Discussion Points
- The Hidden Value of Decision Making: Learn why decision making impacts more than just basketball and why it should be at the core of every practice.
- Practical Coaching Tools: Discover drills, film sessions, and real-game simulations that make decision making second nature for your players.
- From Mistakes to Mastery: Understand how to turn turnovers and poor decisions into teachable moments that fuel long-term growth.
Did You Know?
Close to 90% of successful plays in basketball are a direct result of quick, smart decision making. Still, many youth players freeze or force bad choices when the real pressure hits. They may know how to dribble, pass, or shoot, but if their decision making doesn’t match their skill level, their game falls apart when it matters most. That’s why as coaches, we need to focus on strengthening decision making with the same intensity as we work on shooting or defense.
Imagine this…
Your team is down two points. Thirty seconds left. A player panics, dribbles straight into a double team, and loses the ball. Game over.
Sound familiar? I’ve seen this happen more times than I can count, and I know you have too. Those moments are golden coaching opportunities. It’s where we can teach our players that basketball isn’t just about talent; it’s about decision making. When kids learn to slow down their minds while speeding up their actions, the game changes completely.
What to Teach at Each Age
Unlock the secret to crafting drills and practice plans that perfectly match your team’s cognitive and motor skill growth at every age level.
Why This Matters
Here’s something I remind myself often: decision making isn’t something players are born with. It’s something we build through exposure, repetition, and guidance.
In my own coaching journey, I’ve seen young players try to bulldoze through two defenders, over and over again. At first, it’s frustrating. But then I realized those mistakes were teaching signals. They weren’t failures. They were openings to develop better decision making.
The best part is that decision making can be practiced. Through live-action drills, situational scrimmages, and even mistakes, players begin to see options more clearly. Instead of panicking or forcing a move, they start thinking: Where’s my open teammate? Should I pull up? Do I need to reset? That’s when you know their decision making is maturing.
World-class coaches emphasize this too. The teams that excel under pressure are usually the ones that practiced decision making in realistic game situations. Their players aren’t surprised by the moment because they’ve already lived it in practice.
How I Apply This as a Coach
Let me walk you through the methods I use to help players strengthen their decision making:
- Regular Repetition
Players can’t improve decision making if they only face the same easy drills. I make sure practices are filled with game-like reps. The more they face tough choices in practice, the more confident they become in games. - Simulate Pressure
I love creating drills that mimic real game stress. Put a clock on them. Give them uneven defenders. Force them to decide fast. These controlled situations teach them how to trust their instincts. - Film Review and Feedback
I use tools like Game Changer to show players what happened during a game. Instead of just telling them, I let them see it. We stop, rewind, and discuss better decision making options. It’s one of the most powerful teaching tools I use. - Teach Them How to Watch Games
I don’t just want kids watching NBA highlights for flashy dunks. I want them to study how pros make decisions. We’ll break down plays in practice and talk about what the player could have done. It trains their eyes to value decision making. - Build Situational Awareness
I create exercises that force players to scan the floor and recognize defensive setups. Teaching them to anticipate what might happen before it does is the core of good decision making. - Encourage Creativity
This one’s big. I allow players the freedom to try things in practice. Sometimes their creative decision works. Sometimes it doesn’t. Either way, they’re learning to trust their decision making and to adapt when it doesn’t go as planned.
Why This Matters
At the heart of coaching is the desire to develop players who can think for themselves. Skills are important, but without strong decision making, skills won’t carry them very far.
When you dedicate time to improving decision making, your players learn more than basketball. They learn how to stay calm under pressure, how to read situations, and how to trust their judgment. Those lessons follow them into every part of their lives.
Tired of the Same Old Sheet?
SportsStories.ai was built for real coaches, the youth coaches – the ones who don’t have a film intern, a six-figure budget, or time to squint at 47 advanced metrics that say…absolutely nothing.
- Upload your game film or csv of stats
- We’ll watch the tape, pull out the story
- …and hand you a practice plan so clear you can read before your coffee kicks in.
No dashboards that look like a pile of sheet.
Affordable enough for any sideline. Get exclusive early access pricing. Launching Fall 2025
…because you deserve better than the same old sheet.
Wrap Up
If you want to raise the level of your team, focus on their decision making. Keep practices filled with realistic situations, make use of video review, and encourage your athletes to think for themselves.
I’ve seen firsthand how this transforms a team. Players start to move with confidence, trust their teammates, and handle pressure better than ever before. That’s when you know your coaching is making a real impact.
So here’s my challenge for you: What’s your biggest struggle when it comes to teaching decision making?
Give the full podcast a listen. Let me know what your biggest challenge is in teaching decision making? Let’s change the game together!
FAQs
Q: How can I improve my players’ decision making on the court?
A: Encourage more practice and playing time in live situations, such as pickup games, where players can learn from their mistakes and improve their decision-making skills through repetition.
Q: How can I simulate game pressure in practice to improve decision making?
A: Use drills like playing at a disadvantage, such as three on four or four on five, to simulate pressure situations. This helps players learn how to handle intense situations and make better decisions under stress.
Q: What specific issues should I focus on to enhance my team’s decision making?
A: Analyze your team’s games and make a list of strengths and weaknesses. Prioritize decision-making skills related to your team’s specific challenges, such as passing under pressure or shot selection, and work on those areas in practice sessions.
Q: How do I manage time effectively during limited practice sessions to improve decision making?
A: Choose a few key decision-making areas to focus on and work on them consistently. Communicate your priorities to the team and parents to manage expectations and ensure everyone understands the plan.
