My youngest daughter is hooked on Minecraft right now. We've set some time limits on her play. Otherwise, I think she might end up like some of these people I hear about who go on a 24 hour gaming binge.

Not my idea of time well spent. I would guess many other coaches agree.

However, for better or worse, that's the world we live in. Kids love video games.

Recognizing that, we should examine the reasons why kids find video games so appealing.

Here's one that you should work into your practices immediately.

The Power Of Redemption & A Second Chance

In most video games, players get multiple lives. They don't ‘die' once. They get multiple chances to win the game.

Kids like this. They can use what they learned during their first life to help them on their second go round.

It also builds pressure. By the time kids are down to their last life, they know they really have to focus. If they lose, it hurts. If your child has even thrown a console remote, you can attest to this.

If the possibility of multiple lives engages kids, why not put that into our practices?

How "1 & Done" Drills Are Hindering Your Players' Progress & Widening The Skill Gap

In most youth basketball contests, you get one chance. Let's take dribble tag. As soon as a player is out, they are told to sit on the side and watch the rest of the game.

There are a couple of issues with that:

• It's boring - those kids quickly lose interest in watching the rest of the game. They are no longer having fun. That's no good for player retention.
• It's wasted time to get better - those players are not doing anything productive.
• It increases the gap between more and less advanced players - usually the first players who get knocked out are less advanced. Those players then sit around while their already more advanced teammates get more practice reps. All that does is increase the gap between players.

What if there was a better way of doing it?

The "Resurrection" Secret to Boosting Player Engagement

You could tell players they get multiple lives at the start of a drill. That would allow them to apply what they learned the first time in subsequent rounds.

But I think there's a better way. Give them a chance at a second life - but make them earn it.

How so?

That's up to you. Let's say a player gets eliminated from dribble tag or knockout. Instead of putting them on the side, give them a task they can complete to rejoin the game.

They have to complete the task before the game is over. That adds some pressure, which is a good thing.

Some ideas:

• Make 5 layups (depending on age and ability you could vary which hand or what type of layup)
• Make 2 free throws in a row
• Dribble 2 laps around the court with your non-dominant hand
• Complete 25 pound dribbles with each hand, followed by 50 crossovers

The possibilities are limitless. You might even make the tasks harder for more advanced players.

Why We All Need A Second Chance Sometimes

We all make mistakes. Those mistakes can either discourage us or guide our learning and make us better and more resilient. Sitting around is more likely to do the former. The possibility of a second chance makes it more likely those mistakes will make us better in the long run.

Whether the eliminated players are able to earn another life or not, they are still getting better. Kids love games. Giving them the chance to get back in will have them giving their best effort. Every kid improving and engaged? Job well done, coach!

Related Resources

For those coaching true beginners, consider Jim Huber Beginner Basketball Ages 5-9. This is a great resource to help those new to the game. Coach Huber provides a number of games and age-appropriate drills that result in rapid improvement and a good experience for young players.

The Youth Coaching System With Jim Huber provides an entire blueprint for coaching a youth team. It's a one stop shop for all youth coaching needs. If you're looking for a proven system to get the most from your team, this is the resource for you!

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