Motivation in Sports

Motivation is a vital function and tool for strength and conditioning coach. Within all sports is one common motivator, and that is winning championships. But this motivating factor alone will not suffice; motivation has to be prominent throughout the offseason and season. The offseason is where the strength and conditioning coach comes in. It has become the norm in all sports that without a successful offseason training program championships will not happen. The strength and conditioning coach can use the Self-Efficacy Theory to further motivate the athletes. To elaborate of the past performance aspect of Self-Efficacy by meeting with the athletes do discuss the previous seasons successes and failures and how to improve on all aspects of their performance. Using vicarious experiences the strength and conditioning coach can show and educate the athlete on other athletes similar to them, whether that is by position, build or skill set. The key though is to intrinsically motivate the athletes. They have to want to perform the exercises and partake in the program for the benefit of themselves and the team as a whole. You want them to perceive that through the program they can accomplish their goals. The previous sentences can also be applied to the social persuasion aspect of Self-Efficacy and also ties into the Theory of Reasoned Action.

A strength and conditioning coach could also use the Theory of Reasoned Action to influence dedicated athlete's to talk to and encourage those less dedicated to the training program to get more involved. This would provide a network of social support through their teammates. You could also inform your athletes that more participation in workouts leads to a better chance of earning a starting position. Touching more on social support the strength and conditioning coach can discuss and motivate through the results of previous season. As well as educate all members of the team on offseason program, the workouts involved...