Organizing a successful team event means that you must have an organized plan. Team events vary throughout the year from tournaments to practices to a myriad of assorted fundraising and charity functions. Whether a professional team or youth athletic team, organization will determine how well your team event runs. Here is a helpful system I use when planning and organizing your basketball team event:

  • Decide on a budget, time, and venue. It is also important to know the duration of the event. If you are planning team practices then this event will take place several times a month which allows for you to save time by doing some things all together. Time management is important when planning events. If you need to have several practices in a week then you can make sure that you have balls, towels, bottled drinks, cones, stored at your venue. This would avoid having to carry your supplies back and forth from cars. If you work it out in the contract before you sign you can save money and time. This is an example of preplanning where you will not have to worry about taking this action every week.

  • Know your agenda. If you are planning a team practice then your agenda is to ensure a successful practice. This means you have to have adequate space for drills, there are restrooms, and appropriate lighting for the time of day and season, and that it is in a location which fits your team member’s needs. If you are planning a tournament than you have a similar agenda as a practice but you must also include space for seating those attending the tournament like fans and family, concessions to make money for the event and to provide food for those attending, etc. Making a list and heading it with your agenda of the things that you need is a good idea. Have a brain storming session with your coaches, team members, and volunteers to make sure that all of your bases are covered.

  • Know your city codes and find out if you need any permits, special licensing, or insurance for your event.

Sample Event: A Team Practice (assume the venue is already set for the season)

  1. Make a list of goals for your team and for each individual player. Write them down.
  2. Make a timeline of each drill and exercise that you want the team to accomplish.
  3. Set a time for a team meeting to go over the goals.
  4. Write up warm up exercises. Pass out the write up of the exercises so that your players can practice on their own time too. The warmer a player is for practice and games the better their body’s flexibility. This will make for excellent habits. The warm up exercises can be used during the athlete’s strength and conditioning sessions. Try for a twenty minute warm up.
  5. Organize several drills to work on skill sets. Have the team work together. If one player is weak in one area have them drill with a more dominant player. Make sure that you explain the purpose and have the dominant player assist with progression. Time varies on drills because all skills are learned at different paces. Spend more time on problem areas. Most drills should last at least 10 minutes unless you have very young athletes.
  6. Plan scrimmage time to use your acquired skills. Practice of skills is necessary for competition.
  7. Be sure to be positive. Even when delivering constructive criticism. Always follow up with a positive on what the player is doing correctly.
  8. Always plan for a cool down. Take at least 10 minutes to cool down with stretches and breathing exercises.
  9. Ensure that your players stay hydrated during and after practice.
  10. Have a 2 minute round up after practice to go over what you think of the practice session and the goals you have accomplished. Briefly suggest something to have in the minds of your players for the next practice or game.

Picture credit: gcardinal • Creative Commons Attribution