Workout Like a Pro

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ANY DIEHARD SACRAMENTO KINGS FAN will recognize the name Bobby Jackson. He played point guard from 2000 to 2005 and earned the nickname “Action Jackson” for his intensity. Standing 6 feet 1 inch — practically dwarfish by NBA standards — Jackson levels the playing field with talent and hustle. He now plays for the New Orleans Hornets, but in the off-season, he trains in Sacramento with Al Biancani, strength coach of the Kings for 18 years.

And my assignment, per Prosper’s editors: “We want you to work out with Bobby Jackson. You know, try to keep up.”

When Biancani retired from the Kings two years ago, he opened a fitness and physical therapy center not far from Arco Arena. That’s where I meet him and Jackson. I am somewhat relieved to discover Jackson has a much more competent workout partner lined up: Matt Barnes, former Sacramento hoops and football prep star and up-and-coming guard-forward for the Golden State Warriors.

First, a rope ladder is laid across the floor. Biancani, looking every bit the part of a coach save for his blinking Bluetooth earpiece, instructs Jackson and Barnes to “skip down there nice and easy.” The pros hopscotch their way up and down through the ladder, pumping their arms as they go. It’s a stretching exercise, and if anyone can look formidable skipping across a gym, it’s these guys. I am invited to try.

Suddenly very self-conscious, I notice my bulky keys jangling in my pockets. I place them on the floor but hesitate as I begin to stand up, thinking that it is a poor location for them. I go to pick them back up, lose my balance and roll my ankle. “Don’t hurt yourself,” Barnes advises affably. Though only my pride is wounded, I am not invited to participate again, and I remain content to sit back and learn.

In a drill reminiscent of “American Gladiator” challenges, the athletes pass a medicine ball back and forth while standing on wobbly spring-loaded trivets. This drill is designed to build stability. Then, they “jump” horizontally on what looks like a leg press machine that uses rubber cords instead of weights for resistance.

The next exercise, designed to build strength in lateral movement, involves slipping fabric booties over their aircraft-carrier-size shoes and sliding side-to-side like speed skaters on shiny white boards with guard rails. This portion of the morning is concluded with an expedition to Gold’s Gym (just across the parking lot) for weight-lifting photo ops.

Now back in the gym, Biancani brings in two assistants to stand under the hoop and field the balls, passing them back to the players who take turns running and shooting from point A to point B. Biancani periodically changes up the endpoints and the connecting approach. Even after sweat is pouring down their faces, they breathe relatively easily and sink baskets consistently.

While one player is being put through the paces, I talk to the other as he catches his breath. Used to the attention, both are accommodating.

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