"Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way." - Tolstoy, Anna Karenina
Similarly, good practices are all alike; every poor practice is poor in its own way.
Punctuality. Players are dependent on transportation from families. They also have many activities, so as much as I want to run on "Dean Smith Time", that ain't happening. But I'm acknowledging my Navy experience carries over wanting players to be dressed (shoes tied, hair tied down) and ready to go.
Energy. The coach and the point guards have to bring the energy. I have one (point guard) "It's go time" that can be a little over the top...but that is a beautiful thing.
Attentiveness. Paying attention is the first price. Active listening matters. Listening translates to every discipline. We only learn while we're listening, not speaking. Occasionally, we can check this by handing out pens and 3 x 5 cards. I draw up a play and the players have to reproduce the play on the card. Work in progress.
Detail-oriented. Everyone hates sloppy basketball. Disorganized, random, helter-skelter practice just wastes players' time. They deserve better. Coaches deserve better.
Adaptability. How can players learn to play 'situational basketball' unless it's practiced?
Avoid the L's. Brian McCormick reminds coaches that laps, lines, and lectures don't produce basketball players. "Repetitions make reputations."
Communication. "Silent teams are losing teams." Another work in progress. Younger players often don't want to be seen as 'too vocal' but developing leadership is another or our tasks. Communication, especially on defense, has to be "early, loud, and often."
Focus. At most, we get two two-hour blocks of practice a week. That has to encompass skill building and team building. If I install a new play, we are going to include it immediately in our O-D-O (offense-defense-offense) segments.
Balance. Offense requires skill and timing. Defense requires grit and effort. The latter are a priority, but the former get time emphasis.
Fun. Do players radiate joy? You have to PLAY ball. Teams that only WORK ball seldom ENJOY success.
Innovation. Players get bored with the same, old, boring drills. Change the constraints (rules) and complexity.
Competition. Players can compete against themselves, against teammates, and against the clock. How many corner threes can you make in a minute? How many dribbles does it take to advance the ball the length of the court? How many layups (Kentucky Layups) can the team make in two minutes. Use a free throw to 'confirm' a win in a drill.
There's much more to discuss (breaks, conditioning, style of practice schedule (e.g. restorative versus acquisitive), timing within annual schedule, etc. But practice (decisions determine destiny) mints the currency of excellence. Invest it don't spend it.
What are the biggest three items that 'set you off' for 'bad practice'?
