After many years as both a player and coach in youth sports, I have learned that the relationship between managers/coaches and players is vital to success. I have been on both sides, so I understand both the player's and coach's point of view on the subject. It can be very hard for players to stay motivated for a coach that doesn't seem to care about his players. Here are some steps to ensuring your players stay motivated and give it their all.
- Become friends with your team. If your team likes you, they are going to play harder for you. You do not have to be extremely friendly, but just make sure your players know that you are behind them and support them fully.
- Embrace a player when they do a good job. Verbal praise makes the player feel good and makes them want to keep up the good work. Embrace a big victory, by giving your team a day off from practice. The gesture of good will can go a long way in earning your team's respect.
- Never single a player out for something negative in front of his teammates. It can make a player feel alienated and embarrassed. This will hurt your relationship with the player and even impact their play in some cases. Some players have a fragile psyche and when yelled at, they then start to play scared which leads to poor play.
- Give player's one on one time in practice. It shows that you care about how they are doing, this also builds good will and lets them know that you want them to get better. The more supportive a manger/coach is, the more committed the player becomes.
These were just a few quick tips I've picked up and tested over the years. If followed, they will keep your team motivated should lead to great success.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
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