For high school strength coaches, instilling accountability and consistent attendance in athletes is essential. However, motivation levels vary, and simply enforcing rules can sometimes backfire. By understanding where athletes are in their motivation journey and using stage-based strategies, coaches can guide athletes toward accountability while fostering a positive team environment.
Understanding Stages of Readiness and Tailoring Accountability
Every athlete is at a different level of readiness and motivation, and recognizing this fact guides coaches in choosing the right course of action. The stages of change model presented by Bess H. Marcus & Dori Pekmezi in Motivating People to Be Physically Active-3rd Edition (2025) creates a framework that coaches can use to meet each athlete where they are. This method gives practical strategies for helping athletes progress from initial engagement to a habit of consistent training.
Stage 1: Not Participating
For athletes who are disengaged or uninterested in training, the focus should be on building relationships without pushing them too hard. For students at this early stage, avoid punishment if they don’t attend. Celebrate their participation and welcome them back. A follow-up message to check in after a missed session reinforces that their presence is valued and encourages a gentle re-entry into the program.
Stage 2: Thinking About Change
When athletes start showing interest but aren’t committed, focus on building trust and education. Coaches can start by introducing the benefits of training in simple, relatable terms to pique initial interest. Discussing how strength training supports injury prevention, improves stamina, and can even boost academic focus encourages athletes to attend sessions and emphasizes that showing up is a positive step toward personal growth. Offer gentle reminders reinforcing why they are doing what they are doing, so they feel more comfortable to attend without feeling forced.
Stage 3: Doing Some Activity
For athletes who attend occasionally but aren’t fully consistent, the goal is to create routines and reinforce the value of self-development. Coaches can encourage these athletes to track their attendance and progress, helping them see their improvements over time. Encouraging peer mentorship can also lead to increased accountability.
Stage 4: Establishing Habits
For athletes who are committed to regular training, coaches should focus on reinforcing habits. These athletes are generally self-motivated but can benefit from strategic support. Offer support for staying active when life gets busy or motivation dips. For committed athletes, recognizing long-term attendance streaks can further promote consistency.
Stage 5: Maintaining The Habit
When athletes have made training a habit, the focus should be on long-term support. Coaches can involve these athletes as leaders, allowing them to mentor newer athletes in their training journey. This not only reinforces their own commitment but also helps them pass on valuable lessons about accountability. Recognize their contributions to the team culture and emphasize that their consistency serves as a model for others.
Practical and Positive Discipline Techniques
When athletes miss sessions, the goal is to address absences in a way that reinforces commitment without generating negative feelings. Here are some ideas for constructive discipline that focus on learning and growth rather than punishment.
1. Catch-Up Sessions Focused on Progress
Instead of penalizing athletes for missed workouts, offer catch-up sessions designed to help them catch up on skills or conditioning they missed. This reinforces that every session matters for their progress and gives them an opportunity to make up lost progress.
2. Assign Leadership or Support Roles
If an athlete misses a session, assign them a team-support role, like setting up equipment or leading warm-ups at the next practice. This gives them responsibility without creating a punitive atmosphere, showing they are valued and reinforcing the importance of consistency and accountability.
Motivating athletes to stay consistent and accountable in training requires an understanding of where each athlete is in their journey. By using stage-based strategies, coaches have a clear guideline for providing the right balance of support, encouragement, and positive discipline. Through structured catch-up sessions, peer accountability, and recognition of effort, strength coaches can foster a culture where athletes feel responsible for their growth. This approach encourages athletes to embrace training as part of their personal development and makes accountability a shared value rather than a rule to follow.
Sources:
Motivating People to Be Physically Active-3rd Edition by Bess H. Marcus & Dori Pekmezi. (2025)
Advances in Motivation in Sport and Exercise-3rd Edition by Glyn Roberts & Darren Treasure. (2012)
