Motivation
A lack of motivation happens to us all at one time or another and for different lengths of time. In order for a team to perform at their peak, the team must be made of motivated athletes. The nature of touch involves a long period of training (months and sometimes years) for only one or few tournaments of competition. Although it is partly the coach's responsibility to keep the team motivated by delivery fun and challenging training sessions, it is equally, if not more the responsibility of each individual player to keep themselves motivated. One of the most universally tried and tested methods of motivation is goal setting. It has been said that if you are goaless then you are aimless, and it is certainly true that the player who sets regular goals will remain more motivated (and successful) than the player who does not.
Goal Setting
A team should set goals because without them, what are they aiming for? It is the same for an individual in that team. Their goals should both reflect that of the team's (as hopefully they have been part of the team goal setting process and therefore believe in it) and their own achievement within the sport. When setting goals it is important to follow a simple acronum (SMART) which helps to set intelligent and worthwhile goals and you will more likely to achieve them.
Specific - Goals should show exactly what needs to be done.
Measurable - Goals should be quantifiable.
Achievable - The goals can be attained and are relevant
Realistic - Goals should be within your reach
Timescale - There should be a reasonable timeframe.
A long term goal(s) should be written so there is an overall target - this could be the length of a season or even two seasons. There should be several short term goals written which are steps along the way to your long term goal(s). Outcome-based goals (e.g the result of an event) are important but should not dominate your goal setting as you often have little control over them. What you do have control over and what you should have many goals in the style of are process goals. These are goals that you do have immediate control over. For example, giving 100 percent effort at every training, learning and understanding all the team plays etc.
If you have particular trouble writing your personal goals then you should sit down with your coach who will most likely be able to guide you through the process.
Specific - Goals should show exactly what needs to be done.
Measurable - Goals should be quantifiable.
Achievable - The goals can be attained and are relevant
Realistic - Goals should be within your reach
Timescale - There should be a reasonable timeframe.
A long term goal(s) should be written so there is an overall target - this could be the length of a season or even two seasons. There should be several short term goals written which are steps along the way to your long term goal(s). Outcome-based goals (e.g the result of an event) are important but should not dominate your goal setting as you often have little control over them. What you do have control over and what you should have many goals in the style of are process goals. These are goals that you do have immediate control over. For example, giving 100 percent effort at every training, learning and understanding all the team plays etc.
If you have particular trouble writing your personal goals then you should sit down with your coach who will most likely be able to guide you through the process.