Secrets To Success: Interview With NBA Skills Coach Drew Hanlen.

Secrets To Success: Interview With NBA Skills Coach Drew Hanlen.

By Mohamed E. MoonceyDrew Hanlen is the CEO of Pure Sweat and an NBA Strategic Skills Coach & Consultant that has helped over 25 NBA and NBA pre-draft playe

Dec 23, 2015 by Brett Pickert
Secrets To Success: Interview With NBA Skills Coach Drew Hanlen.

By Mohamed E. Mooncey


Drew Hanlen is the CEO of Pure Sweat and an NBA Strategic Skills Coach & Consultant that has helped over 25 NBA and NBA pre-draft players including David Lee (Warriors) and Bradley Beal (Wizards).


During the season, Drew provides his clients with pre-game scouting and coverage reports to ensure that his clients are fully prepared to play, then post-game film analysis reports so that his clients continue to improve throughout the season. After the conclusion of the season, Drew strategically designs customized improvement plans for each of his clients through detailed film and advanced analytic evaluations, then uses unconventional, yet purposeful, training methods that take players through extreme, game-paced workouts that simulate what they will see in games.


Drew, thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to talk with us here at Hoop Genius. You’re regarded as one of the most esteemed skills coaches in the basketball world.  Tell us a little bit about how you got into the position you are currently in?


Honestly, I started my career by working out local players around St. Louis when I was in high school. One of those players was Bradley Beal and his career took off, so did mine. I began to attract a lot of the best college players then eventually a few pros decided to give me a shot. From there, I let my results do the talking and other pros began to seek my services and the rest is history.


What does your day typically consist of?


Film, film and more film during the season. I'll also visit my clients and make adjustments throughout the season. During the off-season, creating strategic workout programs for my players and putting them through workouts.


Who is the hardest working player you have worked with?


Can't answer this because anytime I work with a lazy player, I cut ties with them immediately and kick them out of the gym. I don't have time to waste with players that don't crave improvement.


What 3 pieces of advice do you have for young players who are aiming to reach the NBA someday?


Work your ass off on the right stuff, be consistent & keep a super small circle of people around you who all are pushing you in the same direction towards the success you desire.


How should players balance their time between skills work and strength and conditioning work in your opinion? (give a % if possible)


Depends on the player. A skilled skinny guy should spend a lot of time in the weight room. An athletic guy that doesn't know how to play should live on the court. It's all about doing what you need to do to become the best player you can become.

 

How many hours per day should a player spend working on their skills? Is it quality over quantity when it comes to training?


Again, this is up for discussion. Rest is important too. In an ideal world, I think players would spend 45mins shooting game shots, 45mins of skill work, 45mins of competitive breakdown drills (1v1, 3v3, 5v5) and 45min of strength training in the off-season. During the season, pre-hab and maintaining strength is important and making sure your game feels good is the key, regardless how long that takes.

 

Which aspect of their game (Shooting/dribbling/passing etc) should a player focus most on?


Depends on the player. Players should ask themselves: How can I help my team? Whatever the answer is, become really good at that.


Many coaches in Europe traditionally make their big-men run the same drills as guards in order for them to develop a more overall skill-set, this isn’t seen so much in the states where many coaches make bigs run post and rebound drills, neglecting ball handling and perimeter shooting. What is your philosophy on this?


Similar to the last question, I always say, "Do what your team needs you to do and do it really well." That's how you add value to your team.


Who will be this seasons MVP? Who do you think will take home the NBA championship?


Steph Curry is the easy MVP, but I think a healthy Cavs team with a hungry LeBron will knock them off in the finals.


Which current young players (HS/College/NBA rookies) do you predict are stars of the future? 

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Bradley Beal (Wizards) with Drew Hanlen


I love all my young guys so I think Wiggins, Beal, Clarkson and LaVine will all become stars. Outside of them, Anthony Davis, Paul George, Damian Lillard and Karl Anthony-Towns are all studs that will be All-Stars for years to come.

 

Finally, what one piece of advice do you have for all basketball players out there who want to improve their game?


Develop a plan that works for you and stick to it. Don't just spend time in the gym, use your time in the gym to get better by having purpose with everything you do.