Open Practice with Grant Leonard: Modern Actions, Drills & Competitive Play

with Grant Leonard,
Queens University of Charlotte Head Coach;
2026 Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) Tournament Champions;
Head coach appointment was simultaneous to Queens moving to D-I;
2022 Jersey Mike's Jamaica Classic Rose Hall Division Champions;
Queens University Associate Head Coach from 2016 to 2022;
Queens University Assistant Coach from 2013 to 2016;
Paine College Assistant Coach from 2011 to 2013;
Flagler College Assistant Coach from 2009 to 2010;
Played college basketball for William Penn University

The game of basketball is always evolving, and coaches need strategies that keep their programs competitive. In this Open Practice video, Queens University's Grant Leonard takes you inside to show how he adapts drills and practice design to meet the demands of today's game.

Competitive Breakdown Drills
This practice begins with competitive breakdown drills that train players to make faster, smarter decisions. From 1-on-1 battles to 2-on-2 pindowns, 3-on-3 drag actions, and 4-on-4 upscreens, you will see exactly how he teaches shot selection, spacing and flow so his players execute confidently in real games.

5-on-5 Full Court Segments
The practice builds to 5-on-5 full-court segments that simulate live game pressure. By watching this, you will gain valuable insight on structuring your own practices to push tempo, create scoring opportunities before defenses recover, and keep your players engaged throughout.

Isolation Matchups
Coach Leonard also tackles isolation matchups, showing how to develop scorers who can create their own shots and defenders who can contain them when the pace slows. You will gain practical strategies for preparing players to succeed in these isolation situations, both offensively and defensively.

Building a Competitive Culture
This video also demonstrates how to foster a competitive culture. Leonard explains how to design practices where players are consistently challenged, sharpening both skills and mindset.

By the end of this Open Practice video, you will have actionable drills, teaching points and practice design strategies that solve real coaching problems and will help you as you think through preparing your own practices. This video is a complete guide for coaches who want to stay current, run effective practices, and prepare their teams for the modern game.

49 minutes. 2025.