I have lost count of the times that I have heard grassroots coaches talking about the parents offer their players a pound for every goal they score or £5 if they get player of the match. This for me is a real big issue in grassroots football that creates the wrong environment for players and does not help them in their development, as it affects their decision making as well as what their motivations for playing the game.
When you motivate players with external rewards they will relate the game to extrinsic motivators rather than internal motivation to wanting to play, this can cause a lot of long term issues and is something that we should avoid allowing to happen in our clubs and with the children that we coach. In this blog I will discuss the benefits of developing intrinsic motivation in players rather than giving extrinsic rewards.
Developing intrinsic motivation in players has the following advantages:
1. Sustainable Passion and Commitment:
Intrinsic motivation comes from within the individual, driven by a genuine love for the game. Players who are intrinsically motivated are more likely to stay committed to football over the long term, even when external rewards are not present.
2. Enhanced Performance:
Intrinsic motivation is often associated with a desire to improve and master skills. Players who are motivated by personal growth and achievement are more likely to put in the necessary effort and practice to enhance their performance on the field.
3. Increased Resilience:
Intrinsic motivation helps players develop resilience and perseverance. When faced with challenges, setbacks, or failures, intrinsically motivated players are more likely to view them as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than as reasons to give up.
4. Positive Psychological Well-Being:
Intrinsic motivation is linked to positive psychological well-being. Players who find joy and satisfaction in playing football for its own sake are likely to experience lower levels of stress and anxiety, contributing to overall mental well-being.
5.Long-Term Engagement:
Players driven by intrinsic motivation are more likely to remain engaged with football throughout their lives. The love for the sport becomes a lifelong pursuit, fostering a sense of identity and connection to the game beyond external rewards.
6. Better Teamwork:
Intrinsic motivation can contribute to better team dynamics. Players who are internally motivated are often more willing to collaborate, support teammates, and work toward collective goals, as their focus is on the enjoyment and success of the team rather than individual accolades.
7. Intrinsic Rewards are Enduring:
Extrinsic rewards, such as trophies or praise, may lose their effectiveness over time. Intrinsic rewards, on the other hand, are enduring and can sustain a player’s motivation through various phases of their development.
You can see from the above that this is not just important to foster in football, but in life itself. For me it is about developing an environment that will help players develop a love for the game and desire for personal growth and responsibility. There are ways you can do this in your coaching sessions that are discussed below.
1. Create the right environment for the players:
Encourage a positive and enjoyable experience on the field. Create an atmosphere where players can have fun, express themselves, and develop a passion for football. Build a supportive team environment where players feel valued and supported by coaches, teammates, and parents. Positive relationships within the team contribute to a sense of belonging and motivation. Ensure that all players feel included and valued, regardless of their skill level. A sense of belonging and positive social interactions contribute to intrinsic motivation
2. Realign what success if for the players:
Help players set and pursue personal goals that go beyond external rewards. These goals could be related to skill development, improving specific aspects of their game, or reaching personal milestones. Shift the focus from winning at all costs to the development of skills and mastery of the game. Highlight the satisfaction that comes from improving one’s abilities and mastering new techniques.
Promote a growth mindset by emphasizing the idea that abilities can be developed through effort and learning. Teach players to see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than as insurmountable obstacles.
Recognize and celebrate players’ efforts, hard work, and improvements. Highlighting the process rather than just the outcomes helps players appreciate their own development and motivates them to continue putting in effort.
3. Your Behaviours as a coach:
Offer constructive and specific feedback that focuses on areas for improvement rather than just results. Help players understand the connection between effort, practice, and improvement. Allow players to have a say in their training, strategy, and decision-making on the field. Providing autonomy fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, which contributes to intrinsic motivation.
Coaches and role models should exhibit their own intrinsic motivation for the sport. Demonstrating a genuine love for the game and a commitment to continuous improvement sets a positive example for players.
By implementing these strategies, coaches can create an environment that nurtures intrinsic motivation, helping players develop a lasting passion for football that goes beyond external rewards. Instead of players seeking a pound for a goal or a small trophy, they will be looking internally to try and develop themselves as a person and a player.
