How to Motivate Your Football Team

As a coach, you're responsible for the overall well-being of your team. Not only do you have to make sure players show up to practices and games, but you're also responsible if a student repeatedly misses classes or falls behind in his academic career. Despite the challenge of instilling both physical and academic skills in your players, you also need to motivate them to do their best. Your players need to work hard both on and off the field and to stay motivated through adversity. There are a number of ways you can help keep your team motivated and upbeat.

Instructions

    • 1

      Talk to your players before and after their plays, but not during. If you yell directions to your players or comment on their techniques during a play, you could distract and negatively influence your players. Instead, talk to players before the start of a play with advice and comments about the last run.

    • 2

      Point out areas your team excels in before you talk about performance problems. While every player has room for improvement, it can be discouraging to constantly receive negative feedback. Try to uplift your players by offering some positive feedback to each person.

    • 3

      Set goals with your team. Whether your team is on a winning or losing streak, small goals are an important way to keep your players upbeat and positive. Motivate your players through small goals that you work on together. For example, you could try to score a certain number of touchdowns during one game or focus on successful execution of a new play you learned.

    • 4

      Reward your players for their successes and improvements. If a player has been struggling but recently improved his game play, congratulate him with positive affirmation. When your losing team suddenly wins a game, reward them with a dinner or other token of appreciation. Even if your success is small, such as scoring a touchdown or reaching a goal you've been working toward, recognize that achievement.