Tag: motivation

Beyond The Lockerooms, Sidelines, Championships, And Legacies

Coach AlercioLeave a comment

Behind every successful coach stands a remarkable partner whose unwavering support shapes not just a career, but a legacy. The spouse of a coach embodies dedication extending far beyond the sidelines, making countless unseen contributions that enable their partner to inspire and lead others.

When Friday nights mean away games instead of date nights, or when family celebrations compete with crucial practice sessions, a coach’s spouse adapts with grace and understanding. They master the art of flexibility – rescheduling family events around tournament brackets or playoffs, maintaining family traditions despite seasonal demands, and creating meaningful moments in the spaces between games and practices.

These partners don’t just manage households; they nurture the foundation that allows coaches to pour their energy into developing athletes and building programs. They become confidants who listen to game strategies late into the night, cheerleaders who celebrate the victories as if they were their own, and steady anchors who provide perspective after difficult losses. Their emotional intelligence and unwavering support create a sanctuary where coaches can be vulnerable, process challenges, and find renewed strength.

The upcoming Valentine’s Day offers a perfect moment to honor these extraordinary partners. While coaches spend countless hours helping others achieve their dreams, February 14th presents an opportunity to turn the spotlight on those who make their own dreams possible. It’s a chance to acknowledge the daily sacrifices – the solo parenting during away games, the rearranged schedules, the understanding smile when practice runs late – and express profound gratitude for a partnership that strengthens both personal bonds and professional achievements.

This Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate these unsung heroes who transform a demanding career into a shared journey of purpose and accomplishment. Their love and support create the foundation upon which coaching success is built, making every victory – on and off the field – a truly shared achievement. I, and many I know, count ourselves lucky to have such a partner in this journey called life.

Coach Rich Alercio is available to discuss coaching philosophy, X’s & O’s, or teach his O-Line “techniques in the trenches.” Contact Coach at richalercio@gmail.com and share http://www.olineskills.com with your colleagues and friends. Thanks for supporting this blog and joining our conversations, and as always, thanks for your time!

Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Motivation

Coach AlercioLeave a comment

Earlier this week I received a call from a friend who stepped away from coaching after winning a couple of state championships but is now considering a return to the sidelines.  He had one question, “What’s the biggest difference between kids now and 5 years ago.”  Without hesitation, I replied. “extrinsic vs intrinsic motivation.”

My wife, a pediatric occupational therapist, working in 17 schools with over 150 kids in her caseload, would provide a laundry list of the issues kids struggle with post-COVID.  Many of them come into play when coaching today’s players and cause us coaches to alter teaching techniques, volume of material, and duration of meeting times.  But the biggest difference that impacts the entire team lies with the answer to his question.  

Before COVID, our players were intrinsically motivated. They engaged in all football related activities for the inherent satisfaction it provided.  They were motivated to be the best possible players and teams they could be on that day while doing that drill.  Year after year, players and teams worked hard to be as good or better than the previous year’s team and players perpetuating a culture of success.  They did not need external rewards or punishments to motivate them.  Today’s players seem to require more external motivation (rewards or punishments) to get the same level of performance we were accustomed to before COVID.  

Both types of motivation play important roles in driving behavior.  Understanding the balance and dynamics between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation is crucial for today’s coaches.  Both can be effective in encouraging desired behaviors, but intrinsic motivation is more sustainable and leads to greater personal satisfaction for individuals and collectively for the team.      

Coach Rich Alercio is available to discuss coaching philosophy, X’s & O’s, or teach his O-Line “techniques in the trenches.” Contact Coach at richalercio@gmail.com and share http://www.olineskills.com with your colleagues and friends. Thanks for supporting this blog and joining our conversations, and as always, thanks for your time!