As a volleyball coach, it's your duty to ensure that your players stay motivated and excited to play for the best possible performance on the court. Poor performance, tiredness and personal issues can cause volleyball players to play less than their best, so you can keep their energy levels high and their heads in the game by reminding them of their skills, giving them inspirational quotes and giving players time to cool off and get back in the game.
Step 1
Type out a few motivational quotes and pass them out before a big game. Or, create a poster using those quotes and hang them in the locker room, taking time to read them before a game. United States Gold Medalist in volleyball Misty May-Treanor once said, "I don't really keep track of numbers. We don't even think about that stuff. That's not why we play. We play because we love it." Reminding the players that they play volleyball because they love it can give them a better attitude on the court.
Step 2
Adopt a team mantra that you y ell and encourage your players to yell when motivation is low. Whether it's "Keep going!" or "No boundaries," a repeated mantra can help get your players' heads back in the game when they are distracted, notes the Strength and Power for Volleyball website.
Step 3
Lead your players in drills that enhance competition, suggests the Volleyball Advisors website. For instance, spiking a ball and asking two players to compete for the dig can help them learn to think under pressure and stay competitive through practice. It can often be difficult to simulate real, competitive spirit throughout practices, but practicing competitive nature can help give your team the motivational edge when it comes to tough opponents.
Step 4
Call a timeout when it seems like your players are dragging through a game, especially if one opposing server is especially hot. Not only will this give the server time to cool off, but it gives you the ideal chance to offer a pep talk to your team. Talk about your inspirational quote and give plenty of praise before you send your players back to the court. Then, change your defensive positions so the opposing server is confused and your team has time to get back in the game.
Step 5
Teach your team players to leave their emotional and personal problems off the court. Girl players especially may have time separating their emotions from the game, notes the official USA Volleyball website. If you notice a player who seems especially unmotivated or depressed, call her into your office and talk about some of the things that are bothering her. Offer yourself as a sounding board in your office so your player can stay motivated on the court.
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