Not sure if it's creative or just common sense... our 1st team girls at school have had a great year, best statistical year on record. Unfortunately were dumped out the cup recently and have since lost their mojo. Very poor training session last Thursday afternoon and a game against the team who had knocked us out in the semi final.. I wasn't filled with optimisn if i'm totally honest!
We usually have a pre game meeting on Friday morning to go over the weeks sessions and some key stuff for the game, which we then recap pre game. They also set their own individual line goals (DEF/MID/FWD) for the game so they're taking ownership of their own performance.
Last week, I decided to cancel the meeting. I felt like their hearts weren't in it and it would be pointless.
Instead...they arrived normal time on Saturday and I sent the captain in to the changing room with my iPad to play "Heads Up" which is essentially charades. Cue laughing and giggling for 10 mins. I then got them out to warm-up and after that gave them the starting team and our defensive setup and left them to it... they seemed enthused and happy. What followed was their best performance of the year and a 4-1 win.
The idea behind sport is fun and enjoyment and that carried through from the game they played pre game.
Now i need to think of ideas to keep their excitement level up