With the many responsibilities coaches have it can be difficult to know the most effective way to motivate the team. The best way to motivate athletes is to make each athlete feel skilled and valued. Considering youth athletes who are developing their skills and learning the strategy of the sport.
The following consists of a strengths-based approach in motivating athletes. Using these tips will help athletes feel more confident in their current abilities, understand how to improve, and look forward to playing their sport with their teammates. These tips are valuable for all level of athletes.
1. Understand different styles of Feedback
- Highlight athlete’s strengths, successes, and what they are doing well while pointing out areas for improvement.
- Example: Great catch! Next time to make that catch easier turn your head and look for the pass a little earlier. Keep up the hard work.
- Decrease punishment or criticism. Making athletes run or pointing out mistakes in a harsh way can develop a fear of failure in athletes, which leads to less effort, shying away from big plays, and decreased communication.
- This does not mean ignore mistakes instead use any noticeable strengths the athlete has present to incorporate with instruction and encouragement for improvement.
2. Personalize feedback
- Notice what makes each athlete unique as far as talent and skill, respond to each based on their current level and encourage improvement in all athletes
- Reward athletes who work hard and demonstrate personal improvement
3. Incorporate time for fun
- Set time aside in practice to have play a game that allows the athletes to laugh, have friendly competition, and create inside jokes. A team that spends time together in the sport setting and outside of the sport will be stronger and ready to work together
- Use a mix of activities related and unrelated to your specific sport
- Example: A hockey team playing with a soccer ball during off-ice practices or a baseball team playing kickball at the end of practice.
4. Encourage Teamwork
- Point out and reward athletes for helping each other, communicating effectively, and cheering one another on.
- Create and use drills that focus on making the athletes work together to achieve one goal
How this helps your team
- Athletes will begin to understand what you’re looking for from them. If you’re looking for effort and teamwork, then athletes will be motivated to work hard and work together.
- With effective instruction from you the athlete’s performance improve
- Athletes feel a greater connection to their team, sport, and coach when recognized for their individual qualities and strengths
- A team that can put forth effort and have fun together will improve team cohesion
- Confidence of athletes will build with you as the coach noticing and pointing out their improvements or successes
- Athletes will not be afraid to push themselves and their abilities
