Based on Achievement Goal Theory (Nicholls, 1984) and Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan). Build the climate that keeps kids in the game.📄 ICC Athletic Development Plan (PDF)
What we build
"I got better than yesterday" = success
Higher intrinsic motivation · More persistence · More creativity · Longer engagement
What we avoid
"I beat everyone else" = success
More anxiety · Less persistence · Less creativity · Higher dropout
"You worked really hard on that swing"
"You're so naturally gifted"
Talent praise creates fixed mindset. Effort praise creates growth mindset.
"Missing that shot is good information — what did you learn?"
"Don't worry, it's fine" (dismisses learning) or "That was terrible" (punishes)
Error is the mechanism of learning. Treat it as data.
"Your approach index improved by 3 this month"
"You're ranked #4 on the team"
FORGE scores as personal benchmarks — not leaderboards.
Drills should be hard but achievable. Exit criteria games create pressure without humiliation.
Public rankings, shaming misses, or comparison to peers
High challenge + low threat = optimal learning state.
If you're curious, they're curious.
If you're frustrated, they're anxious.
Model the response to error you want to see from them. You set the climate.
Pure intrinsic motivation. Don't corrupt it with extrinsic rewards too early.
Some extrinsic reward is fine. Praise, tokens, recognition work well.
Competence-based motivation dominates. Track real performance data.
Autonomy becomes critical. Let them lead their own development.