Practice...(are) we talking about Practice!!!
winning teams and players
The headline and byline are remnants of the unfortunate confusion around Allen Iverson’s famous laments around practice where he attempted to explain, somewhat, that it is more about the game, than practice. Unfortunately, for most of the world, there is a missing interpretation behind Iverson’s comments, that of loss and tragedy - which is what Iverson was most likely referring to.
It is a press conference that bounces around so ever often as the misinterpretation is somewhat meaningful. Practice is important and it will provide better outcomes. As we are primarily focussed on individual improvements at this time of year it is hard to look forward to practice and practice dynamics but it is important to get your mindset ready and prepare for what individuals will bring to practice.
Here are our top 5 thoughts on practice that we have gleaned from interacting with other coaches;
Elite players practice harder than other types of players, injured, sick or unmotivated- they just find ways of getting there and going harder.
The highest cliche is that you are only as strong as your weakest link. Team dynamics always level out to the median despite your best attempts and if you are a player or coach you need to find ways to engage and involve your weakest players.
Individual and Team practices need to be designed around both strengths and weaknesses. Don’t take a practice plan from another team and adopt it because they are a winning team. Put effort and emotion into each practice plan. The tone of practice starts with a positive and winning attitude.
Teams and individuals need to understand the goal of each practice and what you are trying to achieve. Ask players at the end of practice if they feel they achieved the goal.
Successful coaches and teams have a strategic plan. This plan covers what should be achieved in the offseason and maps out the seasonal practice plan. You can deviate from a plan but you can not deviate from no plan.
***source of the photo is AP Photo / Paul Sancya