Part One in a Series

Coach Shepard and Coach Anderson "Guarding" Mark Eaton Mark Eaton Mark Eaton is the NBA's tallest basketball player. He plays for the Utah Jazz which has given us the opportunity of training Mark. I feel like a missionary spreading the gospel of weight training for basketball players and coaches to the benefits of strength training for basket­ by Greg Shepard Part 1 in a Series ball. Our main objective is to help Mark become a better basketball player and win. We are not concerned about how much he lifts or lifting more than someone else.

We are absolutely confident that in developing Mark's functional strength in the proper way, he will see dramatic results on the court Mark is a rookie and even though he is 7'4", he played very little in his collegiate days at u.c.L.A. The Utah Jazz signed him to a 5-year contract in hopes that he could develop into an NBA player. Many people thought it was a mistake. However, Mark Eaton has an extreme desire to make it Jazz Coach Frank Layden told me, "Greg, we probably shouldn't have Mark lift, the kid has got so much to learn I don't want his mind bananas:' Mark said, "I want to lift. I know it will help me." Coach Layden cautiously said, "O.K, but go slow please."

Mark had lifted some on his own at u.c.L.A. but nothing like he was going to lift with us. Mark took to it like a duck takes to water. I was amazed at his determination and willingness to learn the technique of the lifts. Mark has some unique problems brought about by his 7'4" frame. First of all he weighs 290 pounds and second, his long limbs make squatting very difficult. Mark, like most very tall players, has weak legs in proportion to his bodyweight. This is one reason why many tall players cannot jump very well. Another reason is that at many levels of competition Mark hasn't needed to jump. He hasn't needed strength to gain position or strength to jump. That's all changed now.

In order to survive in the NBA, he must increase his strength and jumping ability. Along with strength gains will come the ability to control his frame. His balance should improve. The results should be dramatic. Rick Anderson and I started Mark out very slowly. We used 145 pounds on the squat, 125 pounds on the clean and the bench press. As his technique improved, so did his ability to handle heavier weights. We are trying to lift twice a week, but with the NBA schedule of 13-15 games per month and travel connections, this has been difficult. Nonetheless, Mark has made steady progress. Probably Mark's greatest asset is that he is hungry for success.

He is willing to go the extra mile when dog tired. At this point, Mark is playing way ahead of expectations. He is in the top ten in the NBA for blocked shots and leads the team in this category even though he doesn't get much playing time. Against the Lakers in December, he had nine blocked shots! He has been called the turning point in two of the Jazz's victories thus far! In February's issue, we will give an update on Mark's training program and basketball record.

NEWS FLASH: SPECIAL OPEN BFS CLINICS March 19 Tom Greer, Tiffin Columbian High School 300 S. Monroe St., Tiffin, OH 44883 (419) 447-6333 March 26 Norm Eash, Dwight High School South Franklin St., Dwight, IL 60420 (815) 584·2904 FULL TIME BFS REPS WANTED

From BFS Magazine — January/February 1983. Part of the BFS Magazine Archive (1980–2014).