Practice Planning

Planning an effective practice is one of the most important responsibilities of a coach. A well-organized practice keeps athletes engaged, maximizes skill development, and builds team culture. Below are tips and tricks to keep in mind when planning your sessions.

1. Have a Plan, but Stay Flexible

• Write out your practice plan in advance, with times allocated to each activity.
• Be ready to adjust based on athlete energy levels, weather, or what skills need more focus that day.
• 📌 Resource: Positive Coaching Alliance – Practice Planning

2. Start with a Purpose

• Every practice should have one or two clear goals (e.g., “improve passing accuracy” or “work on endurance”).
• Communicate these goals to your athletes at the start so they know the “why.”

3. Warm-Up the Right Way

• Begin with dynamic warm-ups (movement-based stretching and mobility) instead of static stretching.
• This helps prevent injury and gets athletes mentally and physically ready.
• 📌 Resource: NFHS – Dynamic Warm-Ups

4. Balance Fundamentals with Fun

• Spend time on core skills every practice—repetition builds mastery.
• Balance drills with game-like scenarios to keep things engaging.
• End with something fun (short scrimmage, challenge, or relay).

5. Use Progressions

• Build drills in layers: start simple, then add complexity.
• Example: Dribble → Dribble with a defender → Dribble into a passing drill.
• 📌 Resource: USA Youth Sports Drills Library

6. Keep Everyone Moving

• Avoid long lines and standing around.
• Use small groups or stations so athletes get more reps and stay engaged.

7. Include Conditioning in the Drills

• Instead of running laps, design drills that build endurance while working on skills (e.g., transition drills, fast-paced small-sided games).

8. Prioritize Safety & Recovery

• Make sure drills are age-appropriate.
• End with a proper cool-down and hydration reminder.

9. Build Team Culture

• Set aside 2–3 minutes for team connection (group cheer, recognition, or short reflection).
• Encourage positive reinforcement—celebrate effort, not just results.

10. Reflect After Practice

• Take 5 minutes after practice to jot notes: What went well? What needs adjustment?
• Ask athletes for feedback—this builds trust and helps you improve as a coach.