Getting the Most From Your Athletes: Foundations

Inspired by our book Coaching Better Athletes

PART 1 OF A 3-PART SERIES

Introduction: The Power of Purpose in Coaching

Have you ever wondered why some coaches inspire their athletes to achieve greatness while others struggle to get buy-in? The secret lies in one simple question, and we will get to that shortly. First, let's focus on what makes people want to achieve greatness or at the very minimum, contribute to a cause. Simon Sinek, author of Start With Why, said, “When people are emotionally invested, they want to contribute.” To get your people (fellow coaches, players, and their families) emotionally invested, you'll first need to begin by fully grasping your purpose for being invested. This is commonly known as your "why". The idea behind "your why" can run pretty deep, and more likely than not, you've heard of this concept before. This blog post, the first in a three-part series, explores how defining your "why" sets the foundation for a thriving team culture and will help you get the most from your athletes. Whether this concept is brand new to you or seems "passé", I promise you that it's worth diving into and it ALWAYS will be.

The Importance of Your Purpose for Coaching

Your "why" is the heartbeat of your coaching philosophy. It’s not about what you do (e.g., run drills or win games) but why you do it (e.g., to develop character, foster teamwork, or give back to the community). When you communicate your purpose clearly, you create a cultural foundation that resonates with athletes, parents, and even yourself. This clarity fosters trust and buy-in, making athletes more likely to commit to your vision. This type of authentic coaching will attract the type of people you want in your program or on your team,

"Your "why" is the heartbeat of your coaching philosophy."

For example, imagine a high school basketball coach who loves helping young athletes build confidence. By sharing that their goal is to empower all players within the program, they set an expectation that practices will focus on player growth. When athletes know this, they’re more likely to show up every day ready to work.

How to Discover Your Purpose

If you’re unsure of your "why," you’re not alone. In our blog post, "WHY DO YOU COACH", we asked you to reflect on why you coach. Here are several guiding questions to help you with that reflection:

• Do you feel connected to athletics (e.g., as a former player or seasoned coach)?

• Does coaching feel like a service to your community?

• Did you choose to coach, or was it assigned to you?

• Do you prioritize relationships with players and families?

• Are you competitive, and how does losing affect you?

• How do you define success as a coach?

• Who are you—what are your core values and identity?

  
  

Finally, ask yourself: Do I enjoy coaching? Pinpoint what brings you joy. It may seem to the bigger picture of your team's success, but you need to know this. The answer will help shape your coaching philosophy, a guiding framework for every decision you make.

Defining Your Purpose

• Set Aside Time for Reflection: Spend 10-15 minutes answering the questions above. Write down your thoughts to identify patterns that might show up in your answers.

• Draft a Coaching Philosophy Statement: Summarize your "why" in 2–3 sentences. For example: “I coach to help athletes discover their potential and build resilience, both on and off the field.”

• Share Your Purpose: At the start of the season, tell your athletes and parents why you coach. This sets clear expectations and builds trust.

When you’re clear on your "why," you can coach authentically. Athletes sense this, and it inspires them to invest emotionally in the team. Without a defined purpose, you risk setting vague expectations, leading to frustration when athletes seemingly fall short. A coach who knows their "why" can take any group of individuals and shape them into a cohesive unit that strives for greatness.

"When you’re clear on your "why," you can coach authentically."

What’s Next?

Defining your "why" is just the start. In the next post, we’ll dive into why your athletes play and how understanding their motivations can transform their performance. Stay tuned to learn practical tools to connect with your players and help them achieve their goals.

Now What...

Take 10 minutes today to answer some of the guiding questions above. Share your thoughts in the comments and don't forget to join us for our next post tomorrow as we dive even deeper into the topic!