Keep in mind, you can refer to all previous sections to gain an understanding about the origin of perceptions held by the players. So, scoring poorly does not neccesarily mean you are a poor coach.
What needs to be done if the score is EXCELLENT 77-95?
Generally, if a player already feels that you contribute positively to their motivation, and that player therefore possesses a good level of motivation, your actions taken must involve maintainence of this, and to ensure that the motivation you supply and that the player feels, is in the right direction.
The players who score in this bracket tend to be performing well within the team, and all that is required to keep them going is a positive challenge. But be careful in employing challenge strategies. The player must be aware that you are challenging their actions, not their character. (Hansen, Gilbert, Hamel, 2003).
What needs to be done if the score is GOOD, OR SATISFACTORY 49-76?
Players who fall into this score range are not quite as confident in your ability to motivate them, and therefore may be less motivated. However, this is not to say that are not motivated by you and your behaviour. Rather, it is a way of acknowledging there is always room for improvement, even in players who score well.
Some considerations for these players include that they may be lacking in motivation due to the type they are receiving, or low level of confidence in their own ability, and they coach's ability. Postive verbal statements in error feedback, rather than negative verbal feedback is desired. Players learn more from positive motivation than negative. (Hansen, et. al.) Too much negativity can lead to influences on the confidence level, and although no distinct characteristics have been identified between successful and less successful athletes, it is commonly accepted that for a player to suceed they must believe in themself and their ability. (Hansen, et. al.)
It has also been pointed out that many little things can improve motivation. Such things include:
- body language (non-verbal motivation) (Hansen, at. al.)
- positive self-talk, or minimising the influence of self-conscious thought (Hutcheson, 2001).
- even just knowledge that the environment they are learning in is safe, condusive to development and that preparation has gone into training (i.e. visable or tangible effort eg. notes, performance measures etc.)
(Hutcheson, 2001)
What needs to be done if the score is UNSATISFACTORY OR POOR 17-48?
Players who fall into this score range are not at all confident in your ability to motivate them, and therefore are less motivated. However, it must be considered that not all motivation in your team has to stem from you, the coach. Therefore, referring to previous sections for guidance on key areas is a good palce to start. In addition, you may wish to employ one, two or even all of the strategies listed below.
- Reminisce on good experiences to improve positive feelings about
future events, games or competitions. If this is the first time they have
played the sport, draw parallels from other sports or find elite examples.
- Improve self image, or allow for individuality in the sport. So, wear a
nice uniform, encourage recreation and leisure outside of your sport.
- Think about what you want to do, not what you don't. Human actions
tend to illustrate what our thoughts include, so negative thoughts will
often lead to miscues or errors, in which case, must be not be ridiculed.
- Motivation grows from wants and desire - not from obligations or
musts/shoulds/have to's. Change the outlook, 'you want to make the
semi-finals' NOT 'we must beat this team'. Preconceptions and feelings
are important.
- Emphasis flexibility or options, rarely is anything life or death in sport.
- Listen to suggestions or advice from the players and try to incorporate
what they say into some drills, even if they want to use it in the game.
"Don't do in a game, what you haven't done at practice."
(Hodges, 1998) (Hansen, et.al)
Excellent
Good
Satisfactory
Unsatisfactory
Poor
77-95
63-76
49-62
32-48
17-31
questions 59-76
