The Art of Motivation for Team Sports

Book excerpt: The challenge for today’s modern coach is to push players without risking burnout, inspire them without bullying, and discipline players without constantly yelling. While no two coaches have the exact same approach to motivating their team, there are certain leadership skills coaches can develop to get the most out of their team, no matter the sport or the skill level. In The Art of Motivation for Team Sports: A Guide for Coaches, Jim Hinkson provides coaches with details and tips on how to motivate their team throughout the season. While most coaching books cover individual leadership or specific practice drills, this book focuses on how to motivate the entire team through setting goals, planning practices so as to keep players engaged and improving, pregame and postgame speeches, building quality relationships, and redefining success as more than just winning. In addition, this bookincludes team-building exercises and team behavior and value goals, stressing the importance that coaches not only create a successful team but also develop quality people who will excel outside the athletic arena. The many practical tips and keys to coaching success provided in this bookwere built from Jim Hinkson’s years as a professional athlete and fine-tuned from his decades of coaching experience. A clear and comprehensive resource, The Art of Motivation for Team Sports will be invaluable to coaches at the youth, high school, and college levels.