How Can Athletic Teams Systematically Motivate One Another?

A number of bloggers have asked us to discuss sport performance optimization exercises that are supported in science and may additionally have positive effects in mental wellness. In answering this call, we’d like to report the results of a study (Donohue et al., 2006) that compared the effectiveness of 3 exercises that were designed to improve running performance (systematic motivational exchanges, yoga, discussion about competitive running), and show how this information can be used to assist athletes immediately prior to competitive events.

Brief description of study

The study involved 90 competitive distance runners. Runners were timed in a baseline 1 mile run. Seven days later they were randomly assigned to receive 1 of 3 exercises immediately before running a 2nd mile. The exercises included (1) discussion about running, (2) a Yoga exercise that included 11 entry level asana positions (e.g., forward bend, lung, plank), and (3) a systematic exchange of motivational statements.

What did the study show?

Results indicated that athletes who were assigned to motivational exchange and yoga with their teams enjoyed these exercises more than participants who were assigned to discussion. Participants who were assigned to the motivational condition improved their run performance significantly more than participants who were assigned to the other conditions (4 seconds faster than yoga, 6 seconds faster than discussion).

How can the Motivational Exchanges Occur in Teams?

1) Distribute the Motivational Statements Checklist (see Donohue et al., 2006; included at the bottom of this page) to athletes during a team practice.

2) Instruct athletes to report which motivational categories are most desired to hear by others, and why. This usually leads to great discussion, and educates the athletes and their teammates and coaches about the types of motivational statements each athlete believes are most helpful, and by whom. This discussion is often very insightful as teammates and coaches are often inaccurate in knowing which words, or word types, are optimally motivating. Sometimes it's good to have athletes explain how the words can be optimally stated (timing, tone, loudness, who says them).

3) Immediately prior to the competitive event, usually as a warm-up exercise, instruct athletes to form a circle while sitting down or standing. A ball or other appropriate object can be thrown or rolled to a teammate (by each athlete) after shouting the chosen optimum motivational statement 3 times. The only rule is that each athlete must receive/pass the ball once prior to participating in additional rounds of statement exchanges (to assure equal participation). Athletes are then instructed to form two parallel lines. Athletes in the respective lines clap their hands and shout motivational statements (You’re going to dominate!) while each athlete takes a turn running between the two lines shouting the respective motivational statement (I’m/we’re gonna dominate!). These exercises are especially important to assist the team in (1) being familiar with the motivational statements that are uniquely desired by athletes, (2) creating a positive environment that fends off potential disruptive thoughts, and of course, (3) raising motivation and arousal.

The aforementioned motivational exercise may be adjusted to accommodate various contexts (e.g., culture, number of athletes, sport type, optimum arousal desired).

Motivational Statements Checklist

Please rank the following categories in regards to their motivational value. The specific motivational statements are present only as examples.

Aggressive ____ (e.g., It’s time to kick ass, I’m going to dominate today, gonna destroy opposition)

Power/strength-based____ (e.g., strong and explosive, definition of speed, I'm a force)

Faith/belief____ (e.g., I believe in me, I can do it, I'm blessed, God’s shining on me)

Fun____ (e.g., this is my playground, this is a blast, just having fun)

Action____ (e.g., time to go to work, let’s go, let's do it)

Stress-relief____ (e..g, relax, breath, feeling/looking calm, focus

Affirming preparedness____ (e.g., this is what I’m trained to do, worked hard for this, best shape of my life)