Time on the floor with your players is very valuable. Much time and thought
should be put into each practice session. The quality of your practices will eventually
determine how many games you win or lose during the season. Talent level of
players, number of players, time, facilities, and equipment are all things to
consider when putting your practice schedule together.
The following is a collection of ideas that will contribute to more
organized and productive practice sessions.
PRACTICE CONSIDERATIONS
1.
Each day ask this question: What do I want to accomplish this
practice session?
2.
Certain aspects of the game should be performed every day:
(i.e. - ball handling, shooting, defense, rebounding, passing, setting
picks, etc.)
3.
Be a teacher on the floor and assume nothing when teaching.
These four points are important when teaching: explain, demonstrate,
perform, critique. Use positive comments.
4.
Teach new concepts early in practice sessions when players are
most alert.
5.
Once new ideas have been taught, repetition is the key.
6.
When showing a new concept to the team, walk through it first
so players can see what is expected. (Whole-part-whole concept).
7.
Follow demanding drills with free throws or less demanding
drills. Shoot free throws when tired.
8.
Simulate game conditions in practice so players are accustomed
to these conditions. Use the game and shot clock to simulate various game
situations.
9.
Practice what you stress and believe in. Work on those things
you will use in games.
10.
Build conditioning into your drills to avoid excessive running
after practice. Don't make players dread the end of practice.
11.
Limit drills to 5-6 minutes. Half and full court team
situations will take longer.
12.
Explain the purpose of drills. Let them in on the
"why" of what you're doing.
13.
Organize drills so that players aren't standing around. Keep
them constantly involved.
14.
Stretching and warm-up drills should get players ready to
practice and help avoid injury.
15.
Meet with certain players before practice for needed
individual or small group work.
16.
Meet with your coaches before practice so that all teaching
points and practice goals are understood.
17.
Meet as a staff following practice to discuss how the practice
went and things that need to be worked on the next day.
18.
Construct a master plan of everything that needs to be covered
throughout the course of the season. Break the master plan down into weekly and
daily practice plans.
19.
Consider number of players, balls, and baskets in order to
utilize your facility to its fullest.
20.
Use managers or student assistants as "helpers" in
practice. Managers make great passers in practice.
21.
Incorporate jump ropes, toss-backs and blocking dummies into
your practice.
22.
Managers should sweep the floor before practice and have
towels and water at courtside.
23.
Use videotape equipment to tape practice so coaches and
players can evaluate the previous day's practice or scrimmage.
24.
Include a saying or emphasis of the day on each daily practice
plan.
25.
Try to end each practice on a positive "up" note.
Team oriented drills give them a feeling of togetherness as they leave the
floor.
Organize your practice to the minute and try to stay with your original time
allotments. Use the back of your practice plan to jot down ideas, changes, or
observations about that particular practice that day. You can then refer to
those notes as you prepare the following day's practice plan.
