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+ The practice is the preface to the game and over the years I’ve seen to many teams cheated by their coach because the coach had no control, lack of discipline, no practice plan.  Coaches should be monitoring all the teams on this issue of practice intensity and structure.  I realize we all differ in personalities and how we interact with our teams, and I don’t want to intimidate and coach your team.  On the other hand every coach should be held responsible for maintaining a good solid practice session.  Should the gym setting be any different than the classroom setting as far as athlete concentration and focus?  I also realize that the older the athlete gets the easier it is to keep them focused and on track in practice.  Strive right from day one, talking to them and keeping these high expectations.

+ All teams to do pre-practice stretching routine to help in eliminating injuries.  Make sure to talk and follow-up on girls stretching and not just going through the motions.

+ All teams must practice like a game.  By this I mean the effort on the part of your athlete should be 100% during drills, and scrimmaging.  If your drills or scrimmages are filled with laughter, goofing off, athletes not focused then you are cheating them because that is the way they are learning to play.  Once the real game begins they will draw from their practice experiences.

+ Athletes should not be allowed to talk, interrupt, or cause confusion during practice time.  When coach is talking everyone should be listening.  I tell my teams when I’m talking I want to see your eyes looking at me.

Work hard,

Coach O

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