Q: Even though I make sure I’m constantly telling the rowers information like rate, position against boat/on river, and technical reminders I feel like i don’t have enough motivation techniques to get them past other boats. You wouldn’t happen to have any tips on creating motivations would you? I don’t want to end up saying the same phrase 10 times during a race. Thanks!! 

Laila

A:  I get asked this question all the time, “What do you say to really get your girls going?”  I’ll let you all in on a little secret…it doesn’t matter!!!!  I cannot tell you the phrases that are going to get your rowers motivated because I don’t know your rowers.  

So when I’m sitting in the coxswain seat and need to pull out some motivational phrases I…

• Think about what you would want to hear if you were in a world of pain and needed encouragement to finish the workout.
• What are your team goals?
• What are the goals of the workout?
• What are the personal goals of your rowers?
• Do you have a race coming up?  If so start calling seats off of your upcoming competitors boat.  Make scenarios of walking through your rivals boat.  
• Are there any practices that you all talk about because it was so good.  Remind them of that memory during the workout.
• Use inside jokes.

There are many ways to motivate and that is the beauty of our position.  We have to find ways to trigger emotions from our rowers.  With any motivational phrase you choose it has to be delivered in a believable way.  Coxswains have to sell the phrase and make rowers believe their words.  So keep your ears open and listen to the ways your rowers motivate each other.  Be their teammate and be there when they need that extra push.  Choose wisely but believe in your words and deliver with passion.  

Good luck!

mwhip+