How to Create Fun and Productive Practices

Athletic contests are most often determined by players' habitual responses. There isn't time to think things through. The only way to learn a skill well enough to use it in a pressure situation is to overlearn it through repetition. Effective practices give kids the repetitions they need to make the appropriate response a habit.

But, and this is a big but, if practice isn't fun, few kids are going to improve much, nor are they going to keep playing the sport. One technique for adding fun and motivation to a practice is to temporarily reduce the level of play. A couple of examples: Older baseball players love hitting off a tee and it's a great way for them to work on their swing. Shorten the playing field in soccer to increase the intensity, scoring chances and fun.

Adapted from 'Positive Coaching in a Nutshell' by Jim Thompson.