How To Motivate Basketball Players

Basketball players require a high degree of athleticism to play, but natural ability isn't always what separates the great from the average players. Motivation is the key to getting your players to play basketball to the best of their abilities each and every time they step on the court. By working to amp up your players before a game, you help them recognize their own proficiencies while they strive to become better overall players.

Step 1

Adopt a team motto you use during practices and games to keep your players motivated. Take this sound bite from NBA legend Michael Jordan, for example: "Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen." A motto like this can also be shortened to just "Make it happen," which gives players a quick boost of motivation during game play. Use your team motto to bond the players together — and to you — and to help everyone work better as a cohesive team with one goal.

Step 2

Offer your players positive feedback after a game. Never berate your players for missing a shot or fumbling a dribble. Instead, choose a few positive aspects of each player's game and give specific positive feedback. This gives players a boost of motivation as the result of knowing they did certain things right and are improving in their respective games.

Step 3

Work on improving as a team. Singling a certain player out from the rest of the basketball team because he has a poor foul shot can make him feel embarrassed. Instead, select a few basics that all of your players could improve upon, such as passing, dribbling or foul shots, and work to improve them during practice. As your team members feel more confident in executing the basics, their motivation improves with that confidence.

Step 4

Encourage constant teamwork and avoid using one player as the "star." Giving more positive attention to one team member over others could breed contempt among players. Run drills and plays which require all of the team members to work together. Knowing that all players are equal on the court teachers your team members to play together and lets them know they're all valuable in your eyes.

Step 5

Identify your team's toughest rivals and use them as motivation to become better. When your team falters, ask if the players putting as much effort into practicing and playing as the competition around your league is. Giving that visual of another team preparing to play helps your own team stay motivated to become better and do what it takes to come out on top.