Here are a few fun ones to start with. Shooting Blindfolded Players are made into pairs. One from each player is then blindfolded. A ball is placed in the center of the court, and once the coach says “go”, the players who can see have to guide their blindfolded partner to the ball and then to the basket. Whoever shoots first wins. One Word Description Each player is asked to describe another player or any of his qualities, choosing only one positive word. Examples of such words can include commitment, dedication, selflessness, relentless, tough, dedicated etc. It is kind of a reinforcement exercise that helps the team think positively of each other. Conversation + Dribbling This activity mixes conversation and play. It is like a typical two-ball dribbling activity but different. In this version, the spotter responsible for pointing out loose balls also tells the dribbler a story. Once the dribbler is at the opposite baseline, he has to answer a question about the story he just heard. This activity works on the principle of the dual-task paradigm, making players more efficient in processing the movements of nine other players during the game. A Defining Moment! Each player in the team and the coach have to share a defining moment of their life. Something that changed the course of their life, their perspective on life, or gave things a new meaning. It is a powerful exercise that can motivate, inspire, and connect. Two Truths And A Lie If a coach wants to break down the ice between the team, this activity is perfect. In this activity, each player tells three facts about themselves to the team. One of them is true, while two are false. The other players have to guess which one is a lie. Social Events And Activities Socializing is a great yet unthought of team building activity. As a coach, organizing activities like barbecues where all the team is invited, going to amusement parks, and meeting players’ families can be a great way of connecting with players and developing cohesion among the team. Who’s Your Hero? In this team building activity, each player talks about a person that is their hero. Not only that, they also have to share why they consider that person their hero, what aspects of their hero’s life they relate to, and what is the most inspiring thing about their hero. This gives an insight to the whole team about that particular player’s mind, goals, and perspective on life.

This one can be tough, especially for youth basketball coaches who enjoy focusing on the X's and O's but didn't realize the job sometimes comes with difficult player management issues. First, I'd recommend talking to them one-on-one to see if you can understand what's causing the negative behaviors. Sometimes just lending an ear opens the door for a better relationship with a troubled player. Of course listening alone probably won't solve all your problems. Eventually you'll need to be firm and provide some discipline -- in which case you can leverage your team culture, peer influence and senior leadership to encourage better behavior. What kind of things do you do?

Here are a few I recommend: Offensive Scenarios [Down by 1 with 5-10 seconds left] • Execute a quick-hitting play to create a high-percentage shot. • Emphasize options for a drive, pull-up jumper, or kick-out to an open shooter. [Down by 2 or 3 with less than 10 seconds left] • Set up a play for a three-point attempt or a quick two-point shot followed by a foul. • Teach proper spacing and screens for creating open looks. [Tied game with under 24 seconds left] • Practice playing for the last shot to prevent the opponent from having time to respond. • Emphasize clock management and choosing the best shot, not just the first available. [Baseline or sideline inbound plays under pressure] • Practice inbounding against a full-court press or tight man-to-man defense. • Develop options for quick shots or advancing the ball upcourt. [Needing a full-court play with less than 3 seconds] • Train for "Hail Mary" situations, including long passes and quick catch-and-shoot plays. Defensive Scenarios [Up by 3 with less than 10 seconds left] • Decide whether to foul or defend the three-point line without fouling. Practice both options. • Defending a one-possession game with less than 10 seconds • Emphasize switching on screens, denying the ball to star players, and not fouling shooters. [Trapping to force a turnover] • Practice aggressive traps and rotations in situations where the team is down late and needs a steal. [Full-court press after a made basket] • Drill full-court press scenarios to force turnovers when time is running out. [Intentional fouling] • Teach players how to foul quickly and legally to extend the game. Special Situations [Managing timeouts and substitutions] • Practice scenarios where quick substitutions or timeout calls are necessary to set up a play. [Free-throw rebounding] • Simulate situations where a team needs an offensive rebound after a missed free throw. [Dealing with technical or flagrant fouls] • Prepare the team to stay focused and capitalize on free throws and possession changes. How do you prepare your team for end of game scenarios?