The Juarez Kid Breaks Down His Tournament Preparation
WPH Instructional, Tucson, AZ
The WPH is thrilled to continue the WPH Tournament Preparation Series, taking you inside the tournament preparation of the game’s top players. In the WPH Tournament Preparation Series, you will learn what it takes for the sport’s best to condition themselves for the physical and mental rigors of pro level competition.
Leo Canales, Jr. is one of the sport’s youngest stars, winning the collegiate national championship and ascending the Race 4 Eight rankings each season, finishing the most recent R48 season at number five. A former star baseball player and now a top five R48 star, “The Juarez Kid” understands the importance of preparing himself for R48 competition. Let’s examine Leo’s tournament preparation.
Leo Canales, Jr. Tournament Preparation
Monday: Off Day
Tuesday: Strength training (weights) focusing on shoulders, 15 min of cardio.
Wednesday: Practice games. Usually 4 or 5 games with 3 or 4 different players.
Thursday: Off Day
Friday: Drills by myself. Usually focused on one shot (Back wall shot, serve, ceiling ball, fly kill)
Strength training (weights) after handball drills. Focused on upper body strength.
Saturday: Practice matches
Sunday: Strength training focused on lower body.
Diet: Monday-Thursday and Sunday usually involves eating food higher in protein and try to avoid fatty foods. Try to only drink water throughout these days.
Friday-Saturday: Usually will enjoy these days and not worry about calories.
Thank you to Leo for sharing how he gets ready to tackle the best in the sport.
Stay tuned for upcoming WPH Tournament Preparation Series features with your favorite Race 4 Eight pros.
David Fink
WPH Senior Writer