Running a Practice | BETTER COACHING

The Art of Effective Practice: A Guide to Building Progressive, Efficient, and Engaging Sessions for Coaches

Practice is the cornerstone of any successful sports program. It’s where teams develop the skills, habits, and cohesion necessary to succeed in competition. But not all practices are created equal. A well-structured, efficient practice plan that builds progressively over time can transform a team’s potential into performance.

As a coach with years of experience across multiple sports, I’ve seen firsthand the difference between practices that drag and those that ignite growth. Whether coaching football, basketball, soccer, or any other team sport, the principles of effective practice remain constant. Here we'll explore the importance of practice, the key elements of successful sessions, and the best ways to plan and execute them.

The Importance of Practice

Why do we practice? At its most basic level, practice is about skill acquisition. For individual athletes, this means improving their technique, learning new strategies, and refining their physical and mental abilities. For teams, it’s about developing cohesion, communication, and collective understanding.

However, the importance of practice goes beyond just learning the fundamentals. Here are a few reasons why structured, effective practices are crucial:

Skill Development: Athletes must consistently work on their individual skills to stay sharp. Repetition helps reinforce muscle memory, but variety and progression are key to long-term development.
Building Team Chemistry: Practice is where teams learn to trust each other, communicate, and understand their roles within the group. It’s the laboratory where ideas are tested, and mistakes are corrected before they become problems in competition.
Instilling Work Ethic: Athletes learn the value of hard work and discipline in practice. A well-organized practice structure promotes accountability, a sense of urgency, and focus on improvement.
Mental Toughness: Repeated exposure to challenging situations in practice builds mental resilience. Athletes can push through adversity when they are used to dealing with fatigue, pressure, and competition in a controlled environment.
Preparation for Game Day: Practice should mirror game situations. Athletes must be prepared for the speed, intensity, and unpredictability of competition. Simulating game conditions helps develop the decision-making skills necessary for success.

The Foundation of a Great Practice Plan

A successful practice doesn’t happen by accident—it requires thoughtful planning, clear communication, and constant evaluation. Below are some of the key pillars of a great practice.

1. Progressive Structure: Building Day by Day

One of the most important aspects of practice planning is progression. Each practice should build on what was done the day before, creating a cohesive system of learning. In my experience, breaking practices into three categories helps athletes stay engaged while systematically building skills:

Individual Skill Work: Focus on personal development—footwork, shooting mechanics, passing accuracy, tackling techniques, etc. This allows each athlete to hone their craft.
Group Skill Work: Transitioning from individual skills to small group exercises helps athletes apply what they’ve learned in a controlled, game-like setting. This could include working in pairs or small groups on passing drills, shooting setups, or coordinated defensive movements.
Team Skill Work: The final progression in a practice plan focuses on team-oriented drills. These drills should be designed to replicate game conditions, integrating all players into a cohesive unit. Full-team scrimmages, situational drills, and tactical exercises fall into this category.

The key to success in each of these categories is ensuring that practices are incremental—always building upon the previous day’s work. For example, if you focused on individual dribbling or footwork on Monday, Tuesday’s practice should emphasize how those skills integrate into small-sided games or drills. By Wednesday, the team should be working together to solve game-like scenarios where those skills are tested under pressure.

2. Time Management: Staying Efficient and Productive

The most effective practices are those where every minute is accounted for. Time management is one of the most critical skills for a coach. Not only does it keep the session on track, but it also ensures that athletes get the maximum benefit from the time spent on the field or court.

Here are some key tips for managing practice time efficiently:

Pre-Plan Every Session: Before practice begins, make sure you have a written plan that details each segment of the practice, including warm-ups, individual drills, group drills, scrimmages, and cool-downs. Share this with your coaching staff ahead of time so everyone is on the same page.
Stay on Schedule: Each segment of practice should have a designated time, and it’s important to stick to that schedule. Avoid allowing one drill to drag on too long or starting late—it will throw off the flow of the entire session.
Keep Transitions Quick: Athletes shouldn’t spend time standing around waiting for the next drill. Set up cones, markers, and equipment beforehand so that transitions between drills are seamless. Having clear instructions for each segment also minimizes wasted time.
Minimize Talk, Maximize Demonstration: One of the most common mistakes young coaches make is spending too much time talking. Athletes learn best by doing, not listening. Keep explanations short and to the point. Whenever possible, demonstrate the skill or drill yourself or have an assistant or advanced player demonstrate it.

3. Meeting Athletes Where They Are

Every athlete is at a different point in their development. Some might need extra attention to work on basic skills, while others might be ready for more advanced concepts. A good practice plan is flexible enough to meet athletes at their current skill level while also challenging them to improve.

Differentiate by Skill Level: If you have a wide range of skill levels on your team, break your drills into groups. For example, more experienced players can work on advanced techniques while newer players focus on fundamentals. Always be aware of which athletes need more support or instruction.
Encourage Growth Mindset: It’s important to foster an environment where athletes feel safe to make mistakes and learn from them. If players are worried about failure, they’ll be less likely to take risks and push themselves.
Celebrate Small Wins: Reinforce positive behaviors and small improvements. When athletes see that their hard work is paying off, they’ll stay motivated.

4. Creating Fun, Engaging Practices

Practice should never be boring. Keeping energy high is essential to maintaining player focus and enthusiasm, especially for younger athletes. A dynamic, fun practice not only keeps players engaged but also helps create a positive team culture.

Vary Drills and Activities: Constantly doing the same drills can lead to boredom and disengagement. Rotate through a variety of drills and games that address different aspects of the sport. Mix competitive drills with cooperative ones to keep things fresh.
Use Small-Sided Games: One of the best ways to make practice fun is to incorporate small-sided games. These allow for more touches, more decision-making opportunities, and a faster pace. Small-sided games can be tailored to emphasize specific skills while still maintaining a competitive atmosphere.
Positive, High-Energy Atmosphere: The energy of the coach sets the tone for the practice. Bring positivity and enthusiasm to every session. Celebrate effort as much as achievement. Players are more likely to bring energy to practice if they see that their coaches are fully engaged and supportive.

5. Clear Communication with Coaches

A great practice requires a great coaching team. As the head coach, it’s crucial to communicate your plan with your assistant coaches before practice starts. Everyone should understand their roles and responsibilities during each segment of the practice to avoid confusion and maximize efficiency.

Pre-Practice Meetings: A quick meeting before practice ensures that all coaches are on the same page regarding drills, timing, and specific focus areas. This also provides an opportunity to discuss individual athletes’ progress and how they can be supported during practice.
Coaching Assignments: Assign each coach to a specific task or group during practice. For example, one coach can be responsible for overseeing individual skill drills while another focuses on group work. This division of labor helps ensure that every drill runs smoothly and that athletes receive feedback from multiple perspectives.
Consistent Messaging: Coaches should be aligned on the key messages for each practice. Whether it’s focusing on effort, teamwork, or a specific technical skill, consistent messaging helps reinforce what you’re trying to teach. Athletes should hear the same language and expectations from every coach.

Coach's Thoughts: Crafting the Perfect Practice

Effective practice is a blend of art and science. It requires careful planning, the ability to adapt, and a commitment to keeping athletes engaged. At the core of any great practice plan is progression—building on what came before to create a pathway toward improvement. By incorporating individual, group, and team skill work, managing time efficiently, meeting athletes where they are, and keeping the sessions fun and energetic, coaches can create an environment where athletes not only grow but thrive.

Successful practices are not just about what happens on the field—they’re also about preparation and communication off the field. By sharing your plan with assistant coaches, providing clear instructions, and maintaining a consistent, positive approach, you can set your team up for success.

The rewards of thoughtful, progressive practice are immense. Not only do athletes improve their physical skills, but they also develop mental toughness, team camaraderie, and a passion for the sport. Ultimately, the time you invest in practice will pay dividends in competition, as your athletes are more prepared, more confident, and more connected as a team.