From a coaches point of view, I was wondering what I should do if I am going to have to miss practice for a prior comitment?

That can happen from time to time... IF you have an assistant, let him/her know and talk about what you want done... IF you don't, then you have to let your players know.. they really don't need to know the reason why, they just need to know when the next practice is, where and what time.

Sammy,

I believe your question implies that you are a player who needs to miss a practice due to a prior committment. As Coach Sars states, this does happen from time to time. As a coach, I'd like to have a couple days notice from a player when they can not make a practice. Most coaches make a practice plan assuming all 10 or 12 players will be there. So knowing a player(s) will not be at a practice allows time to adjust his practice plan, this is especially important when the coach plans drills that require an even amount of players.
(If a coach has an odd amount of players then certain drills can not be performed.)
Anyway, as long as you notify your coach at least 2 days prior then it shouldn't be a problem. Most coaches won't get mad, committments happen...I tell my players family, faith and school committments come first ahead of basketball so don't feel bad if you miss a practice once in a while.

Coach A

Good catch coach A -

I sure missed that one! I just read the prior commitment and figured it was the coach.... assume !!

Coach Star and Coach A,
Thank you both so much! I am a player, and I will definatley take your advice!

Coach Sar: Retirement must be getting to you, your missing too much. Perhaps you need a dose of basketball here in China...Great work buddy..Coach Mac

Must be "old timers" creeping up on me Mac! :-) 42-43 years of coaching... I don't think I need a dose of anything except Valium to calm the nerves. LOL Not really, I loved what I did and the darn fools paid me too.

I'm from the old school, I'm not so sure that I could coach today.. too much parent interference, after all, every player is a D1 player aren't they? Not too mention that they are always right, just ask the administrators.. they will tell you that. :-)

Too all the coaches out there... IF you are coaching in a place where the administration backs you.... you have a WINNER...stay there and don't worry about the Ws & Ls.