Serve, Coach, Lead Newsletter #22: The Final Stretch: Transitioning from Teaching to Motivation

Every season reaches a point where a team falls back onto the level of their training. All of the work that has been put in all year culminates into a team's final push. At this time, coaches must transition their priority from teaching to motivation.

When a team first comes together, it is imperative that the coach outlines the fundamentals, strategies, and techniques that are expected within their program. During this formative stage, the coaching staff should focus on helping players to improve their skills. Identifying strengths and weaknesses, working to improve weaknesses, and optimizing strengths with each player will improve the team as a whole.

As competition starts, and the outcomes of games begin to "count," we as coaches can begin to shift our focus towards motivating and encouraging our players.

Encouragement includes helping players trust their training. Remind players often that they have spent ample time honing their craft. Confidence comes from preparation, so we can't let our players forget about all of the effort that they have put in.

We must also encourage our players not only through good performances but poor ones as well. While slight adjustments can be made in the later stages of the season, a team's ability to bounce back from a bad game will determine their success more than a tactical overhaul.

Motivating a team rarely involves rah-rah speeches before every practice and game.

In order to effectively utilize our time while addressing our teams, it is important to:

1. Start with positivity and encouragement. What has the team done well? Highlight their strengths and exceptional individual performances.

2. Briefly discuss specific areas that can be improved before the next contest. This will often only include shifts in mindset, attitude, and effort. Telling a basketball team that they all need to go make 1,000 free throws before tomorrow's game will most likely not help them properly recover and prepare.

3. Remind the group of their why. While each individual might have a different reason for playing their sport, as coaches we must develop and consistently communicate the why for our programs. Don't let players or coaches lose sight of the purpose for being a part of the organization.

4. Finish with motivation. As we discussed above, remind your team why they deserve to be where they are. Remind them that they have put in the time and effort to execute to the best of their ability. Make sure they understand that taking care of their role and responsibilities is the only obligation that they have. A team that brings confidence, competence, and energy always has a chance to win.

There are no big moments or small moments, just a series of moments in which each member of your team has the opportunity to execute their job.

When your team enters the final stages of their season, remember to shift your focus from strategy to encouragement. Instill confidence in your players by them knowing that you believe in them. Encourage, adjust, remind them of the why, and motivate them to perform when their opportunity comes.

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Thank you for your support, and I look forward to connecting with you all next week.

God Bless!