# Ep 1956 Are Your Open Gyms Building Winners… or Just Filling Time?

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/basketball-coach-unplugged-a-basketball-coaching-podcast-174496/ep-1956-are-your-open-gyms-building-winners-or-just-filling-time
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/basketball-coach-unplugged-a-basketball-coaching-podcast-174496/ep-1956-are-your-open-gyms-building-winners-or-just-filling-time.md
Podcast: [Basketball Coach Unplugged (A Basketball Coaching Podcast)](https://stenobird.com/podcast/basketball-coach-unplugged-a-basketball-coaching-podcast-174496)
Published: 2026-06-23T11:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://teachhoops.com/
Audio file: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/p.podderapp.com/3154757013/pscrb.fm/rss/p/traffic.megaphone.fm/COMG1500720990.mp3
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Duration seconds: 641

## Resource

https://teachhoops.com/ Open gym can be one of the most valuable parts of your offseason — or one of the biggest wastes of time. Too often, players show up, shoot around, play sloppy games, argue calls, and leave without getting better. In this episode, Coach breaks down how to turn open gym into a culture-building, competitive, player-led environment that actually helps your team win later in the season. Open gym should not be random. Random open gyms create random habits. If players are going to be in the gym, coaches need a simple structure that builds the things that matter: communication competitiveness leadership shot selection defensive habits team standards accountability Open gym does not need to feel like practice, but it should still have purpose. Too many open gyms become: half-speed shooting lazy transition defense arguing over fouls players choosing teams by popularity no communication no standards no leadership no carryover to the season Players get sweaty, but they do not always get better. Before the first game starts, give players one clear standard for the day. Examples: “Today we sprint back every possession.” “Today we talk on every screen.” “Today every team must get a paint touch before a shot.” “Today no one argues calls.” “Today the winning team stays only if they defend.” One standard gives the gym focus. 1) The First 10 Minutes: Skill With PurposeStart with something short and sharp. Examples: finishing through contact catch-and-shoot decisions two-dribble attacks closeout into containment advantage passing This sets the tone and keeps players from drifting into lazy habits. 2) The Middle Segment: Competitive Play With ConstraintsDo not just roll the ball out. Add a rule that teaches the habit you want. Examples: no paint touch, no point defe…

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## Transcript

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