Why Competitive Practices Make Better Teams

If your practices aren’t competitive, your team isn’t getting better. Too many coaches fall into the trap of running drills just to get reps in. But basketball isn’t about robotic repetition—it’s about making reads, handling pressure, and learning how to win. That’s why every practice should include competition in some form.

Why Competition Matters

1. Simulates Game Pressure
   Players need to get comfortable making decisions under pressure. Drills without a competitive edge don't simulate the intensity of real games. When there’s something on the line—whether it’s winning a drill, earning points, or running for losing—it naturally forces players to lock in and execute.

2. Increases Effort & Engagement
   When players know that every rep counts, effort naturally goes up. They challenge themselves more, push their teammates, and get more out of each drill. No one wants to lose, even in practice. That natural competitiveness fuels energy and focus. If players are just standing around your energy and focus levels naturally decrease.

3. Teaches How to Win Possessions
   The difference in many games can be who wins the small battles—a closeout, a box-out, a one-on-one matchup. Competitive practices help players understand that every possession matters. When they develop that mindset in practice, it carries over into games.

4. Creates Accountability
   If players know they’ll be measured—whether by wins, losses, or consequences—they take ownership of their effort. This also helps coaches hold players to a standard without constantly having to push them. The competition itself drives accountability. Over the years I have learned that players want to be held accountable. They will respect you more.

How to Make Practice More Competitive

• Keep Score – Track points in drills, scrimmages, and small-sided games.

• Set Consequences – Losing team runs, does push-ups, or has another penalty.

• Use Time & Score Situations – Simulate real-game scenarios where players must execute under pressure.

• Encourage 1v1 Battles – Rebounding, closeouts, finishing—turn everything into a competition.

The best teams compete daily and we are not just talking about 5v5. We literally mean everything. From the warm up drills to our side games, there will be a winner and loser. Your goal has to be to make your practices just as competitive as the games.