Practice with a Purpose

Posted On: 01-25-2026

Practice, practice, practice is what we all know will make us better.  But will it?  I mean if as a coach practice is more of a time and place then will all practice make one better?  I think you know where I am going with this and that is not all practice makes one better.

I suggest to all coaching youth sports to make sure practice has a purpose.  Make sure each practice has a starting point and an ending point, but more importantly what falls between those two points is purposeful.

Start with a plan – make a practice schedule for what you want to accomplish that day.  I can remember coaches carrying around a clip board with the time for each drill stated, the duration of each drill and the purpose. 

Begin each practice with a meeting to clarify what practice will be that day so everyone knows.  Provide everyone the content of the practice and discuss for a few minutes why these drills are important.  One could reach back and discuss the last shoot in which some shooters had difficulty with one type of target.  As the season began these lesson plans could include comments provided by the team that they know they like and know the value of certain typed of drills.

Invite parents to practice.  While that may require some thought, consider how important they are to your team’s success and how they can help reinforce your coaching.  There is nothing to fear in asking others for help as it can only lead to greater success.  As some might say, “It takes a village.”

Be creative and work to develop new drills that will enhance the time you have with you youth shooters and will advance them to becoming better shooters.  When done ask how they liked the drill and what could you change. 

Attention span is also something worth noting as most don’t have much.  Research provides us that about 2 to 5 minutes per age year is typical with adults ranging from 15 to 50 minutes.  I know as a former educator that everything I taught had to be spot on quickly or I would lose their interest.  However, like educators – coaches should work to enhance those minutes, so their team is engaged.  If one has them come and shoot a round them go home so much is lost that could have been educational.  Bottom line is to be creative and innovative to capture their attention longer. 

Finally, when it comes time to compete, quit coaching.  This is the time for support, encouragement, and positivity but not a time to coach.  As a coach realize that if you do feel like you need to coach at an event consider looking back at practice to see if you should have corrected or worked through issues then.  Over time keep a journal at events so you have the information you need when it is time practice and use that time wisely.