Tips for Designing & Running a Practice by Guest Post Positive Coaching Alliance June 25, 2026 | 1 minute, 11 seconds read Positive Coaching Alliance Check out more Positive Coaching Alliance video content on the Positive Coaching Alliance SportsEngine Play Channel The following tips can R.A.I.S.E. your practices to another level! Ready Prepare for practice ahead of time, write out your practice plan; set-up your equipment; and greet your team when they arrive. Preparation allows you to be intentional about the life and sports skills you’ll address in your session. Acceptance Create a comfortable, empathetic environment where differences are embraced by incorporating ‘get to know you’ activities and encouraging teammates to cheer each other on. Model empathy with your players by taking time to listen to their perspectives and thanking them for sharing. Instructions Be clear and concise; clarify by checking that the team understands; give 1-2 instructions at a time and have players repeat back key instructions; demonstrate or ask a player to demonstrate the activity or skill; use attention getters to get your players’ attention. Specific and Encouraging Feedback Support and instruct players; follow up ‘good job’ or ‘nice try’ with skill specific feedback so players can continue to improve. Engaging The number one reason kids drop out of youth sports is because they aren’t having fun. Be creative and use fun games and a little bit of competition to get players excited about participating. Remember, fun also needs to be age and skill level appropriate and not solely focused on winning and losing. About Positive Coaching Alliance PCA’s vision is to build a world where every child benefits from a positive youth sports experience with a coach who inspires them to become the best version of themselves in the game and in life. PCA trains coaches and partners with youth sports organizations, parents, sports leaders, and communities to make youth sports more positive, equitable, and accessible to all kids regardless of social or economic circumstances. For more information, go to positivecoach.org > Download the resource at Positive Coaching Alliance tags in this article Issues & Advice Positive Coaching Alliance