Soccer Practice Motivation

Last night’s practice was a little disappointing. It is amazing to me how much I must be aware of the level of motivation and effort both at each practice and throughout the practice.

The players seemed to be going through the motions a little too much and it started to have an atmosphere as just a kick around and a fun scrimmage.

I had to pull the players in and give them a wake up call. I was working on specific things, I am considering playing a new formation this season as well as working on where players are going to be best for the team. So I reminded the players that at this time of year each and everyone of them is trying out for the team. Last season is over, means nothing now. It is all about August 26th, first practice and who will be there and who will have been left behind.

When trying to “get them going” in practice, I use the “feedback sandwich.’ I bring them in and the first part is the slice of bread, I remind them how much I think of them and I remind them what an opportunity we have here. Then I get to the “meat” and let them know what I am not happy with and what I expect to improve immediately. Then I add the second slice of bread by letting them know again what a great opportunity this is. I then let them loose and usually there is an instant improvement.

I am still looking for more leadership on the team, I want my own players to recognise that there is not enough effort and application and for the leaders on the team to take care of it. Afterall, in the game I need them to do that, I can only do it at half time and it may be too late by then!

Here is an email I sent to them all this morning…

I was a little disappointed with practice last night as I expressed to all of you at the end. It is important to realise both the challenge and the opportunity presented to you.

The challenge is to make this team and to be part of what lies ahead. The challenge is to contribute to the team both on and off the field. The challenge is to be either starting and making a difference, or sitting on the bench and asking yourself why you are sat there.

The opportunity is incredible. Going one better and winning this conference will be amazing. Remember the atmosphere at the night games last season….multiply that tenfold if we are battling to win the conference crown. People love winners and they want to be part of that and if we start putting together good results early on in the season, word will spread and the momentum will build. I know you want part of that.

So, take a look at yourself and give yourself a gut check. Question what you are doing and check if you are giving your all and are prepared to take it up a notch and find even more to give.

Each practice I let you know we have added another quality recruit to the roster. In the next few weeks we could add another 5 players….are they going to take your spot or are they going to be sat on the bench wondering if they will ever get a game this season as they watch you put in the kind of performances this team needs?

Your choice.

This entry was posted on Saturday, May 1st, 2010 at 7:18 am and is filed under Club Soccer, College Soccer, High School Soccer, How To...., Kids Soccer, Soccer Player Management, Youth Soccer. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.