[California Jack]

My 14 year old son is a basketball player and a sprinter. As an eigth grade basketball player his goal is too dunk by the end of this coming season. He was the first kid in his class to touch rim, both from a running and standing jump.

He has been a very good sprinter. In the past he has qualified for the USATF Nationals.

Lately his springs seem to be missing. He is not winning the opening tip and seems less close to dunking. He tells me he has lost speed too.

In April he started BJJ, do you think this has anything to do with this?

 

[BradD]

Inadequate recovery? Gained a little weight?

I had my best running jump and long jump when I was 15, and gained 10-15 lb, and I was nowhere near as springy off one leg. Was still able to get middle of palm on the rim with two feet, standing.

Sent from my DROIDX

 

[Ralff]

I don't see how he would have lost some of his ups by taking BJJ unless he completely quit running and jumping on the off season or, as already mentioned, he gained a few pounds. I can't speak for sprinting and speed, but weight makes a huge difference in your jumping ability.

 

[California Jack]

Nah, no weight gain. It would probably be beneficial, but no. It could be weight training. I had him on 5/3/1 and started light. Hevwas doing higher reps.

I suspect he hasn't been running enough too, but wondered about BJJ perhaps being too slow twitch oriented.

 

[Ralff]

Is he training gi or no gi? No gi is much faster paced.

 

[California Jack]

Both, depending on the day of the week. Not sure if gi vs no gi is enough to make it a fast twitch sport.