This article by Bruce E. Brown of Proactive Coaching, from his Motivational Strategies for Coaches series, urges coaches to take time at the start of every practice or class to welcome their players, because greetings show value and increase trust. Brown illustrates the lifelong impact of this simple habit through the story of Rex Davis, his elementary school PE teacher, who made him want to become a teacher and stayed connected with him for decades.
Introduction
Motivational Strategies for Coaches
At the start of every practice or class, take the time to welcome people. Greetings are simple. It can be a word, a pat on the back or just a look in your eyes that says to your players, I am glad you are here. Greetings show value. It says to the player, "I am known", "being here is important". It increases trust.
The message a coach sends when they don't greet players is, "you are not worthy of my attention".