How to Organize a Basketball Practice

Great basketball teams are not made during games, but during the many hours of practice and preparation for the games. When you organize a basketball practice session, you are organizing your team for success.

Things You'll Need

• Knowledge of each player's strengths and weaknesses
• Pen
• Paper

Instructions

Know Seasonal Practice Objectives

1. Plan conditioning for each player for the off-season. Basically, write out what players can do to stay in shape and inform the players. Some players may need to work on running for endurance or weight training to increase strength.

2. Write out preseason needs. Focus on additional conditioning, basketball fundamentals, simple play and the team rules to be shared at the first practice.

3. Prepare for seasonal practices with more detailed plays and drills needed to sharpen specific skills not showing up in games.

4. Focus on the details for late-season practices. Keep the fundamentals sound and work on individual needs. Plan on keeping the mental aspect of the game strong at this point in the season.

Organize Each Basketball Practice Session

1. Write the results you want to see from the practice. For example, better passing by all players.

2. Write out warm-up exercises, such as several stretches, a lap or two around the court or a running drill. Use about 7 to 10 minutes to warm up.

3. Organize several drills to work on the skill sets determined in Step 1. For example, use several different drills to practice passing using several passing methods, such as bounce passing, throws and more. Plan to spend 7 to 10 minutes on each drill.

4. Write out several plays for the team to work on, incorporating skills practiced during the drills. Plan to practice each play for approximately 5 minutes.

5. Plan scrimmage time to allow players to practice the skills and plays learned during the practice session.

6. Add some finishing stretches and flexibility exercises to cool the team down and promote muscular health. Time should be 5 to 10 minutes.

Tips & Warnings

• Organize practices to meet team and individual weaknesses. Do not do drills for the sake of doing drills, but to improve specific skill sets.

• Help individual players needing extra time investment before or after practice. During practice, give individuals quick tips.

• Avoid teaching too many different skills during a practice session so players can focus on learning a skill well.

• Make practice fun, especially for younger players. Your attitude will determine how hard players practice. If players are bored or simply going through the motions, practice will not be effective.