Unable to regularly meet with your athletes over the summer? You can still significantly improve your athletes’ skills, conditioning, and strength while coaching/training remotely using Motiv. Here are four ways to coach virtually that are efficient and effective.
Particularly over the summer, coaches may not always have the opportunity to meet with their athletes in person to train, teach, and motivate. When face-to-face interaction isn’t possible, here are four strategies you can implement—motivation, workout plans, accountability, and safety—to effectively improve your athletes' outcomes.
1. Motivation
Keeping athletes committed to the hard work required for improvement is crucial.
“Each person holds so much power within themselves that needs to be let out. Sometimes they just need a little nudge, a little direction, a little support, a little coaching, and the greatest things can happen.”
— Pete Carroll, Seattle Seahawks Head Coach
Consider sending a daily motivational quote that relates to your athletes' sport, position, role, or goals. These quotes can be from famous figures or something original from the coach. Additionally, you or your athletes can create brief videos—10-30 seconds long—and post them to the team feed to inspire the group. You might also share YouTube links to motivational content that encourages your athletes to engage in their training and take care of their bodies.
How to use Motiv to motivate:
- Post a daily motivational quote in the team feed.
- Share a daily 10-30 second video to uplift your athletes.
- Assign different athletes to share motivational content each day.
- Post videos showcasing athletes working hard.
2. Workout Plans
To see results from your athletes, provide them with a clear and structured workout plan.
“Failing to plan is planning to fail.”
—John Wooden, Legendary UCLA Basketball Coach
Athletes look to their coaches for guidance. Use Motiv to share detailed workout plans that include stretches, warmups, exercises, sets, reps, and cool-downs. Clearly explain the purpose of each workout, whether it's to enhance skill, speed, strength, or injury prevention. Written plans significantly increase the likelihood of completion, so ensure these are shared in the team feed or attached to a calendar event.
How to use Motiv to share workout plans:
- Post daily workouts in the team feed.
- Pin weekly/monthly workout PDFs to the top of the team feed.
- Use text posts or videos to highlight core workout goals.
- Attach workout PDFs to calendar events with notifications.
3. Accountability
Hold your athletes accountable by providing ways for them to track and report their progress.
“A lot of people want to win, but they won’t do what it takes. When your best players are your hardest workers, you have the chance to be very good.”
—Tara VanDerveer, Stanford Women’s Head Basketball Coach
Coaches need to know that their athletes are completing their workouts, and athletes need a way to report back. With Motiv, athletes can easily check in with a simple “Yes” or “No” poll in the team feed. Coaches can then see who’s on track and who may need additional support. For those falling behind, you can use the chat feature to offer guidance and encouragement.
How to use Motiv for accountability:
- Post a daily poll asking whether the workout was completed.
- Have athletes send a short video of themselves during or after their workout via chat.
- Encourage athletes to send motivational words like “Stronger,” “Faster,” or “Perseverance” to signify workout completion.
4. Safety
Keeping your athletes safe and healthy requires proper education.
“When you teach an athlete how to take care of their body, it leads to improved health and a better performance.”
—Jim Gossett, Columbia Lions Head Trainer
Use Motiv to share valuable knowledge on safe training techniques, stretching, rest, and nutrition. Educating your athletes on these topics helps prevent injuries and enhances their performance. Make sure workouts are balanced and communicated clearly to avoid overtraining or conflicting instructions from different trainers.
How to use Motiv for safety and health:
- Post documents on safe training practices and nutrition.
- Share daily text posts with nutritional tips.
- Upload videos demonstrating proper techniques for exercises, running, lifting, and stretching.
- Create calendar events to remind athletes to eat healthily and stay hydrated.

By leveraging Motiv, you can continue to coach and inspire your athletes effectively, even when you can't be with them in person.
Motiv is a great way to stay connected and reinforce connection amongst the team outside of games and practice. It allows you to track stats individually and as a team, share game footage with your team, RSVP for practices and games, purchase merch, fundraise for the team, and more! Plus, its entirely free! Learn more about Motiv:
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