Motivation and DisciplineMotivation
Motivation is the force that drives players' enthusiasm and effort. Players of all ages are self-motivated by their love for the game and their desire to succeed at it. The trick as a coach is to tap into this force within players. Improvement at basketball can be hard work, and the motivation to work hard and push one's self physically doesn't easily come from within. Players need coaches!
There are two basic methods of motivation: fear and punishment- the "do it, or else!" method; and the praise method. Fear of punishment is more a stimulant of effort rather than learning. The negative criticism associated with this method of motivation is often distractive and discouraging to players, especially when applied individually. However, the following scenario describes an effective use of motivation by fear:
If players understand a drill and have previously performed the drill at a high level, expectations should be high and if they are caught "going through the motions" motivation by fear of punishment may be necessary. One of the most effective ways to do this is to have the players determine their punishment for this type of effort at the beginning of the season. Then ask one of your players during the drill, "is this good enough for you?" Peer analysis and judgment is a powerful teacher and motivator.
Praise stimulates learning and effort. Players are motivated by success- especially when they know how they can build on it. Use this method of motivation in three steps: PRAISE, "Great job!"; ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF PROGRESS, "You're getting better at getting your feet ready to shoot!"; and INSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM, "Now try using your legs more and holding your follow-through as high as you can!" This three-step method of praise will set the stage for players to learn and progress in their skill development.
Both methods of motivation, fear and praise, can be effective when used skillfully. Punishment is sometimes necessary to keep practice sharp. If you settle for sloppy, you'll get sloppy- if you insist on exact performance, you'll get exact performance. Praise and acknowledgment of success is a constant motivational force for players. Even when a team earns a punishment, praising and acknowledging past achievement helps to motivate. More often than not, player s are trying- tell them what they are doing well when you tell them what they can do better. Self-motivation will ask them how they can do better.
Discipline
Discipline is an absolute necessity for practice to be about learning, development and fun. Thorough planning and organization will provide for a disciplined environment, but the occasion will arise for additional control. There must be a set of consequences to distractive behavior. Have a clearly defined set of rules for when player behavior deviates from team development. Try explaining to your team what distractive behavior is and how it negatively effects their experience. Ask them how they feel their behavior should be treated. Use this feedback to help define a set of rules for behavior. When the cause for discipline arises, remind the guilty player(s) that their behavior violates their own rules which exist for the good of the team. If distractive behavior persists, consider separating the guilty player(s) from activity, then consult parents if necessary. Players should understand their behavioral responsibility to the team. They should also know and respect that their coach is in control. It is then the coach's responsibility to the team to exact control.
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