Why did Karl Malone’s lateral quickness surprise some opponents?
In professional basketball, laterally quick athletes are often rewarded. That’s because moving quickly from side to side can be the difference between winning and losing. Lateral quickness is especially coveted among defenders, and Karl Malone had it.
The 6-foot-9, 250-pound Hall of Famer, who played with the Utah Jazz and the Los Angeles Lakers from 1985 to 2004, is largely remembered as a scorer and an overpowering physical presence. But his agility and nimbleness were features that set him apart in a game defined by speed and quickness.
At 6 feet 9 inches and weighing about 250 pounds during his playing days, Moses Malone redefined the concept of the power forward. Statistically speaking, he is a powerhouse in that position. Over a 19-season career (1974-1991 with a few breaks in between), he averages 25 points per game. (Yes, he was at 250 in his prime but listed as 6-10 and 240 on the 1986 NBA All-Star media guide.) Then there is his effective defense, which nearly everyone in the league was not aware he could play because he was so (unbelievably) good on the other end of the court.
A Closer Look at Malone’s Defensive Skills
To defend well, Malone had to use his quickness to move laterally, and his anticipation to understand where the offensive player was going.
“That 10 percent of your speed that you give up to go sideways, I make that up with my anticipation and with my lateral quickness,” Malone said.
Staying low and balanced, he could also shift rapidly from side to side.
“I felt like if I was doing anything else, I was allowing the offensive player too much of an advantage, so I was just going to give him what he sees as an advantage and take that away,” Malone said.
In addition, it wasn’t only on the defensive end that his speed paid off for him. It too was an asset in making fast breaks. A fast break, executed by Malone, could turn what was a defensive situation into an offensive opportunity in what seemed like no time at all. A great illustration of this was in the 1997 NBA Finals when Malone made key stops defensively that translated into scoring opportunities. His ability to surprise so many opposing players who underestimated his speed to cover ground and make plays left many a player in the dust.
Why Did Karl Malone’s Lateral Quickness Surprise Some Opponents?
For many younger players entering the league, Malone’s size and strength represented something slow and unwieldy. But they were swiftly disabused of that notion. Driven by something in his DNA and unlikely for a man of his bulk, Malone was as fit and trim as they came, and he performed with a nearly insane level of dexterity and agility for a man his size. On top of that, he was smarter than most of his opponents. His high level of basketball IQ gave him an even greater edge.
Certain statistics reinforce this point. During his prime, Malone consistently placed among the upper echelon in defensive win shares. This metric, which gauges a player’s defensive contributions to their team, shines a spotlight on how vital his lateral movement was. He averaged approximately 6 defensive win shares per season throughout his career—a testament to his on-court effectiveness.
Training and Preparation Behind Malone’s Agility
In addition, Malone’s lateral quickness stemmed from a demanding training regimen. He routinely performed various drills aimed at improving not just his foot speed but also his overall agility. Plyometric exercises, which are designed to develop explosive movement; ladder drills, which focus on coordination; and cone drills, which emphasize change of direction, were all mainstays of his routine. This not only made him faster and more flexible laterally but also stretched out his career top end. He remained competitive, starting through his late thirties, when most athletes are washed up.
Moreover, Malone’s grasp of the game was pivotal. He examined the moves and habits of his rivals, enabling him to foresee what they might do next. Combine this know-how with his physical gifts, and you have a defender who is hard to fathom. Opponents prepare for his strength but continually underestimate his quickness, and the result is a surprising number of near misses as they try to score.
Lessons for Today’s NBA Players
The success that Malone has achieved because of his lateral quickness has some valuable lessons for today’s players and those who aspire to join their ranks. It hammers home the point that—at least for modern basketball—being agile gives players a serious edge. And in an era when the three-point shot and perimeter play reign supreme, malleability truly is a separator.
Coaches can also derive value from Malone’s training style. Building lateral quickness through targeted drills can improve players’ defensive abilities, and all positions must develop not just an offensive but also a defensive mindset. This includes lateral agility.
In addition, programs aimed at youth should work on these skills from a young age. Training in agility can help our future athletes meet the demands of an ever-changing sport. Players who devote time to working on their side-to-side movement will have a much better chance of being successful as they progress in the sport.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we are reminded that Karl Malone’s ability to combine strength with quickness changed our perception of how a power forward could play. Agility, after all, is an invaluable asset in basketball and any competitive sport. Training to understand and master this skill can—and should—lead one to a more successful career on the court.
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