Introduction:
Several parents are worried for their children as they are struggling with motivation and mobilize them towards sports. Every parent wants his/her child to be physically and mentally motivated towards the child as children easily lose interest and ultimately quit playing. Parents and coaches need to understand different possible ways to engage the kids in sports and how to instil motivation in the athletes.
Understand Motivation
Motivation is the aim or desire to achieve an objective. Athletes may be motivated to win a match or a tournament, play well, or enhance their skills. Motivation is the ability to remain fully committed towards an objective set and to go after it with enthusiasm and energy. Motivation is crucial if you aim to achieve success in the sports field. Several world-class players attributed their success in sports to high motivation and constant commitment.
What motivates Athletes?
The foremost initiative towards motivation knows what keeps athletes motivated. You also need to learn what makes them lose motivation and thus, they aim to quit.
- Children who are motivated towards sports
- Kids love to compete or practice for the sports
- Most likely to work towards their weaknesses in order to improve their skills and abilities
- Get excited and enjoy the competitive environment
- Aims to win while hate or fear to lose a match
- Set high expectations for their performance during a match
- Youngsters are fully dedicated to their sports
- Stay committed even when they are challenged
- Go after their goals with full intensity
Acknowledge the significance of Motivation:
The motivation of your athletes is most important and thus communication is vital. Coaches can motivate the players with physical and mental preparedness and training. Training assists children in becoming better athletes, without motivation an individual puts extra effort into the processes.
Encouragement will lead to athletes enjoying sports and having fun and thus appreciate the benefits of doing so. Winning games is also a motivating factor for many, while for others learning new skills and exploring their hidden talent is another. Positive and constructive feedback is also a way to boost the morale of the young players. This is not only a way of learning but a way to improve your skills day by day.
Read more: BEST SOLUTION TO THE DECLINING PARTICIPATION IN YOUTH SPORTS
Promote Teamwork:
The human being is a social animal. If we communicate and build relationships, this will help athletes get motivation. For the teammates, putting in extra efforts will encourage the individuals to work towards the team’s benefits. Encourage teammates to interact and thus, build friendships. This will help in team building. By celebrating little accomplishments by different individuals of teams will motivate everyone to perform better.
Setting attainable goals:
By setting short or longer-term objectives for the players will motivate them to work towards them. They are clear in mind what they have to achieve and will work towards those will zeal and zest. Goals must be fully communicated and shared with the young athletes for encouragement. The setting of goals as a combination of team and individual will be more effective and efficient. Goals like attendance, drilling, on-time arrival are a few of the motivating goals which in the future contribute towards success.
Final words:
Coaches and parents hand-0in-hand can keep young athletes motivated towards sports. The motivation goals vary according to age, nature of the sports, and ability of each player. It’s imperative to motivate youngsters at individual and team level to keep them in touch with sports and other sports-related activities. With appropriate encouragement and boost, young players can overcome several obstacles coming their way. Approaching their objectives on their way to a worth rewarding athletic career.