Make squash much more than just a sport! Girls don’t always need to be educated about the positive benefits of sport; they know that it’s ‘good for them’. However, if they’re simply not motivated by the direct benefits of sport, there’s a clear need to reinforce what else they can get from it. There’s an opportunity to motivate girls with personal development that will help them succeed in the future, including recognized skills that can bolster their opportunities outside of the court and in job settings. As a coach, it is not only important to understand what players view as motivating, but it is also important to have an understanding whether that view is intrinsic or extrinsic.
INTRINSIC MOTIVATION: For some women and girls, participating for the sheer fun, pleasure, and enjoyment is what keeps them coming back for more. These players are motivated by skill improvement, the inherent challenge of squash, and the achievement of personal goals.
EXTRINSIC MOTIVATION: Alternatively, women and girls who are more extrinsically may participate for social approval, social status, and reward. These players are less motivated by the physical and psychological changes, but rather the title and external gains they might get if they win.
Think carefully about the way sport is talked about, for example the language around ‘play’ is liberating and moves away from the pressured and serious language around competitiveness, commitment, trials, skill and winning.
Celebrate the behavior girls can be proud of, that goes above and beyond winning. By shifting achievement away from win/lose, it levels the playing field for girls and can enable all girls to succeed and to feel proud of themselves.
TIP: There is no right or wrong form of motivation. However, as a coach some motivational factors are more easily influenced than others! Every coach has the capability of enhancing motivation. This can be done through positive reinforcement and monitoring and altering the way feedback is provided.
Many women and girls lack self-belief. If a coach can correct and assess the players’ inappropriate perception of themselves, motivating them becomes a lot easier!
