by Trinity Erickson, on Apr 28, 2025 9:00:00 AM
Open gym sessions during the off-season are great ways to maintain your players’ stamina, reinforce off-season training, and evaluate your team. Each time you hold an open gym, you’re offering a chance to play without the pressure of tryouts or structured practices. And not to mention creating a space for improvement and an overall fun environment.
If open gyms aren’t already a part of your off-season training plan, it might be time to add them in. Whether you’re there or you give your players the opportunity to lead, here are 8 ways to run an effective and fun open gym.
1. Invite Other Teams
Inviting other teams to an open gym is probably the best way for your players to get in quality competition during these sessions. Having different players with different skill sets in the gym raises the level of competition more than if your own team ran 5 on 5. And making it feel like a game will motivate your players to play hard.
2. Winner STays On
Implementing a “winner stays on” rule is another way to promote competitiveness. Whether you’re playing 3-on-3, half court, or full court, players must earn the right to stay on the court, helping them learn how to push past being tired to come out on top.
3. Halfway line rules
Introduce rules that require all players to cross the halfway line in specific scenarios. For example, if all 5 defenders don’t cross the halfway line when the offense scores, the basket is good, and the offense retains possession. Or, all 5 offensive players must cross the halfway line to score, otherwise the basket doesn’t count. These rules encourage hustle and ensure all players are engaged in the play.
4. defensive constraints
Try giving your team defensive constraints like no switching or only switching! This can help players develop specific defensive skills. These rules also force players to adapt and improve their defensive strategies, enhancing their overall game.
5. use creative scoring systems
If you’re looking to mix it up even more, try creative scoring systems. For example, you might award extra points for paint-touch threes or second-chance points. If your players need to work on their weak hand finishing, make weak hand finishes worth double. This encourages your players to focus on specific aspects of their game and keeps things interesting.
6. try SMall Sided Games
If you’re looking to bring a little more structure to your open gyms, try running some Small Sided Games that also incorporate a shooting machine for maximum reps. Not only do SSGs help put more focus on certain skills, they also get everyone involved, keep the flow moving, and of course add extra competition.
Need ideas? We teamed up with Coach Tony Miller to give you FREE detailed court drawings and video demonstrations of 30+ Small Sided Games. Click below to download all of Tony’s SSGs.
7. get Outside
Getting outside is a fun alternative to consider a couple times a summer. Instead of having an open gym in your gym, take it outside! Find a local outdoor court and have your team meet there and play.
Your players will be energized by the chance to play in a different setting and potentially play with different people.
8. competitions with a shooting machine
If you have a smaller group of players or want to add more games into your open gym routine, the Dr. Dish CT+ offers 2 NEW modes that simulate game-like shooting and motivate players to beat their personal bests — Knockdown and Me vs Me. Both modes add an extra layer of competition and are a nice way to wrap up your open gym sessions. Get a sneak peek at both modes below!
If you're looking for more open gym or group training session inspo, check out Coaches Corner for a variety of FREE tips and resources for coaches by coaches.
