Ideas to Inspire Youth Basketball Players

In an ideal world our kids and youth players would all be intrinsically motivated to play basketball and improve their skill level.  Playing basketball and working on their skills at home would make them feel good and provide a sense of accomplishment versus being extrinsically motivated for rewards or an adverse punishment.  However, this is not always the case.  Below are some ways to improve intrinsic motivation as well as when extrinsic motivation can be utilized and useful.

Ideas to improve intrinsic motivation:

• Find a positive role model or group that your child can identify with to improve long-term commitment in basketball.   
• Praise effort and improvement versus innate talent or outcomes.
• Create a clear action plan/commitment contract for skill development that your child has a say in and ownership of.
• Encourage collaboration and teamwork with your child’s friends by playing games and doing skill work together.

Best uses of extrinsic motivation or small rewards:

• When basic skill levels are lacking.
• Where youth players may have little initial interest in performing a certain activity.
• Routine tasks such as 5-10 minute drill sheets for ages 5-12 years old.

Once basic skill levels and initial intrinsic motivation has been established external motivators should be phased out as they can be detrimental to long-term participation secondary to basketball and skill development potentially feeling like work or an obligation.

Use them both
By utilizing both intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors and finding the right balance for your child skill level and enjoyment of the game can grow.