4 Motivational Tips From Sports Movies
Physical training is important for winning a sports game, but athletes often forget the significance of a good attitude. An inspirational speech from a coach like the ones in the movies The Mighty Ducks, Remember the Titans, Miracle, and Hoosiers, can give motivational support that student athletes need to succeed. Many sports movies are embellished with larger-than-life celebrities and exaggerated game-time situations. However, the ideas that these movies convey are tangible and applicable for athletes and coaches in every sport.
1. “Ducks fly together”
Gordon Bombay’s speech from The Mighty Ducks addresses the importance of positive team attitude. He stresses to his hockey team that they should never let another team’s inappropriate or unfair actions bring down their team’s play. At all times an athlete must remain civil and uphold values such as fair play and hard work for a positive win. Never sink to the opposition’s level. If each team member plays with the same intentions, the team will play together as a winning unit.
2. “If we don’t come together, we too will be destroyed.”
In Remember the Titans, Coach Boone makes this statement in an effort to bring his racially segregated football team together. He has the team run to the Gettysburg battle site to demonstrate the consequences of a divided nation. The prevailing message in this speech is that team members must put their racial, ideological, and physical differences aside in order to succeed. Internal conflict ruins a team’s cohesiveness and, consequently, its chance to win.
3. “Be the best that you can be.”
Coach Norman Dale leads his underdog basketball team to the championship with his encouraging speech in the movie Hoosiers. He tells the team to forget about the numbers on the scoreboard and focus on the moment. He doesn’t care if they win or lose. If every athlete plays to his full potential, that’s what matters in the long run. Getting the most out of your sport depends on how hard you push yourself, not your season record.
4. “Great moments are born from great opportunity.”
Coach Brooks’ speech from Miracle is memorable because it preceded the USA ice hockey team’s triumph over the Soviet Union in the 1980 Olympics. The speech is especially effective because it celebrates hard work and encourages further success. Coach Brooks reminds the team how far they have come and how hard they have worked to get to the finals. He tells them that this is their time and they must leave it all on the ice. Great teams create their own opportunities to win; they do not wait for another team to slip up, but seize the moment for themselves.
A motivational speech from a coach can recalibrate the team mindset and send the players on their way to a win. Keep these tips in mind next time you’re on the playing field!
