Want your young athletes to stay engaged and focused through your practice sessions?

Then you'll want to read below...

In this particular instance, I'm going to focus on a specific drill. And you can use your imagination to see how the simple tweak that I use can be applied to the rest.

Let's say you have your team working on speed dribbles. And they start the drill without a defender for 3 to 5 minutes. This could be something as simple as having them line up across the baseline and they speed dribble up and down the court.

Right after that, set up a similar drill where they use the same skill in a competitive environment. This is where players go up against live defenders.

It can be a 1v1 drill or a small-sided game (2v2, 3v3, etc.).

Here is a 1v1 speed dribble drill you can use.

I found that this switch between skill work without defenders and competitive play is a great way to keep players engaged. Athletes love competing and playing no matter the age.

Also, I have to mention this as it's just as important... Bring a timer to practice and limit each drill to 3 to 8 minutes.

Even 5 to 8 minutes can push it with young children's attention spans.

Also, start the timer when they actually start the reps... not when you start explaining the drill.

And no matter what... even if the drill didn't go according to plan... move on to the next drill when the timer goes off.

Give it a try for a few practices and let us know how it goes!

And if you need any help in your youth coaching journey, take a look at:

The Youth Coaching System with Jim Huber

This comprehensive system gives you all the tried & true practice plans, drills, skills, and concepts you'll ever need. It shows you where to start - what to teach - how to teach it. It's ideal for 8 year olds to 14 years olds - Beginner to Advanced.

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