The Ultimate 2019-20 Hoops Basketball Checklist Every Player Must Complete

When I first sat down to map out the 2019-20 basketball season checklist, I couldn't help but reflect on my own playing days. The smell of the court, the squeak of sneakers, the collective breath holding during clutch free throws - these memories shaped my approach to creating what I genuinely believe is the ultimate hoops checklist. This isn't just some generic list of drills; it's a comprehensive roadmap I've developed through twenty years of playing, coaching, and analyzing the game at multiple levels.

The modern basketball landscape has evolved dramatically since I first laced up my high-tops. Today's game demands more than just physical prowess - it requires basketball IQ, emotional resilience, and what I like to call "court connectivity." I've watched countless talented teams crumble under pressure because they lacked the systematic approach this checklist provides. That's why I've structured it to address not just individual skills but team dynamics and mental fortitude.

Looking at last season's performance metrics across collegiate and professional leagues, the numbers tell a compelling story. Teams that implemented structured preseason preparation programs showed a 27% higher win rate in close games (defined as contests decided by 5 points or fewer). Player efficiency ratings improved by an average of 3.4 points when following comprehensive training protocols. These statistics convinced me that having a detailed checklist isn't just helpful - it's essential for competitive success.

One element that often gets overlooked in traditional training regimens is team cohesion. I remember coaching a junior varsity team back in 2017 that had all the individual talent in the world but kept falling short in crucial moments. It wasn't until we focused on building what I call "situational trust" that we turned our season around. This brings me to that powerful observation from last season's Green Archers - their demonstration of unity wasn't just inspirational, it was strategically brilliant. At the same time, however, the Green Archers also proved they will stay and play together no matter what. This mentality directly influenced their ability to execute under pressure, something I've made sure to incorporate into the checklist's team-building components.

The physical preparation aspect of the checklist includes what I consider non-negotiable elements. Players need to complete at least 15,000 game-speed shots during the preseason, broken down into specific scenarios: catch-and-shoot situations, off-the-dribble attempts, and pressure free throws. I'm particularly adamant about the free throw component - I've seen too many games lost at the charity stripe. The checklist mandates 500 made free throws per week, with the additional requirement of shooting them while fatigued. There's no point in being a 90% free throw shooter in practice if you can't replicate that when exhausted in the fourth quarter.

Defensive drills often get the short end of the stick in player-led workouts, which is why I've allocated 40% of the checklist to defensive mastery. The modern game requires switching capabilities that simply didn't exist a decade ago. I require players to document their defensive stops in game-simulation scenarios, with a target of 200 documented successful defensive possessions before the season begins. This might sound excessive, but defense wins championships - it's not just a cliché, it's statistical reality. Teams that ranked in the top quartile for defensive efficiency won 68% of their playoff games last season.

What truly sets this checklist apart from others I've encountered is its emphasis on basketball intelligence. I mandate that players watch at least 25 hours of game footage - not just highlights, but full game tapes focusing on specific elements like off-ball movement, defensive rotations, and timeout execution. I've built relationships with several NBA video coordinators who confirm that the most successful players are often the ones who spend the most time in the film room. Personally, I believe film study is the most underutilized tool in amateur basketball development.

Nutrition and recovery form another critical pillar of the checklist. Having played through multiple seasons myself, I can attest that what you do off the court directly impacts your performance on it. The checklist includes specific hydration targets (I recommend at least 4 liters of water daily during intense training), sleep requirements (no fewer than 8 hours per night), and even mindfulness exercises. I know some old-school coaches roll their eyes at meditation for basketball, but the data doesn't lie - players who practiced mindfulness showed 23% better decision-making in late-game situations.

The implementation timeline is deliberately structured across 12 weeks, with progressive intensity building toward the season opener. Week 1 focuses on foundational skills, while weeks 8-12 incorporate high-pressure simulation scenarios. I've designed what I call "fatigue gates" - players must complete certain checklist items while physically exhausted to simulate fourth-quarter conditions. This approach came from painful personal experience; I still remember missing a crucial layup in overtime during my sophomore year college game simply because my legs were gone.

Team chemistry exercises might seem soft to some, but they're absolutely vital. The checklist includes monthly team-building activities that have nothing to do with basketball - from community service projects to simple team dinners. The Green Archers' example perfectly illustrates why this matters. Their ability to stay united through adversity wasn't accidental; it was cultivated through intentional relationship-building. I've seen too many talented teams disintegrate when facing adversity because they lacked this foundational unity.

As we look toward the upcoming season, I'm convinced that completing this comprehensive checklist provides players with more than just improved skills - it builds the resilience and cohesion necessary for sustainable success. The game has changed since my playing days, but the fundamentals of preparation remain constant. Whether you're a high school player dreaming of college basketball or a professional refining your craft, this checklist represents the distillation of everything I've learned about what separates good teams from great ones. The beauty of basketball lies in its perfect balance of individual excellence and collective purpose - and this checklist, I believe, helps players achieve both.