A string of wins at the end of last month were, in part, down to a tougher style of play from the Tigers, as they surprised some of the league’s form sides.
This weekend sees Telford make the trip to Swindon Wildcats on Saturday, with the Wiltshire outfit having mounted a late charge for top-five berth.
Milton Keynes, who travel to Telford on Sunday (5.30pm) are still in with a chance of troubling third-placed Manchester, should they win their games in hand.
Those statistics present a substantial challenge for a Telford side that suffered defeats to Peterborough and Bracknell last weekend – but Watkins is confident his side can regain a winning mentality.
He said: “The guys in the dressing room need to realise that physical play is a part of hockey. I don’t see our team as being especially dirty, but I just want them to finish their hits.
“Those sort of things tire the other side out and makes them more likely to play with their heads up. That means they are more likely to make mistakes and you can turn pucks over easier.
“It is just a case of being more responsible in our battles and I want the guys to stand up for each other.”
Sunday’s clash with Milton Keynes is, perhaps, the tougher of the two games, with the visitors enjoying a renewed run of form under Nick Poole.
The Canadian has decided to concentrate on bench coaching duties – and his side are reaping the benefits.
An injury to Watkins has forced the Tigers supremo into a similar role – for the time being – and he is looking forward to an absorbing encounter.
“Milton Keynes are stacked really well. They are all of a good size and have speed and toughness,” Watkins said.
“I don’t think they are too phased by a physical game, and taking chances has been one of our biggest problems in recent weeks.
“We do enough, but then we don’t take our chances. That has cost us, and quite often the focus is on defence, but that can come off not taking our chances in offence.”
Ryan Selwood remains a doubt for this weekend’s games, as he recovers from an ankle injury, while Watkins himself remains on the bench.