Creating a Positive Climate for Young Athletes from Day 1

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to provide coaches strategies for creating a positive and supportive climate in sport. Strategies are provided that help coaches begin fostering motivation from the first day of meeting with their athletes. Specifically, strategies focus on helping athletes get to know each other better, gauge their success based on their effort and improvement, and bringing parents on board to be part of their children's experience.

KEYWORDS:

• youth sport
• motivation
• caring climate
• team building
• parental involvement