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The pre-practice window is the most valuable and most frequently wasted time in a coach's day. Its true purpose is not just to "get loose," but to set the professional tone and establish a culture of individual accountability. When players arrive, they should have a clear, written, or understood routine that they initiate themselves, without a coach's whistle. This period is a crucial transition from "school life" to "basketball life." It allows players to mentally lock in, get their minds right, and begin reinforcing the habits of excellence before the "official" practice even begins. Coaches who win this 15-minute battle instill a sense of purpose and ownership that carries over into every drill and game.
From a physical standpoint, the pre-practice routine is a non-negotiable for injury prevention and athletic preparation. This is the time for a dynamic warm-up, moving beyond lazy static stretches. Players should be in constant motion, performing exercises like high knees, lunges with a twist, and defensive slides to increase blood flow, activate key muscle groups, and improve joint mobility. This "pre-hab" work not only prepares their bodies for the explosive demands of practice but also builds a more resilient athlete over the long haul, reducing the nagging strains and sprains that can derail a season.
Finally, pre-practice is the ideal time for isolated, high-repetition skill development. While team practice focuses on the "we," pre-practice is all about the "me." This is where players own their improvement. Routines should include fundamental ball handling (stationary and on the move), form shooting directly in front of the basket to groove a perfect release, and finishing drills like the Mikan series to perfect footwork and touch around the rim. By weaponizing this time, players can accumulate thousands of extra, quality reps throughout the season, turning individual weaknesses into reliable strengths.
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