Working with team sport athletes requires a different mental approach than working with individual athletes. What really counts is how a coach makes sure that the team plays as a unit. It does not matter if a team is full of talented players. If they cannot play together, the team will not achieve success.
Coaches choose to use different types of motivation, which could be a combination of positive or negative talks. Positive motivation pushes and encourages athletes to reach out for their goals and/or rewards. Negative motivations emphasize the negative consequences for failing to achieve a desired goal. Regardless of which type of motivation a coach chooses to use, the key in motivating a team is to create a strong cohesion and have clear goals that the team as a whole wants to achieve. Emphasizing commitment toward the team goals is what ultimately pushes the team to remain together and achieve their goals.
One of the most common issues that arises in team performance is the challenge of getting along together. It is quite unlikely that everyone will like everybody else. Each athlete has his/her own personality. Some are more opened to discussing problems while others are more inclined to be submissive for the better of the team. Some are more direct with what they want to say while others are more cautious with what they want to say. The differences in behavior may lead to friction; however, differences can be accepted and understood as long as there is a good communication amongst the teammates. It is imperative that everyone gets a chance to be listened in order to feel part of the team.
When it comes down to competing, the coach may influence from the sidelines. However, having built a strong cohesion amongst all teammates will ultimately help to support and push each other to excel and bounce back when the team is in a challenging situations.
To achieve improved team performance:
– Make sure there is an open discussion amongst all players and allow those who tend to be quieter to also have a voice.
– Teach them to build self motivating goal by setting clear team goals so they can push themselves.