How to Keep Your Young Player Motivated

A science-based look at how to keep kids driven, confident, and loving the game

Between the ages of 7 and 13, kids go through huge changes — physically, mentally, and socially. These years are a golden window for developing athletic ability, but also a time when motivation can rise or fall quickly.

So what keeps kids showing up to the rink with energy and passion? Here’s what the science of motivation tells us — and how it applies to hockey.

1. They Want to Feel Capable

At this age, kids are building a sense of competence — the feeling that “I’m good at this.” In hockey, that could mean mastering a new skating drill, learning how to take a wrist shot, or getting through their first full game with confidence.

How to support this:

Break skills down and celebrate progress (not just goals or wins).
Encourage effort and consistency: “You worked hard getting that crossover down.”
Create drills that stretch their skills just a bit beyond their comfort zone.

Kids don’t need to be the best on the team — they just need to see themselves improving.

2. They Crave Connection

Hockey isn’t just a sport; it’s a team. And at this age, being part of a group matters. Kids are heavily influenced by friendships, and feeling like they belong can make or break their motivation to keep playing.

How to build connection:

Encourage teamwork and group challenges, not just individual performance.
Foster friendships at the rink — team meals, locker room fun, or off-ice games can go a long way.
Coaches and parents should show genuine interest in each player — not just the top scorers.

When kids feel seen and supported, they’re more likely to stick with the game.

3. They Like to Feel In Control

Even though hockey is structured, giving kids some say in their experience increases buy-in. Motivation improves when they feel like they have ownership over their development.

How to create autonomy:

Let them set personal goals: “What skill do you want to get better at this month?”
Offer choices when possible (e.g., which drill to start with in small groups).
Avoid barking orders constantly — explain the purpose behind drills and systems.

Feeling like they have some control makes kids more invested in the process.

4. They Need to See the ‘Why’

As they approach age 10 and beyond, kids start thinking more abstractly. They might wonder: “Why am I doing this drill?” or “Does this even matter?” Kids are more motivated when they see the bigger picture.

How to provide purpose:

Connect skills to real-game situations: “This drill helps you win battles in the corner.”
Help them link effort today to future success: “Skating power now sets you up for next season.”
Reinforce that their habits in hockey also build life skills — discipline, resilience, and teamwork.

When kids understand why they’re doing something, they’re more willing to do it well.

5. They Respond to Encouragement — If It’s Real

Kids still care deeply about what coaches, parents, and teammates think of them. But generic praise wears thin. What drives them is specific, honest feedback that highlights effort and growth.

How to give good feedback:

Be precise: “Nice job staying low on that turn — your edges looked strong.”
Reward improvement, not just performance: “Your passing’s gotten quicker since last week.”
Normalize mistakes: “Great effort — let’s look at what we can tweak.”

Positive reinforcement should feel earned, not automatic.

6. They Love Fun and Variety

It might sound simple, but fun is critical to long-term motivation. Hockey should still feel like a game — not a job.

How to keep it fun:

Mix in games and challenges — obstacle courses, mini stick battles, or fun shooting games.
Change up routines to keep practices engaging.
Let kids be silly sometimes. A laugh in the locker room builds loyalty.

If hockey stops being fun, most kids stop playing.

Final Whistle

Between 7 and 13, kids don’t just need great coaching — they need motivation that sticks. That comes from feeling competent, connected, and in control. When we build an environment that supports those needs, kids grow into not only better hockey players — but more confident, committed athletes overall.

GRIT Hockey