How do I motivate players?

Lee-annes NetballCoach, Australia

you probably already know this but hear are some ideas that i hope will help.

have you watched any motivational movies like "remember the titans", "blind side", "coach carter"?  all these teams had to push past adversity and major difficulties to make them feel like they could win, but also that to be winners they had to act like winners, then no matter what happened then they would always be a winner from within.  

so maybe talk about the journey so far that has gotten them to this tournament, and have them fighting it out with the other top team to see who will be best on the day.  if they have never beaten this team, then talk about how this is to your advantage, as the other team will go into it with the mindset that they have all but won, and your girls will be hungrier to show them that they are not a team to be dismissed.  if they are the top team then talk about how the other team will be very hungry to knock them off their pedistal so they will have to bring something very special to win this one.  

talk about how each and every one of them has something really important to bring to the game.  and maybe have each girl talk about the strengths of each of their opposing team mate.  do drills that the girls do well, talk about what needs to be concentrated on.  if you can watch a game that the other team plays to ensure you know what their strengths and weaknesses are, and work on shutting them down and exploiting them.  but know that they will do the same with you, so do some drills to help tighten up some areas that can be exploited, and maybe learn a couple of new moves that the other team wont be expecting.

good luck and hope you do well.