HoopTalk – Practice

We’re talking about practice? A famous quote by a one-in-a-generation player, the great Allen Iverson. Practice should be harder than games. I am a true believer that it best prepares your players for competition.

Why? Putting them under immense pressure in practice makes game pressure more manageable. Stress and adversity: Both are a part of the game. No matter if you are up 20 or down 20, the game always provides moments of stress. The adversity can come from going on a 10-0 and responding to the pressure that comes from the other team calling a timeout.

I remember my coach, Ryan Cain, talking about getting to a level that nobody can get to and keep trying to elevate that level through tireless work in practice.

I like to psychologically challenge my players; you must simulate what the crowd might or will say to your players. Honesty breeds trust. It is not always going to be pretty in these practices. So, being transparent in why you are challenging your players to be the best versions of themselves. If you are not demanding the absolute best and most from all your players, why should you coach? It creates a love for the game. If you can unlock a players WILL to be great, look out! This is my favorite part of coaching.