Encouraging your athletes to be The Tough Guys (from June 2008)

In the athletes' newsletter for June, I wrote about what the elite athletes do. The following is a section of that article:

I can always tell the athletes that 'have it', from those who aren't quite on that level. When attending my Intensive Training Camp, those that 'have it', embrace the tough training and the mental and physical test that goes with it. This camp has been said to be the toughest camp in the nation - and many athletes don't want that kind of challenge. But those who do, recognize what it does for them and how it trains them for the future.

As coaches, these athletes are the most enjoyable to coach. So the trick is, how do we motivate more kids to take up the challenge?

First off, they need to see what is expected of them, and be motivated and encouraged to work at that level.

Next - Talk to your athletes about their goals. If they expect to do well, they need to understand what it means to do so. It means pushing when you're tired. Doing the extra things, such as clubs, morning running, and lifting. It means never being completely out of shape, in season or out of season. Athletes need to understand this: When they are the most tired, this is the best opportunity to improve. If they push through it and go hard, stay in their stance, stay disciplined with their position, they just made themselves better. When they get tired and back off, they just lost that opportunity.