Intensity Looks Like

No matter what level of basketball,, there are many areas in basketball coaching that are more of an art than a science. Getting players to continually play hard is one of those areas. If you can come up with a list of things for your program that you believe constitute playing hard and then look for and praise those things when they happen, you are likely to develop a culture in your program that playing with all out intensity is the only way you practice and play. This list was designed for a high school basketball program, but we believe that it can be modified and adapted to fit whatever level of basketball coaching you are at. For basketball players, we encourage you to play this way and be a great example for your teammates to follow!

• Beat the ball down the floor in transition and conversion
• Rebound position every shot—back, space, pinch on free throw
• Play defensive in a stance.
• Help and then recover.
• Help the helper.
• Close out with hands above shoulders.
• Dive on loose balls.
• Protect the ball when you have it.
• Rip through on pivots—strong with the ball.
• Chin rebounds.
• Meet every pass.
• Change direction and speed on cuts.
• Take a charge.
• Steal passes that are thrown too far.
• Sprinting from spot to spot in basketball practice.
• Contest every shot.
• Ball Fakes.
• Deflect passes.

We have a more detailed list of playing hard as a part of our e-book "130 Great Ideas to Get a Lot More Accomplished in Practe."