When Stephen Curry teams up with his personal trainer Brandon Payne, their focus goes beyond just conditioning sessions. Payne puts the Golden State Warriors star through intense drills aimed at improving his skills while also enhancing his fitness levels. As a result, Curry, a 34-year-old point guard, is widely regarded as one of the best-conditioned players in the NBA.
As the Warriors aim to even the series against the Boston Celtics in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, Curry’s exceptional physical condition has been a topic of discussion. Head coach Steve Kerr has praised Curry’s endurance, noting his relentless offensive play and ability to withstand defensive pressure. Kerr has highlighted the significant improvements in Curry’s strength and physicality over the years, showcasing his dedication to enhancing his game, strength, and fitness season after season.
During the Western Conference Finals, Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd labeled Curry as “the most well-conditioned athlete in the NBA.” ESPN commentators Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson, who have coached Curry in the past, often commend him on his exceptional fitness levels during game broadcasts. Opponents recognize Curry as one of the toughest guards to defend against due to his constant movement on the court.
Curious about how Curry achieves his top-tier fitness level?
Stephen Curry’s agility and continuous movement on the court make him a challenging player to defend against. According to Payne, Curry’s shooting practice involves setting specific time limits for him to achieve a certain score. One of Curry’s drills, known as “Full-Court Star,” requires him to sprint back and forth across the court while taking three-point shots from various spots. The goal is to make at least eight out of 10 shots within a 55-second time frame. This intense drill exemplifies Curry’s dedication to honing his skills and staying at the top of his game.
During a recent interview, Payne shared some insight into Curry’s rigorous training routine. One of the drills mentioned was called “Six,” where Curry has to sprint from one corner of the court to the other and make six three-point shots in under a minute. Despite the difficulty, Curry consistently surpasses expectations and completes the challenge with ease.
Even NBA players like Anthony Edwards have struggled to keep up with Curry’s intense workouts. Edwards recalled a pre-draft workout with the Warriors where he attempted a drill that Curry regularly does. The drill involved running and shooting five shots in a row without a break, but Edwards found it incredibly demanding and couldn’t quite match Curry’s speed and accuracy.
After the challenging workout, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr pushed Edwards to go even faster, emphasizing the importance of hard work and dedication. Following the experience, Edwards realized the level of commitment required to excel in the NBA and reached out to his trainer to step up his training regimen, drawing inspiration from Curry’s work ethic.
Stephen Curry’s work ethic never fails to impress, according to Payne, who wasn’t surprised by Anthony Edwards’ admiration for Curry’s dedication. Payne described Curry’s approach to drills as intense, comparing it to someone with their “hair on fire.” Despite his numerous accolades and accomplishments, Curry continues to push himself as if he’s fighting for a spot on the team.
Curry, recognizing the need to take care of his body, has focused on physical conditioning to prolong his career. After a brief hiatus due to a wrist injury and the pandemic, Curry returned to the court stronger and more resilient. Despite facing a tough opponent in the Finals, Curry’s offensive prowess has been remarkable, even though the Warriors are trailing in the series.
As Curry battles through injuries and exhaustion, his coach Steve Kerr may rely more on him for the team’s success. Payne believes that Curry is up for the challenge, stating that he could play the entire game if necessary. In the end, with the Finals on the line, Curry’s determination and skills will be put to the ultimate test.