In the context of sports, motivational games can make the difference between lackluster performance and athletes working at top capacity. Coaches use motivational games in every aspect of athletics, from team-building to refining skills. The success of motivational games has moved them from the playing field to other settings such as corporate offices and school classrooms, but the focus remains on making participation a positive experience.
Imagery and Visualization
According to the Association for Applied Sport Psychology, athletes benefit from activities that sharpen their concentration, control performance anxiety and have them focus on positive outcomes. Use motivational games such as guided imagery and visualization to meet these goals. Conduct these games in a quiet, non-stimulating environment, such as a dark room. Have participants breathe deeply and paint a vivid, detailed image in their minds. If your goal is relaxation, this image may consist of simply a color or a place. If you prefer that participants focus on performance, have them visualize themselves successfully completing a play. They should bring all senses to this activity to make this image as vivid as possible.
Team-Building Games
Activities and games that promote athletes working as a group can translate to them functioning better as a team during sports. You can try basic team-based activities such as bowling or paintball to instill some friendly competition in your group. Another popular option involves outdoor physical challenges that demand teamwork. For example, team members may need to gather materials and brainstorm a method for building a bridge to cross a gap. One classic team-building activity is the trust fall or the trust walk, in which one person falls into the arms of another person, or a partner guides a blindfolded person through various obstacles.
Stress Management
While some athletes perform better under stress, others lose focus and make mistakes. Instill methods of stress management to motivate players. Deep-breathing exercises, meditation and progressive relaxation support players' shifting their focus from potential failure to the enjoyment and challenge of the game. Games involving music, chanting, singing, dance or theater can lift spirits.
Considerations
It takes more than a few games to instill motivation in athletes. A motivational activity is only as good as its facilitator. When implementing team-building games, reward effort. Note the people who go beyond their safety zones to accomplish a challenging task. The Teach P.E. website suggests setting S.M.A.R.T.E.R. goals --- those that are smart, measurable, agreed, realistic, time-related, exciting and recorded.
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