🏆 Practice With Purpose

A proven 3-step framework to plan practices that actually matter.

Author

Greg Berge
August 07, 2025

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💭 ONE THOUGHT
Practice With Purpose

Before we get serious about designing great practices, take two minutes to laugh and reflect:

👉 Watch: Ted Lasso on “Practice?!”

Yes, it’s a hilarious parody of Allen Iverson’s iconic rant.
But the message hits home.

“We’re talking about practice? Not a game… practice.”

Too many coaches do treat practice like it’s optional.
They wing it.
They recycle the same drills.
They hope it leads to results.

But practice is where culture is built, skills are sharpened, and trust is earned.

That’s why the best coaches plan every session with intention.

Here’s how I break it down in Module 6 in Better Coach OS, and how you can start designing your practices like a pro.

1. Pre-Practice = Purpose

Before your whistle blows, ask:

  • What will I do to build culture and leadership today?
    This might be a short quote, a team huddle message, or a leadership moment; culture isn't built only during games.

  • Who needs a 1-on-1 check-in?
    A quick word with a struggling or overlooked player can shift their whole mindset, and your culture.

  • What are our 1–2 practice goals?
    Pick 1–2 specific focus areas (e.g., help defense, transition offense). Don’t try to do everything.

  • Are there any individual goals for specific players?
    This is a powerful way to connect coaching with player development. Example: “Ryan, get three post touches today.”

When you answer these questions, practice shifts from routine to intentional. You're building connection, clarity, and momentum before the first drill starts.

2. Practice = Progress

Every great practice includes:

  • Warm-up – Get the body moving, but also use this time to create energy and focus.

  • Skill work – Prioritize reps that align with your team identity and upcoming game situations.

  • Whole-Part-Whole teaching – Start with live play, break it down into pieces, then build it back up.

  • Small-Sided Games – 2v2s or 3v3s help players read and react in live-action moments. This can be applied to ALL sports.

  • Competition + Situational Play – Add a scoreboard, a shot clock, or a time/score scenario to raise intensity.

  • Cool down + Closure – End with a routine that reinforces learning and gives space for positive emotion.

If players are smiling, sweating, and want to stick around afterward, you nailed it.

3. Post-Practice = Reflection

This is where coaches elevate good practices into transformational ones:

  • A quick team meeting – Pull them in, and give a clear takeaway.

  • Review of the day’s goals – Did we achieve them? Where did we improve? What still needs work?

  • A culture chat or leadership reflection – This could be 60 seconds on energy, effort, or accountability. Keep it simple but consistent.

  • Updates/reminders – Don’t let logistics derail your message. Get them out now so they’re not in your head later.

  • Coach notes for tomorrow – Take 2 minutes while it's fresh. Capture what worked, what didn’t, and what’s next.

The best programs don’t just run great practices.
They reflect on them and refine them

every day.

Use the Right Tools

I’ve used Practice Planner Live for 14 years to design and manage every practice.

  • It saves time.

  • Keeps me organized.

  • And ensures that every drill connects to a purpose.

Try it FREE for 14 days, no credit card required.

Final Thought

Great teams aren’t built on game day.
They’re built at 3:45 PM on a Tuesday.

Plan it.
Coach it.
Reflect on it.
Then do it again tomorrow.

Because every practice is a chance to build something bigger than the scoreboard.

Reflect and Apply:

  • Are your practices built on intention or habit?

  • How often do you reflect on how you coach, not just what you coach?

  • What’s one thing you’ll do differently in your next practice?

Good luck!
- Greg

P.S. Want to Build Better Practices and Become a More Complete Coach?

Better Coach OS is your all-in-one professional development system.
10 modules. 36 lessons. 30+ coaching tools.

✅ Organize your coaching
✅ Lead with confidence
✅ Design practices with purpose
✅ Build stronger teams

Join the hundreds of coaches who are using Better Coach OS to coach smarter, not just harder.

👉 Check out Better Coach OS
(No subscription. Lifetime access.)

📜 GREAT QUOTES

“What you are thinking, what shape your mind is in, is what makes the biggest difference of all.”

Willie Mays

“Competitive toughness is an acquired skill and not an inherited gift.”

Chris Evert

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𝐗 POSTS FROM OTHERS

🔗 LINKS FOR LEADERS

🎥 Video: What makes a great coach? from Tony Robbins [LINK]

🆇 ICYMI: Playing Hard is a Skill [LINK]

📰 Article: Every Coach Needs a Culture Blueprint

🏆 Why Every Coach Needs a Culture Blueprint

Because culture doesn’t build itself, and you don’t have to do it alone.

gregberge.beehiiv.com/p/why-every-coach-needs-a-culture-blueprint

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Culture Wins OS: The Culture Wins OS is a step-by-step system for coaches who want to build a strong, intentional team culture that lasts. It includes short video lessons, plug-and-play templates, and a powerful, custom AI tool you can use right away. Whether you're just starting to define your culture or want to take it to the next level, this gives you a clear, proven blueprint to build a team-first environment, without the overwhelm.

The Team Leader OS: The Team Leader OS is a simple, powerful leadership system for coaches who want to build real leaders. It’s packed with short videos, ready-to-use tools, and practical strategies you can implement immediately. Whether you're starting a leadership program or looking to strengthen your team culture, this gives you a clear path forward without adding to your workload.

Better Coach OS: Better Coach OS is a practical masterclass for coaches who want to grow beyond the X’s and O’s. It covers everything from leadership and communication to culture, motivation, and handling tough situations—delivered in short, actionable lessons. Whether you're a new coach or a veteran, it's built to help you lead with confidence and clarity.

👀 LOOKING FOR MORE?

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  4. Need resources? www.gberge.gumroad.com

Contact Me: Greg Berge, [email protected]

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