Transferring Knowledge to Influence Athletes

In my previous newsletters, I’ve discussed my personal growth as a practitioner, particularly focusing on my journey in the gym and practicing what I preach. Now, I want to shift the conversation to how we can effectively transfer our knowledge and experiences to our athletes, nudging them to adopt the practices we know will benefit their health.

Working with athletes, especially in professional baseball, means dealing with a diverse group. Some athletes come from top-notch facilities, like SEC schools with excellent strength coaches and athletic trainers, while others might be straight out of high school with limited training experience. We also encounter a mix of open-minded and stubborn individuals. Despite these differences, it’s crucial to consistently guide all athletes toward optimal performance and health, but adjust our technique to meet each individual where he/she is.

Building Relationships

First of all, to influence athletes, you need to build strong relationships. Understanding each player’s background, injury history, and previous training experiences is essential. Additionally, their drive, passion, and willingness to adapt or learn. Each athlete will respond differently to guidance, whether it’s maintaining a routine or committing to regular treatment for the bumps and bruises. To gain their trust, you often need to become a salesperson of sorts, effectively communicating the benefits of your recommendations. Why and how will this help them perform at their peak and what is in it for them? By taking the time to learn how each person responds or digests information, you’re more likely to reach the ultimate goal - compliance.??

The Importance of Honesty

As they say, honesty is key. Be transparent about what your clinical evaluation and experience suggest. Explain how certain practices or techniques will benefit the athlete in concrete terms—whether it’s keeping them on the field, or enhancing overall athletic performance. Athletes are highly result-oriented and often seek immediate results. While it’s important to acknowledge their desire for quick outcomes and instant gratification, it’s equally vital to manage expectations and emphasize the value of long-term benefits. Optimal performance is a marathon, not a sprint! Preaching to athletes that immediate results are the goal, but daily work is needed to ultimately achieve success.?

Balancing Short-Term and Long-Term Goals

Athletes, especially those in the minor leagues, aspire to long careers in the major leagues. By highlighting both short-term and long-term outcomes, you can help them see how the actions they take now will make those long careers possible. Explain how a consistent routine and compliance not only aids immediate performance but also contributes to career longevity. At the end of the day - availability is your best ability! For instance, addressing recurring injuries early on can prevent more serious issues down the line. Overall increasing their chances of sustaining a long and healthy career. Do it the right way now so you can do it for longer later.

Nudge Nudge Nudge

At the end of the day, the approach to compliance is vital. But where most success comes from is properly nudging our athletes to make influential decisions for themselves. While we can be honest and explain our thoughts to them all day, most athletes (in my experience) will stick to a routine if they believe in it, and ultimately come up with the ideas themselves. Giving the athlete options will help them conclude on their own. There has to be some give and take between you and the athlete. Often, reviewing an athlete's daily routine, emphasizing that you love what they are doing, and following up with a suggestion of expanding on a specific aspect of their routine, or trading this movement for this one because of certain benefits. We want the athlete to feel in control and have autonomy, too.

Tailoring Communication and Approach

In summary, understanding each of your athletes—how they react to certain approaches, their training background, and being honest and realistic with them—is your best bet at building a strong foundation for their success. Tailor your communication to emphasize both immediate benefits and long-term gains. Nudge athletes with options, and let them make decisions for their benefit. This dual focus can help athletes appreciate the importance of maintaining their health and performance, ultimately keeping them on the field and advancing in their careers.?

When it's all said and done, effectively influencing our athletes to adopt the practices that will best support their growth and success isn't easy. Taking a slow and methodical approach will lead to success and help us all achieve our common goals.??

To the grind and the glory,

Coy Coker