Today is just a short one about „fun games“ in practice. I started this regulary 2 years ago. We start every practice (u14 and u16) with 10-15 minutes „fun games and talks“. The kids come from an 8-hour-school day and I want them to give them time to get ready and just chat with their teammates, get some shots up and have fun. The players like shooting games (money in the bank, bump/knock out, horse) and 1on1 playing. Sometimes they choose to play 3on3 or just show themselves some moves and lay ups. Sometimes a player comes to me to talk, sometimes I choose a player for a little talk. Sometimes a player stays on his own, trying out moves, working on his shot or special lay ups.
This time and start of practice helps us a lot and the players love it.