Motivating Young Athletes Part 2

Control the Outcome

Coach Milo here folks!

This should be done both globally and locally. Globally means in perspective, constructing a drill with the thought process of the outcome as the primary focus. Locally is specifics. The mode used to reach the outcome is important when thinking locally. Understand, this isn’t as simple as an “ends justify the means” or a “means justify the ends” phenomena. We’re guiding, not validating.

In both situations, coaches benefit by constructing drills such that the only possible outcome is the only one the coach wants, e.g.,  the one the athletes need. We, however, must make sure the athletes are motivated by something that gets them to complete the task.

 An example: One of our coaches was dealing with a particularly spirited group of 4- and 5-year-olds. They were on a tear that particular day, not listening the first, second or third time they were talked to. He couldn’t do the drills he wanted to do with them because the athletes were not motivated to do those drills.

 Our coach found motivation elsewhere. He got their attention, telling them: “Hey, we’re playing in the big game and we’re getting beaten 21-0!” The young athletes quizzically looked at him. Coach kept at it. “We’re down 21-0 because we’re goofing off and are not focusing on the drills in each station. Maybe if we focus on the drills, we can score some points. But I don’t know if you all want to win or want to score any points. Do you?”

 Of course they did. Nobody wants to lose.

 The rest of the practice was a breeze because coach got them to do the drills by enabling them to create a positive attitude toward the stations. Focusing and completing each station was essentially a necessary evil to get the prize possession – a victory. They wanted to win. But on the way to winning, which they did, 22-21, the athletes did exactly what the coach wanted them to do.

The coach controlled the outcome. The athletes got better that day.