One of a coach’s biggest jobs is to motivate his or her players. Motivation is the root of performance, and it goes beyond just teaching the rules of the game. A player can have talent, skill and knowledge, but if he or she isn’t motivated, none of that matters. Because of this, any tools or techniques that can help the coach make players more excited are solid investments.
Here are five effective ways to motivate a team:
1. Sell it!
Coaches are part salesmen. Getting athletes fired up about an exercise or practice when they are tired or unfocused requires the ability to “sell” them on the result of their hard work.
2. Give Clear Direction
Unfocused motivation is almost as bad as no motivation. Clear directions and goals channel that motivation so that it builds on itself rather than fizzling out due to unorganized efforts.
3. Build Relationships
Coaching is about being relational. An effective coach knows how to build relationships and get to know players outside their sport. A coach also helps to facilitate relationships between players and bringing the team closer together.
4. Set Goals
Setting attainable goals is amongst the most important motivators. Record boards are great for this because they give athletes a visual reminder of where they are and what they need to do to get to the next level.
5. Recognize Achievements
When team members achieve a personal best, overcome a challenge or display exceptional sportsmanship, recognition is needed! This can come in many forms, but a visible acknowledgment, in addition to a verbal acknowledgment, is ideal. Record boards are a great way to keep this information fresh in the minds of team members.
These are five effective motivators to remember during the season. Keeping a team motivated can be tough, but it’s what coaches have to do. It’s also good to note that if a coaches are going to motivate their players they must ensure that they, themselves, are motivated as well.