Dear Coaches,
We wanted to send out this resource out since the post-season is here, we will get back to the Prime 5 next month. As the season winds down, the goal is simple: Keep improving. With just four weeks left, every practice, rep, and game matters. This activity is designed to help your team identify key areas for improvement, develop a plan to address them, and stay accountable so they can be at their absolute best when it matters most.
This Month's Video Link: https://youtu.be/y0ocKPs0Cwk
Step 1: Break the Team into Small Groups
Before identifying improvement areas, decide how to divide your team. Keeping groups small allows for focused discussions and clear action steps.
🔹 By Position: Guards, wings, posts, etc.—best for skill-based improvements.
🔹 By Grade: Seniors, juniors, etc.—best for leadership and experience-based goals.
🔹 By Role: Starters, key subs, scout team—helps players focus on their specific game contributions.
Each group will work together to identify the most important areas for improvement in the next four weeks.
Step 2: Identify the One Thing That Needs to Improve
With only four weeks left, we don’t have time to fix everything. Each group should focus on 2-4 key improvement areas that will make the biggest impact.
✔ Is this measurable?
Free throw %, three-point %, turnovers, rebounds, etc.
Situational trends? (e.g., free throw % in the last 2 minutes of a game)
✔ Is this physical?
Do we need better conditioning?
Do we need more rest and recovery?
✔ Is this mental or leadership-based?
Do we need stronger communication and leadership from players?
Do we need better team chemistry and trust?
The goal is to identify the most important areas to improve in the next four weeks and lock in on that.
Step 3: Create a 4-Week Action Plan
Once an improvement area is identified, the group must decide what they will do specifically to improve.
🔹 Can this be incorporated into practice?
More reps in specific game-like situations.
Adjusting drills to emphasize weak areas.
🔹 Does this need to be done outside of practice?
Extra shots before/after practice.
Watching additional film to improve decision-making.
🔹 Does this require a mindset shift?
Creating pre-game mental checklists.
Practicing visualization or self-talk strategies.
Each group should outline specific, realistic actions they can commit to for the next four weeks.
Step 4: Build Accountability
Tracking progress ensures that the plan doesn’t just sound good—it actually happens.
✔ What system will you use?
Checklists: Players check off tasks in the locker room after practice.
Google Slides/Docs: A shared document where groups update progress.
Team Room Posters: Visible reminders of improvement goals and progress.
✔ How will we track improvement?
Regular self-check-ins: Are we doing what we committed to?
Peer accountability: Are we holding each other to the standard?
Players should take ownership of tracking their progress and supporting their teammates.
Step 5: Weekly Updates & Adjustments
The postseason is about constant improvement. What we identify today might not be the biggest issue next week.
🔹 Schedule Weekly Check-ins:
Are we seeing improvement?
Do we need to adjust or add anything?
Have we seen something on film that exposes a new weakness?
🔹 Balance Evaluation & Execution:
Don’t overanalyze. Keep it simple and stay focused.
But don’t ignore problems. If a weakness is exposed, adjust and fix it.
The goal is to keep getting better every week and peak at the right time.
Final Thoughts
The best teams don’t just try to survive the playoffs—they keep improving all the way to the end. This activity ensures that your team uses the next four weeks to maximize growth, stay locked in, and be ready for the biggest moments of the season.
Encourage your players to embrace the challenge, take ownership, and commit to getting better every day.
Contact Us:
Ben Carnes
Owner, Mental Training Plan
📞 (317) 557-3022
Learn more about our mental training resources at mentaltrainingplan.com
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