Reviewing and Evaluating your practices
Our practices and training sessions are the most important time we have with players as a coach. The vast majority of games are won and lost in practice, not during the actual game. With this being the case, as coaches we need to ensure that our practices are efficient, effective and preparing players for game-like situations and decisions.
In order to accomplish this, it is important to review, reflect and improve upon each practice. This can be done in a number of ways; meeting with coaches briefly after practice to discuss, actually writing out your reflection, etc. The fact remains that one of the most important things you can do to improve your practices, is simply spending some time after each practice reviewing, reflecting and questioning if things could have been done better.
Some things coaches could reflect on include …
Any injuries or other incidents (such as players arguing). This is particularly important with youth players so that the coach can discuss with the parents if necessary.
Any activities that were planned but that were not done (are we falling behind schedule each day, do we need to do one of the missed activities early in practice the next day, etc.).
Scores achieved in any activities (e.g. number of lay-ups made in two minutes) which can be compared to future practices to gauge improvement.
Any skills or concepts that the coach wants to work on at future practices (for the whole team or individual players). What is our biggest weakness right now? What could get us beat? We need to address these areas in upcoming practices.
Any activities that worked particularly well (players enjoyed it, achieved the desired outcome, etc.) and we want to use again in the future.
Any activities that did not work well (poorly explained, poor engagement, etc.) with a short list of improvements and adjustments to make the next time that drill is used.
Any overall improvements that can be made to the practice structure or to make practice run more smoothly.
This simple review can help coaches effectively prepare their next practice and develop continuity from one practice to another. The better the players know the activities that are being used, the less time is required for them to get organized and begin playing.