Milwaukee Bucks superstar Damian Lillard has incorporated boxing into his offseason training regimen.
In a recent interview with Jim Owczarski Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Lillard explained how boxing complements his basketball workouts.
“It’s good for your legs, just strengthening your body,” Lillard said when asked about his boxing routine.
He emphasized that boxing provides multiple benefits, including conditioning and mental toughness.
“You gotta keep your hands up, you gotta move,” Lillard noted, highlighting the discipline required in the sport.
He also mentioned that boxing helps him stay prepared for self-defense in today’s world.
“I really do it to just free myself a little bit and for self-defense purposes,” he said.
Lillard added that boxing has become a family affair, as he encourages his kids to train as well.
“Putting my kids in here and letting them learn that, too… building up that discipline and confidence,” he explained.
Despite the physical demands of boxing, Lillard acknowledged that it doesn’t translate directly to the basketball court.
He relies on weight training and skill drills for his basketball-specific conditioning. However, Lillard believes that boxing has had a significant impact on his mental game.
“At the end, people say you can’t turn on a switch and turn off a switch,” he remarked.
Lillard emphasized that his boxing training helps him rise to the occasion during critical moments. His mental fortitude, built through years of boxing, allows him to perform without fear of failure.
“I think a lot of my training has that in it,” Lillard added, reflecting on his approach to preparation.
Lillard’s love for boxing goes beyond training, as he has developed relationships within the sport. He regularly attends fights and connects with trainers, fighters, and promoters.