Inside the Hill Workouts
Ron Bailey, Publisher
Haniff Hill is proving himself one of the best, and most accessible basktball skill gurus available
September 7, 2009 – Many in the Washington, DC hoops community are aware of a secret, as are players across the globe and domestically, including the National Basketball Association. No, there is not a super baller out there, one that talent evaluators have missed. The secret is Haniff Hill, one of the best and most accomplished trainers on the East Coast.
Basketball training sessions have ballooned in popularity during the last several years, with players ranging from little league to professionals embracing the sessions, some of which focus on skills – both general and specific – while others are concerned with physical development, including conditioning. For some players, these workouts have become as crucial for hoops as shoes.
Haniff Hill with Syracuse center, Arinze Onukau
To his credit, Hill, a former player and coach, has taught 24 NBA players, 17 currently in international leagues, and 31 collegians. At least 52 high school aged players and younger (seven through 18), have taken advantage of the training. Both guards and big men are worked with.
What does Hill focus on?
“I’m here for basketball skill development” said Haniff during a recent session. “We focus on whatever their weaknesses are. I show them everything. Everything I’m teaching, I can do”.
This includes footwork, ball handling and shooting. Improvement is effectuated via drills – including the full court variety – specific move re-creation, and shot mechanic tutelage. All the training incorporates repetition, like 10 made shots on each side of the basket and/or with each hand. Haniff’s eagle eye is constantly on all his pupils, demanding proper execution and focus constantly.
Chris Martin, a Washington, DC high school standout, has worked with Hill for several years. This picture was taken after a recent open gym he held for pre-high school players, one that was highly attended.
Though Hill indicated he likes to work with Alan Stein for physical development, the fast pace of his workouts “does improve their cardio-vascular conditioning”.
All of this began eight years ago.
“My first ever workout was with Eddie Basden (UNCC, Chicago Bulls, international leagues), Delonte West (St. Joes, NBA), Steve Blake (Maryland, NBA), and Rodney White (UNCC, NBA, International leagues). I taught them stuff, they taught me stuff”.