A 90-Minute High School Basketball Practice Plan (With Times)

Most bad practices aren’t bad because of the drills. They’re bad because nobody decided ahead of time how long each thing should take. Here is the 90-minute framework I use for high school and developing teams. Adjust the times and intensity to your players.

0–10: Dynamic warmup and ball handling

Move through the full court and finish with both hands. This block is where you set your effort standard for the day. If the first ten minutes are sloppy, the next eighty usually are too.

10–25: Finishing and footwork

Split into two groups at opposite baskets. Alternate a contact finish with a footwork finish and rotate every three minutes. Short rotations keep players moving and get everyone more touches.

25–40: Shooting with a decision

Partner shooting: catch and shoot, then shot fake and attack. Track makes and set a team target. Shooting drills with a decision built in carry over to games better than standing in a line.

40–55: Defensive shell

Teach on-ball pressure, help position and recovery. Stop briefly to correct spacing and communication, then get right back to playing. Keep the stoppages short.

55–70: Transition advantage

Run 3-on-2 into 2-on-1. Reward quick decisions on offense and sprinting back on defense.

70–85: Live play with one emphasis

Play 5-on-5 and score an extra point for executing the day’s teaching focus. One emphasis, not five. Players remember what they get rewarded for.

85–90: Pressure free throws and recap

Set a team make target, then ask players to name one thing they improved. After practice, answer two questions for yourself: what improved, and what needs the first ten minutes next time?

One thing that makes this plan work

Running practice shouldn’t feel like a chore. It should be lively, active and enjoyable. Take out the extra things that slow everything down, like water breaks and over-talking, and put more emphasis on drill work and pace.

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About the author: Coach Chris Murray coached basketball for more than 17 years at every level and won over 220 games, including the 2026 state championship at Parkersburg. R&G Basketball is where he shares the practice plans, playbooks and drills he used. More about Coach Murray.

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