Having your team captains plan practice for one day or part of one practice is a simple exercise that will help enhance their leadership abilities.

Goal: Allow athletes to develop leadership skills and provide ownership of the practice.

Space: Activity will take place on practice field or facility.

Safety: Any drills proposed by the captains should have final approval of coaches before they are implemented.

Description: Provide your team captains an opportunity to practice their leadership skills by allowing them to plan and lead one aspect of practice. This opportunity will help them develop as leaders and will give you an idea of how the rest of team will respond to them. By giving them this added responsibility, you will show your belief in them as leaders and help energize the practice. The captains will take ownership and will feel a new level of accountability.

Wrap up: How did you like the drills or practice as a whole run by the captains. Why was it effective or not effective?

Variations: Allow sub-groups within the team to lead one part of practice.

Greg Dale, Ph.D.