During Practice
Practice give the coach so much opportunity that it can be overwhelming. If you don't have time to plan thoughtfully, the opportunity can be wasted and worse, the kids can develop the belief that practice is boring and useless. In the articles below we discuss what you can seek to accomplish and how to make it fun so that kids develop an overall love for practice, which in and of itself is a crucial lesson for thriving in life.
Articles on a Coach's Approach to Practice
Give them the Chance to Love it
Practice has all of the opportunities for life skill development. Strategy, repetition, failure, resilience, etc...without the pressure of a game. Help them learn to love the process and they will be grateful for life. We explore how to do it here.
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Keep The Kids Active During Practice
Too often kids spend too much time waiting in line or standing around listening during practice. With a few intentionally planned steps, coaches can maximize the amount of active time at practice and not only enhance development, but also fun.
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Help Kids Feel that It's not "Just a" Practice
Really young kids often say "it's not a game today, it's just a practice." We suggest you read deeply into this statement. Why would a kid say "just a" practice as if it is less important or less fun? We explore this and how to make practice important for kids.
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Inputs, not Outputs and Patience
One of the beautiful things about sports is that anyone can learn the technical skills, but it can take time. In this article we explore how to break down mechanics and take a long-term perspective to watch all kids learn how to play any sport.
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When Kids Show they Love Practice, the Coach is Most Likely Crushing it
Practice can be viewed as more important than games. Ask Michael Jordan where his success was created. Coaches who can use practice to inculcate the long-term development and make it fun will help kids to build the passions to do the things that lead them to thrive in life.