Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs describes basic and higher level needs and their relationship to motivation. This schema helps shape the emotional underpinning of player motivation (psychology). Coaches help a player and teams rise to the pinnacle of progress.
In most cases, the well-being and security ownership levels belong to family and the player's immediate support system.
As coaches, we foster individual and team identity at the belonging level. This has special relevance for girls valuing team membership. "Making the team" is the primary goal for some players. We encourage them to dream bigger.
Game designer Will Wright discusses schemas, our representation of the world...for example expectations when entering a restaurant. To move players up the hierarchy of needs (recognition and maybe renown), frame a more robust schema of how success looks. Teach advancement up the pyramid.
Help players build more robust basketball schema, clearer vision of the approach, intensity, consistency, and competitiveness earning success:
1) "You own your minutes."
2) "Repetitions make reputations."
3) "Don't cheat the drill."
4) "Be good at what you do a lot."
5) "Create and deny separation."
Ascendant players need mental frameworks of major defensive and offensive schemas, visualizing possible actions. From offensive latticeworks, add execution specifics. The same applies for defense.
The players committed to the RECOGNITION level have clear vision of how they perform skills within the team framework.
Players and teams achieving RENOWN (self-actualization) navigate the ironic imbalance of individual achievement with sacrifice for the greater good. To enter a "flow state" players have freedom to progress. Think about the difference between driving a car and riding a roller coaster. There's no skill in riding a coaster. Coaches facilitate that transition.
Lagniappe: Sacrifice for the team (taking charges)
Battier counsels vision, anticipation, and courage.
