/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50772233/beal_20offseason.0.png)
Bradley Beal certainly has had a big summer since he signed a five-year contract worth nearly $130 million this past July. Though he declined an invitation to play on the USA Basketball men’s national team last June, he has instead decided to put in work at the gym full time for next season.
Beal has been working out with renowned trainer Drew Hanlen, primarily on improving his ability to draw fouls and making shots off the dribble. Hanlen has worked with Beal since he was in high school and also works with other NBA players such as David Lee.
Last May, Hanlen talked to Wiz of Awes’ Ben Mehic where he gave his approach to individual player development:
If there’s one thing the Wizards would like to see Beal improve on, it is his ability to draw fouls and get to the free throw line. More free throws will increase Beal’s scoring average, and also take some of the pressure off of John Wall.
Throughout his four seasons in the league, Beal has averaged no more than 3.7 free throws per 36 minutes played during a season figure. In fact, that figure was from the 2015-16 season. Other top shooting guards like James Harden (9.6) and Jimmy Butler (6.9) have averaged higher numbers.
Hanlen released some videos during the summer to show what Beal has done to improve his shot fakes, and dribbles to create separation.
Beal is a strong three point shooter, but he has also worked on improving his skills off the dribble.
Beal is not the only Wizards player who has worked with Hanlen. Kelly Oubre has well. Oubre has been working on spin moves, drives to the hoop, and his mid-range game.
It’s great to see the work both Beal and Oubre are putting in since last April. It will be interesting to see how the Wizards’ new offense put these moves into actual use on the court this fall and winter.
Loading comments...