Setting up screens, cutting lanes and even testing the quickness and reach of the opponents – these are some of the practice techniques WNBA teams use to prepare their star players for the challenges ahead. To facilitate these requirements, the New York Liberty has a unique all-male squad giving its players a tough time in the training sessions.
The Los Angeles Sparks also uses a similar technique that tests their players’ abilities against the toughest opponents. Kelsey Plum recently revealed a shocking incident involving Rickea Jackson during a similar practice session.
New York Liberty’s All-Male Practice Squad
A few franchises, players, fans, and analysts are bashing the league for the physicality involved in the games. But the 2024 champions tried to find their way around by upgrading their practice technique. As per Front Office Sports’ report, the team practices with an all-male practice squad. The unique squad is specially assembled to give the Liberty players a tough time on the court.
This approach allows the side to better prepare itself for the challenges ahead. The practice squad’s primary function is to mimic the offensive and defensive strategies of the Liberty’s upcoming opponents. After playing against the slightly bigger and stronger opponents, players find it easier to counter the opponents on game day.
These practice players are often unpaid help. At max, most receive game tickets or passes as compensation for their service. Liberty is adopting a different method to encourage and keep top practice players at the facility.
New York Liberty Open Practice May 4th #WNBA #nyliberty #openpractice pic.twitter.com/u8r23OhrCG
— Liberty F.M. (@LibertyFM2017) May 6, 2024
Scroll to continue reading
Trending WNBA News
The front office and coaching staff select the top candidate from the practice lot and try to accommodate him in the franchise’s other positions suitable for his skill set. General manager Jonathan Kolb highlighted the franchise’s idea behind it. He told the media that the franchise’s primary focus is to improve players’ abilities on the court, and for that, the franchise is looking to create a positive environment for the practice squad, too.
New York Liberty Looking to Finish Regular Season On A High Note
After starting the season with a 9-0 run, injuries to star players halted the team’s progress. A recent bump raised multiple questions. The players themselves started to voice concerns as Emma Meesseman urged her teammates to maximize potential and overcome complacency, focusing on the goal.
The side has seven games left in the season and, with a strong end to the season, could challenge for a place in the top three.