This topic is one I hope to never experience again (from losing). I have coached at a variety of levels from junior high, high school, college and aau. Last summer was probably the toughest team I've ever coached; a group of 8th grade girls that only had one player that ever played aau. It was a fun, but rough summer for me. I learned a lot from that group of girls and would not trade that experience is for anything. Winning teams usually have no problems with motivation but the old saying of… losing teams have team meetings. We stayed away from that philosophy because I felt it brought the wrong focus.
Players are aware of all the games they've won and lost, they don't need to be reminded. When motivating this group of young ladies I chose to focus on what motivates the individual to see the 'big picture' and why they were playing basketball.
One of the girls always stepped up and her words that day were " we are paying to play, let's not waste our parents money and get the most out of it."
When I heard this statement it made me think. Some of my thoughts included:
1. Attention to realistic events around us
2. Variety in all we do
3. Team chemistry on and off the court
4. Compete with a purpose
5. Positive attitudes are contagious
6. Enjoy each day and each member of the team
I can and will elaborate on each topic (later) as I am sure many people have the same issues. I can say that everyday was a good day after that despite losing 95% of our games that summer. As I stated earlier, it was huge learning experience for a young coach like myself. Now that I look back on it, it was actually quite satisfying in a strange way. If any of my aau parents from last season read this… thank you for your patience!
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