Comments on: Creating Motivations

By: Anthony

Anthony — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 20:02:04 +0000

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By: Mary Whipple

Mary Whipple — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 00:17:22 +0000

Honestly just go with your gut and have fun. Once you are in the boat live in the moment and stick with your race plan.

Steer Straight!

Mwhip+

By: Mary Whipple

Mary Whipple — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 00:15:51 +0000

Oh no….I’m sorry that your rowers are not reacting to your motivational calls. I’ve said this before but I firmly believe that it is not what you say but WHEN you say it. It sounds like you and your crew are a little burnt out with rowing with each other. You all need to let the rowing and boat moving speak for itself and react to how the boat is moving. Taking good strokes together is addicting so try and put some spice into the row and make it a goal to make the boat feel good and react to that boat feeling. That way your calls won’t seem fake or flat. Creating calls that are spur of the moment and that are created from a reaction you are feeling are the best calls.

Steer Straight!

Mwhip+

By: bri

bri — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:08:34 +0000

hi, i have been a coxswain for almost a year and its been with the exact same people in my quad. i know these girls like the back of my hand and we have talks after every practice about what they think of my coxing that day. i have read above in previous comments and i have been doing everything you have mentioned a coxswain can do, i know my steering isnt perfect but i am certainly not awful at steering. my critiqing is always exact and i help improve the boat as a whole (im trying really hard not to come across as bragging!!!) but i do tend to repeat some motivational phrases sometimes. i have about 30 phrases i use, but the rowers say they hate my motivational words… i NEED help!

By: Juliet

Juliet — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 01:31:51 +0000

I’m a Novice coxswain and loving it, but my first race is tomorrow and I don’t know what to specifically say to motivate the rowers. Any suggestions?

By: Jangwon Kwon

Jangwon Kwon — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:04:56 +0000

I agree with Mary Whipple, in that what motivates one crew may not motivate another. What worked for me last season (the spring season of my senior year in high school) was really getting to know the rowers – what they are proud of, what they like hearing at certain points, their fears, their tactics, etc.
I feel the best opportunity to learn your rowers – as athletes and not just as friends – is during the “off-seasons,” most notably winter. See what their limits are, and help them bust through them.
I also feel that doing some of the workouts with will help greatly. Not only is it awesome to see a cox doing a 2k, but you also get to learn what parts of the race are most trying and torturous.

By: Mary Whipple

Mary Whipple — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 21:06:02 +0000

This is a great example, thank for writing in Erin!

By: Erin

Erin — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 19:39:56 +0000

I have a specific series of 10′s that often work with my crew. I start with a power ten, then a concentration 10 to bring back the rate, then 16 strokes, two for each rower calling out their name, followed by something to get them going. sometimes they require a little extra focus after the second power call, but it seems to get them motivated well.

By: Mary Whipple

Mary Whipple — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 21:06:46 +0000

When I ever decide to encourage an individual rower it is because no matter what anyone says, people push harder when they hear their name. During a race or a piece I make sure that everyone is engaged and usually it just happens that I say or encourage all the rowers by name. Not because I know they will like it or need it but just because I want to make sure that there is “no stone went unturned” so-to-speak.

So if you feel that your cocky guys need a little something don’t hesitate to give them what they need.

By: Monica

Monica — Thu, 27 May 2010 02:07:59 +0000

Remember that at many races boats are disqualified for swearing. Think about reducing or eliminating such words from your coxing vocabulary. It’s too easy to accidentally throw in a cuss word during a race and get dq’d. It doesn’t matter how great it makes your rowers push themselves if the boat is dq’d, also it makes you, your boat, your coaches, and your entire program look irresponsible. Remember that beyond getting the win you are a representative of your program and the way that you behave and the words that you use are a reflection of this. Finally, remember that practices are meant as a way to prepare for the racing season and there’s no sense in using things like cussing if they’re not allowed at races. By the way this is coming from a cox/bow rower who otherwise loves to cuss.