Coach ,

It’s almost here! The season is right around the corner, and we can’t wait to see how the hard work we have been putting in these past few months is going to pay off. 

Once the season starts, no matter what the outcome of our first few games will be, we need to keep our players and program developing.

Of course, the majority of this happens in practice. To keep our players and our program moving forward, there should be a focus on three things.

#1) Keep it fresh

Even though we need to keep a certain routine and be consistent with our practice plan, we also need to keep things fresh every once in a while. Whether it’s adding a new drill, engaging players in a fun competition or simply coming up with a new activity before or after practice can keep players mentally engaged, especially when things are not going so well and we need to bring more positive energy within the whole team. 

Watch how Ryder University Coach Lynn Miligan likes to keep things fresh throughout the season. (click on image for video)

#2) Skill focused development

One skill that we all can focus on throughout the season is rebounding. Every coach wants players that are getting tougher and better and rebounding the basketball. This will be extremely crucial late in the season.

Watch East Carolina University Coach Joe Dooley talk about rebounding in practice and breaking down his rebounding drills that he uses throughout the season to keep players mentally tough and ready to grab a few extra rebounds every game. (click on image for video)

#3) Continue to build culture

As the saying goes, culture eats strategy for breakfast. One of the biggest parts in keeping your culture in check throughout the season is making sure we always manage the environment of our practice - meaning, we need to make sure our players hold each other accountable - everyone needs to communicate, cheer each other onp, keep up the high tempo of the drills and not get caught up in the routine. 

From Warm-Up, to end of the practice - there needs to be discipline followed by all players. Watch University of New Orleans Head Coach Mark Slessinger to talk about Managing Practice Environment (click on image for video).

These three key points might seem small, but can definitely make a difference if followed with consistency throughout the season. Persistence and consistency will always win in the long run, therefore it is important to always stay on track and keep emphasizing the concepts that will help us in the long run.

Never get out-coached,

-- The Coaches Clinic Community of Coaches Helping Coaches