Practice Thoughts from Rebound Rules: Rick Pitino

When we start practice, we always tell our players this: When they cross the lines onto the court, they cannot be anywhere else. It's not possible. They cannot be back in the dorm relaxing or out with their girlfriends, so while they're here, why not be the very best they can be? Practice is the task at hand; excel at it. To make that message effective, we as coaches must approach practice the same way; total focus with maximum enthusiasm. When you go through the motions, you tacitly give players the leeway to do the same. When you hit the court brimming with energy, it will spread throughout the team. When people see the tedious tasks being accomplished enthusiastically it should produce a domino effect throughout your organization.