Discussion Points
- The Hidden Influence of Open or Closed Practice: Discover how your choice between open or closed practice can shape player confidence, parent dynamics, and overall team focus. Learn how the wrong approach at the wrong time can unintentionally create stress, distraction, or tension.
- Game-Time Decisions on Practice Access: Explore the pros and cons of running an open or closed practice for different age groups. From building trust with families to protecting player independence, understand when each format supports your long-term coaching goals.
- A Coach’s Guide to Managing Practice Boundaries: Get real-world strategies for clearly defining your open or closed practice policy, communicating expectations with parents, and maintaining control of your team culture—without sacrificing transparency or connection.
Did You Know?
According to the National Alliance for Youth Sports, over 70% of kids drop out of organized sports by age 13 because they’re no longer having fun. And a big contributor? Parental pressure. That’s where the debate about open or closed practice comes into play.
Imagine this…
You’re halfway through a solid skills drill. Suddenly, a player keeps glancing at the bleachers—where mom is waving and giving unsolicited pointers. On the opposite side, dad’s barking instructions that completely contradict your own. You lose their focus. They’re confused. And the whole tempo drops.
That’s when I realized that the open or closed practice debate isn’t just philosophical—it directly impacts how I coach, how my players learn, and how the team grows.
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.
Should youth practices be open or closed?
I’ve coached for years, and trust me, I’ve seen it all from supportive sideline claps to full-on halftime speeches from parents. Recently, my coaching partner Steve and I dove into a big question from our coaching community.
At the high school or college level, it’s a no-brainer that closed practice is standard. But for youth teams? That’s where it gets tricky. For example, with second-graders, you pretty much have to run an open practice. Parents are the ride, and many stick around because their kids aren’t ready to be left alone. Totally understandable.
But as players hit middle school and start growing into their independence, closed practices can actually work better. The catch? You need to know when to draw the line and how to communicate that line clearly.
This is why it’s so important for every coach to define their stance on open or closed practice early in the season—and then stick to it.
The Pros and Cons of Open or Closed Practice
Open Practice Pros
- Keeps parents engaged with their child’s development
- Builds transparency and trust
- Makes logistics easier for younger teams
Open Practice Cons
- Can lead to distractions
- May increase pressure on players
- Risk of sideline coaching or undermining the coach
Closed Practice Pros
- Fewer distractions, more focus
- Allows players to develop autonomy
- Protects team culture and boundaries
Closed Practice Cons
- May cause concern or skepticism from parents
- Reduces casual parent-coach communication
- Harder to manage for younger players
When I think about open or closed practice, I don’t view it as a permanent decision I view it as a tool. I often run a hybrid approach, and that’s what I want to share with you below.
How I Handle Open or Closed Practice as a Youth Basketball Coach
Here’s a breakdown of how I handle the open or closed practice dilemma and how you can, too.
1. Set Clear Boundaries
Start the season by communicating your stance on open or closed practice. Let parents know what to expect. I send out a preseason handbook and include a “Parent Expectations” section that outlines exactly how practices will work.
2. Use a Parent Contract
You’d be surprised how powerful a simple contract can be. I include a clause explaining whether we’ll operate under an open or closed practice model and what respectful conduct looks like. Make it a shared agreement.
3. Create a Designated Viewing Area
When I choose an open practice, I never allow parents to roam the sidelines. Instead, I set up a viewing zone that’s clearly marked. Parents can watch, but not hover or engage. This compromise has worked wonders.
4. Invite Parents Occasionally—With Structure
I run what I call “Open Practice Fridays.” A few times a season, I intentionally invite parents to attend and observe. This balances the open or closed practice debate and gives me a chance to show off how much the kids are learning—without losing control.
5. Use Technology for Transparency
Sometimes I run closed practices but still want parents in the loop. So I livestream short clips using tools like GameChanger or upload footage to a private YouTube playlist. It satisfies parents without interfering.
6. Foster Independence in Players
One of the biggest benefits of a closed practice is giving players space to grow. Without mom or dad watching, kids often feel safer making mistakes—and that’s where real learning happens.
7. Hold Regular Parent Meetings
Open communication off the court makes it easier to manage your open or closed practice structure. I schedule three meetings per season—start, mid-season, and before playoffs. These give me a chance to share progress and philosophies so parents feel included.
8. Address Issues Privately
When a parent crosses a boundary—especially during an open practice—I handle it one-on-one. I’ve learned that a calm conversation goes a long way. Let them know you value their involvement, but also remind them of the bigger picture: their child’s growth.
9. Incorporate Mental and Physical Wellness Tools
Platforms like Curve Health allow me to assess physical readiness and emotional well-being. Whether you’re using open or closed practices, these tools help parents focus on health instead of micromanaging drills.
10. Model the Behavior You Expect
Whether I choose open or closed practice, I always keep my own behavior in check. If I’m calm, focused, and respectful, parents tend to follow suit. Your tone sets the culture.
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Wrap Up
Whether you go with open or closed practice, the key is consistency. Whatever you decide, own it. Back it up with communication and structure. And most of all—remember you’re not just teaching basketball. You’re teaching life.
Ready to dial in your practice structure this season? Give the full podcast a listen and tell me how you’ve handled the open or closed practice issue with your team. Let’s learn from each other and build stronger programs, one session at a time.
FAQs
Q: Should I allow parents to attend youth basketball practices?
A: Generally, it’s fine to allow parents to attend, especially at the elementary level. They are often the ride for the kids and can sometimes even help out if needed. However, it’s important to set boundaries and ensure they know to observe quietly without interfering.
Q: What if a parent becomes disruptive during practice?
A: If a parent becomes disruptive, it’s crucial to address the behavior quickly. Have a private conversation with them to explain the impact on their child and the rest of the team. Set clear expectations for their behavior moving forward.
Q: How do I handle a situation where a child frequently looks to their parent during practice for approval?
A: This situation can undermine the child’s confidence and independence. Have a conversation with both the child and the parent, emphasizing the importance of allowing the child to make mistakes and learn independently during practice.
Q: Can the presence of parents sometimes benefit the practice environment?
A: Absolutely. Parents can become extra hands especially when running drills that need more supervision or when filling in for absent players. However, it’s crucial that their involvement is structured and beneficial to the practice’s goals.
Q: How do I transition from open practices at the youth level to more restricted practices at higher levels?
A: Gradually implement changes as players grow older and the level of play intensifies. Communicate these changes clearly during parent meetings, explaining the focus on fostering player independence and concentration. By the high school level, it should be clear that practices are generally closed to maintain a more serious and focused environment.
