You're welcome.

Pick & Roll: Rajon Rondo

Simple is not easily mastered. Check out how the Celtics broke down the Heat with two players, Rajon Rondo and Glen Davis, who aren't exactly great perimeter scorers. Beautifully done.