The 5 Ws of Practice Planning: Building Purposeful, Game Ready Practices

with Jake Erbentraut,
Wilmot-Union High School (WI) Head Coach;
Fastest coach to 100 wins in Wilmot High School history

In The 5 Ws of Practice Planning, Coach Jake Erbentraut delivers a clear, practical system for building practices with purpose, clarity, and competitive intent. This video is built around the core questions that define every great practice: Why, Who, What, When, and Where.

WHY?
Coach Erbentraut begins by showing how starting with your why anchors every decision you make, ensuring your practice reflects your philosophy, personnel, and priorities rather than borrowed drills or random activities.

WHAT? and WHEN?
From there, he breaks down what truly belongs in a high-level practice. You will learn how to select drills and concepts that emphasize decision making, game speed, and competitive transfer so players develop habits that show up under pressure. Coach Erbentraut explains when to place each component within a practice plan, including warm ups, skill development, team segments, and competitive play, so sessions maintain rhythm, energy, and focus.

WHO?
The video also details who is involved in an efficient practice environment. Assistants, managers, captains, and support staff all have defined roles that create accountability and improve flow. You will see how intentional delegation leads to smoother transitions, more repetitions, and better communication.

WHERE?
Finally, Coach Erbentraut addresses where practice elements should occur. He provides solutions for shared gyms, limited space, and changing conditions while showing how to manage court geography and drill organization.

The video concludes with 25 individual and team drills covering finishing, pivoting, ball handling, passing, shooting, rebounding, individual defense, team defense, team offense, and transition. The drills include high-repetition shooting drills designed to maximize efficiency in limited time.

This is a complete roadmap for coaches who want practices that are organized, purposeful, competitive, and built to produce real results.

120 minutes. 2026.