In the dribbling drill below I love that all the young athletes are participating in the drill. No players are siting. This approach to coach helps with focus and provides all players with more repetitions to improve their skills.
The shooting drill below shows the other side of the coin where everyone is involved in the shooting drill, but only one player at a time is actively participating in the drill. This approach leads to dis-engaged players, and lack of skill development due to low repetitions.
We can improve the reps and engagement in the second example by splitting the group into smaller teams and have them work at multiple hoops in the gym. If you only have one hoop, another approach is to split this group into two lines and have the players shoot at the backboard instead of the hoop (Point of emphasis being form, not the ball going in). Another approach would be to split the group into 3. Each group with a ball. One group doing "Back Shooting" lying on the floor. The second group doing seated shooting using one of the benches in the gym, or sitting up on the floor. The last group shooting at the rim. Rotate the groups through each station. Take any combination of these options with a mindset of participation, engagement and maximum repetitions for all.
Coaches with a mindset of inclusion and participation in practice keep players engaged and wanting to come back because they are having fun and improving.
Rethink your practices. Are there opportunities for better engagement and participation?
