>Killer Mentality…

Posted on April 20, 2009 by Michael Atkinson

>Watching the NBA playoffs this weekend, I started asking myself what makes a good NBA player Great.  Some would argue Lebron is a genetic wonder and guys like Kobe and Michael Jordan where born to fly.  However watching the careers of such phenomenal players I have come to see the “killer instinct” that the great ones have.  I think of the amount of motivation these athletes have to have in order to make themselves and teammates rise to the moment constantly is what separates the Kwame Browns from the Bill Russels of the world. I would argue that Kwame is a better physical specimen then Russell however lacked the leadership and ability to motivate himself to reach his full potential.  The question is can the average athlete become great based on certain intangibles?  This question can only be answered within. 

As a personal trainer it is a responsibility to form a relationship with the athlete and learn what motivates them individually. However, I have seen athletes going through the motions in the off season without that chip on their shoulder that internal fire that all levels of basketball players need, the valuable asset of mental toughness and the will to fail and fail and rise and rise.  We are so caught up on not wanting to stand out for failing that we fail to reach or potential.  
Its early in the off season. 
What is your motivation?

About Michael Atkinson

Mike Atkinson,CSCS, is the owner of Elite Pro Performance and the on court performance director at Sierra Strength & Speed. Considered to be a specialist of Keiser performance equipment, Mike is known as a hybrid basketball performance trainer focusing on strength, movement, and basketball fundamentals. Atkinson’s experience and current work with NBA Player Development Specialist Aubrey McCreary has given him a unique set of skills to train players on sports specific patterns and positioning at a professional level. Atkinson’s training experience includes work with numerous NBA draftees, multiple Division 1 athletes, and other professional clients. He has also worked as a performance consultant in the NBA Development League and has directed basketball performance training camps and clinics for youth athletes on the West coast.
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