We all know the mantra: Champions are made or broken in the off season – which, for many teams, means spending a lot of time in the weight room. Players certainly need rest and relaxation after a long season, but then it’s time to get back to work. Sitting back on your laurels for too long will set you back come pre-season, and give the competition an edge.
One of a coach’s greatest off-season challenges is keeping players motivated to give 100%. This is especially true when it comes to strength training, conditioning and the weight room. While weight training can improve strength and efficiency, increase endurance and reduce the risk of injury, it’s grueling work with little immediate gratification.
Keep these things in mind to help motivate your team in the weight room:
- Individual attention: Having a coach present goes a long way in motivating a player to push just a little harder. If you’re coaching a large team with fifty or sixty players – like lacrosse or football – have them lift in smaller groups of 12 to 16. Small numbers are easier to manage because you can keep an eye on players’ techniques and work ethic, but you can also take a few minutes to interact with each player – coach them on their squat form, challenge them to add 10 pounds, or encourage them to hit a new goal. When your players know you’re paying attention, they’re less likely to just go through the motions.
- Start a system to reward players: A “200 and Above Club” or “Girls Who Curl” group can be a great way to push athletes to work harder in the weight room. For many athletes, the biggest downer of the off-season is the lack of competition. Throw some good natured rivalry in there, and your athletes will rise to the challenge. It’s in their nature. You could even dedicate a special record board to each club. Forming a group or club also brings a team dynamic to an activity that otherwise can feel individualistic.
- Keep track of progress: If you aren’t already having athletes keep close track of their progress, start now. Right now. Give them a journal they can hold onto for a whole season, or even multiple seasons, so they can see where they’ve started and how far they’ve come. Strength and conditioning offers slow but significant rewards. Giving players a way to actually visualize their gains is motivation to keep working harder.
Off-season strength training makes your athletes and your team stronger. Keep your players motivated and track their progress with a strength record board from Team Fitz.