Rugby League Coaching Manuals

But where do we draw motivation from?

What makes one man aspire to be a world champion and another man chase a life of security and stability? When they are on the ropes why will one man cave in and the other man fight to the death?

What attracts us to the partners we choose? What drives us to dedicate our lives to a particular career? Why are we innately drawn to certain colours, foods and holiday destinations?

As a former first-grade rugby league player for Canberra and a psychology graduate, Mick Aldous juggles questions of motivation on a constant basis.

Now a lecturer focused on achieving peak performances, he has dipped his toe in enough waters to suggest an adventurous spirit with a hunger yet to be satiated.

Throughout his youth he excelled not only in league, but also played elite junior competition in rugby union and cricket, starring as both a batsman and wicketkeeper.
After his exploits with the Raiders, Aldous became the Australian Schoolboys coach, a consultant to the French national team and a development officer with the New South Wales Rugby League.

He continues to work in NRL development and recruitment and has held roles with the NSW Institute of Sport as well. Although utilising his psychology knowledge is a major focus these days, he also finds it within his scope to teach design and technology at the same time.
It's a full plate and one that certainly doesn't present any scent of a lack of motivation.

But after all these years and all his experiences, Aldous still isn't convinced he has nailed all the motives that compel people to compete in his favourite sport - the most gladiatorial contest on the planet.

When RLCM last caught up with Aldous he was addressing the NSWRL Senior Coaches Course.

And he wasn't merely talking tactics and coaching tips. He was leading full-blown debate around the room on the factors that motivate players at every step of their career.

It is a consideration that all coaches should dedicate time to. For the greatest gamelans never have the chance to eventuate if children can't be coerced into giving their all or even into turning up to training.
Below is a selection of motivational forces suggested by those in attendance, along with relevant comments from Aldous.

Motives at Ages 5-9
• Praise - "Above all kids want to be patted on the back and feel validated," says Aldous.
• Rewards -"How many of you have tried food vouchers?"
• The chance to learn
• Sense of their own activity and network outside the family
• The possibility of closer family bonds with certain members (father, brother, cousin)
• Fun
• Friends
• Participation
• Comparison with others their age
• Belonging to a group
• The opportunity to succeed at something
• Challenges within the season - "Something as simple as saying you want everyone to be able to pass the ball around their body 20 times at training without dropping it will keep some kids going......