In today's youth sports environment, it's increasingly common to see players driven by external rewards. Parents and coaches might think that offering incentives like money or gifts for scoring goals could motivate young athletes to perform better. However, these external rewards often shift the focus from the team to the individual, affecting the overall dynamics and cohesion of the group. This trend became clear in our recent games, where players seemed more concerned about personal achievements than the team's success.

Even after writing the article, Creating an Environment With Intrinsic Motivation, with my personal parenting experience. I neglected to avoid the problem within my team after one player started to receive what was at first harmless gifts for scoring goals that gained traction within our organization. Players soon started approaching their parents with requests for gifts or money for each goal they scored. The emphasis on individual goals rather than team success led to a noticeable shift in our playing style. 

Noticing the Change in Playing Styles

During our last game, the shift in playing style was clear. Players who previously focused on defending their zone and supporting their teammates were now abandoning their positions at the first opportunity to rush toward the opponent's net. The emphasis had moved from a team-centered, defense-first strategy to one that prioritized scoring opportunities, often leaving our goal exposed.

Parents and coaches need to address this shift and refocus on the fundamentals that make a team strong. Players should be encouraged to understand that every role on the team is vital, whether it's scoring goals, defending, or assisting. By valuing each contribution, we can help the players appreciate the importance of working together towards a common goal.

This change in playing style serves as a wake-up call for all of us involved. It shows the impact of external incentives and underscores the need to instill intrinsic motivation. When players are driven by a genuine love for the game and a commitment to their team, their performance improves, and the team as a whole benefits.

Fostering a United Team Atmosphere

To foster a united team atmosphere, it's essential for parents and coaches to keep open communication to reinforce the values of teamwork and collective effort. Celebrating the contributions of all players, regardless of their role, helps to build a sense of community and shared purpose.

By shifting the focus to team accomplishments, players understand that their efforts are integral to the team's success, and they become more committed to playing selflessly and supporting their teammates.

By cultivating an environment where intrinsic motivation is the driving force, we can help young athletes experience the true joy and fulfillment of being part of a cohesive team. This approach not only improves their performance on the ice but also instills lifelong values of collaboration, respect, and mutual support. Together, we can create a positive, nurturing atmosphere that allows our young athletes to thrive both as players and as individuals.