Need help with motivational speaches

Josh MacyCoach, United States of America

I think the most important thing is to be yourself. Sometimes we all end to get caught up by motivational speeches in the movies and think that all coaches must inspire in this same way. If you really what you say, and your players can see that they'll be inspired. Don't rely on yourself either. I've had coaches who moved movie clips in meetings to inspire us before game time. Or using a season slogan that we can all rally around. Whatever you do say...it's important that you appeal to what matters to them. Personal pride, or their identity as a city or team. Strike what matters to them and you'll be sure to see fires light in the eyes of your players.

Dave RobinsonCoach, Australia

I agree with Josh. Big speeches may light a fire briefly but will rarely last more than the intitial few minutes in a game. Prior to running out, I think it's generally more effective to reinforce briefly those few key points you want the players to focus on during the game eg. defence -"first step forward" or "low body height in contact". Perhaps you'd be better individuialising your message depending on the player - a quiet, calming word with the nervous, fidgety player or mentioning an injured teammate (eg."How much would Tom love to be playing today?..." But be authentic and simple!

Rugby CoachCoach

Coaches who talk less, are more positive and full of praise in their talk have more success. If you're losing, talk more on what the opposition are doing, offer a point to focus on (e.g body position entering rucks) tactics and strategies as solutions. Finish with a short positive motivating word or 2 about playing for the team and teamwork etc. Better to have less chats with the team and more TWO way conversations with players one to one. (Make them 2 way not telling him what he must do.)