This tip applies to competitive teams, age 16 to adult.

We have all been there. We have practiced hard. The players are motivated. The season got off to a great, or at least a decent start. Whether winning the championship, making the play-offs or accomplishing whatever goal we have set, we can envision making it.

Then, about half way through the season, THE UNTHINKABLE HAPPENS:

THE TEAM SLUMPS

Suddenly, the intensity at practice is down, the motivation for games seems to lag, the better players are ordinary, the ordinary players disappear.

You address it at the next practice, talk to the team, talk to individuals. Everybody feels something isn't quite right anymore, but nobody can define what it is or even why it is.

You try some fun practices to take the pressure off, doesn't work. You tighten the screws a bit, doesn't work either.

You have consulted fellow coaches, read up on sports psychology, tried the best motivational techniques - nothing.

You wonder if you still know how to coach.

You do still know how to coach. You haven't done anything wrong. The team and players haven't done anything wrong either. If they had, they'd know and someone would tell you.

So how do you get the team back on track?

TEAM LEADERSHIP

At this point, the team needs to take responsibility for its destiny. You have provided the tools, the knowledge, the tactics and the skills. The team has proven in the early season that all has been successful. Something has changed.

If you have done your homework so far in understanding your players and your team's structure and dynamics, you should be able to identify one or two players that can lead the team. Who are they? They are players who have demonstrated leadership and at the same time have earned the respect of their team mates. They are not necessarily the most skilled players.Here are some hints of who might be team leaders:

They have a solid attendance record

They always give a 100%

They don't complain

They have volunteered for tasks during practices

They have been vocal on the field and during practice, encouraging others.

They don't always agree with the coach

They seem to understand what your philosophy is

They have shown ability to solve problems.

With any luck, they already are your team captain(s)

So what do they need to do?

They need to get the team together without the coaching staff present. They need to lead the team through an open discussion about what might be wrong. What are the coaches missing? They need to appeal to the honour and integrity of individuals.

They need to develop a plan for how to approach the next game and the next practice (mentally - the practice still belongs to the coach). They need to be ready to tackle the issue again and again.

Once the team has taken responsibility for its own destiny, an immediate change will occur.

The motivation will rise, the confidence will return, the effort will be restored.

THE TEAM WILL BE BACK ON TRACK

Most of all, the leaders and everyone else will have learned a great life lesson.

CAUTION:

Make sure that the team does not take on coaching responsibility. You are still responsible for designing and running practices and game plans. This is all about the state of mind and attitude the players bring with them.