Redesign the Boring Drill with Self-Determination Theory

Groups practice a deliberately repetitive line-passing drill and redesign it to meet the three needs of self-determination theory: autonomy, competence and relatedness. Then they try other groups' drills and rate which one is most motivating.

How to play

1. The whole group does the original drill: two facing lines, pass and go to the back, with no variations; each student rates from 1 to 5 how much they feel like continuing (5 min).
2. Explain the three basic psychological needs with a sports example of each (3 min).
3. In groups of five, students redesign the drill without changing the technical goal of the pass: they add choices, difficulty levels and cooperation, and write it on a worksheet (7 min).
4. Each group tries its own version and then another group's, in 5-minute rotations (10 min).
5. Motivation ratings for each version and discussion of which change raised the score most and which need it addressed (5 min).

Rules

• The technical goal of the pass stays the same in every version.
• No version can leave anyone waiting more than 30 seconds.
• Pass only to a teammate who is ready, never to someone facing away.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: acts as a fixed passer from the wheelchair, and the group must include the student in the design.
• Autism: assign a specific role in the group, such as recording design decisions.
• Hearing impairment: the design is explained with a drawing on the worksheet, and rotations are signaled by hand.

Learning goals

• Identify autonomy, competence and relatedness in a motor task.
• Design variations that boost motivation without losing the goal.
• Evaluate other groups' proposals using criteria.

Equipment for a class of 25

• balls: 15
• cones: 20
• worksheets: 6

Teacher tip

Pick a truly boring drill so the contrast stands out. Collect the best versions: they'll be useful for your own lessons.

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