As a coach, it’s incredibly frustrating to see talented players go through the motions during practice while their teammates push themselves relentlessly to improve. You can spot the potential in them, but something is missing—the inner drive and intensity that transforms good players into great ones.
In our summer workouts, the contrast between athletes is clear. Some arrive with purpose, attack each drill, and leave everything on the court, showing steady improvement each week. Meanwhile, others watch in awe, convinced these players are just naturally talented. But as coaches, we know better—it’s not about luck. It’s about hours of hard, deliberate work when no one is watching.
The real challenge isn’t coaching the highly motivated players; it’s finding a way to spark that fire in those who seem content with mediocrity. They might respond to your calls for excellence with phrases like, “This sport is my safe space” or “I work hard,” both of which reflect a misunderstanding of what true growth requires.
Redefining “Safe Space” in Sports
When players describe sports as their “safe space,” they often mean it’s a place where they feel comfortable, even unchallenged. Unfortunately, this mindset misses the core value of sports. While sports should certainly provide a physically and mentally safe environment, this safety should foster risk-taking, not discourage it.
A real safe space in sports is one where players can:
- Make mistakes without fear of personal judgment
- Push their limits without risking injury
- Be held accountable while expressing themselves authentically
- Face challenges with support, not rescue
It’s not about avoiding discomfort, pressure, or challenges. The greatest lessons in sports come from overcoming adversity: handling pressure, staying composed when things go wrong, and bouncing back after failure.
Recently, a player told me she had “lost confidence in herself.” As a coach, this was tough to hear, but it revealed an important lesson. I asked her directly, “What are you doing to create uncomfortable, pressure-filled situations outside of our practices?” Her silence was a clear sign that she wasn’t pushing herself beyond her comfort zone.
Confidence isn’t developed in comfort. It’s built through repeated exposure to tough situations, where athletes learn to trust their preparation and their ability to adapt.
Three Ways to Motivate Low-Intensity Players
- Make the Invisible Work Visible
The players who seem “lucky” aren’t just putting in more effort—they’re working smarter and with a different mindset. Their teammates often see the results but miss the process. Make that process visible.
Encourage your dedicated players to share not only their training routines but also their mindset during tough moments. Let your team hear things like: “When I struggle with a drill, I focus on learning from each rep” or “I get excited when practice gets tough because that’s where real growth happens.”
Consider using practice journals where players reflect on their mental approach, not just their performance stats. When less motivated players see what’s going on behind the scenes for their driven teammates, it can spark breakthrough moments and help them understand what they’ve been missing.
- Link Personal Choices to Team Outcomes
Many players don’t realize how their individual comfort zones impact the team. Make this connection clear, but avoid being overly harsh.
Explain that when they choose comfort in practice, they’re not just limiting their own potential—they’re holding the team back. Remind them, “Your teammates are counting on you to be ready when the game gets tough.”
Frame specific scenarios: “If you can’t push yourself in practice, what happens when we’re down by one point with 30 seconds left? What happens when the opposing team starts to dominate and the pressure rises?”
Help them understand that their role on the team might be different than they expect—not because of a lack of talent, but because they haven’t developed the mental toughness needed for critical moments.
- Redefine What “Hard Work” Really Means
Some players believe showing up and going through the motions is enough. But true hard work requires a shift in perspective.
Ask direct questions: “What does ‘working hard’ mean to you? Can you give me three specific examples from this week where you pushed yourself when you could have chosen an easier option?”
Design training sessions that require mental engagement, not just physical effort. When they struggle, use it as a learning moment: “This is exactly what we need to work on—not just physical skills, but your ability to think and execute under pressure.”
Understanding Entitlement in Players
Are some of these players entitled? Perhaps. But the label matters less than the approach. Some have been conditioned to expect praise for minimal effort, others may have never experienced real intensity, and some might be protecting themselves from the vulnerability of genuine effort. Regardless of the root cause, the key is to create an environment where excellence is the standard, not the exception. Where comfort hinders growth, and every player knows their choices affect the whole team.
What You Can Control
While you can’t force motivation, you can create an environment where motivation becomes necessary. You can’t guarantee that every player will embrace intensity, but you can make sure they understand what choosing comfort over growth means for their role on the team.
The most important conversation with these players isn’t about working harder; it’s about working differently. It’s about helping them see that true confidence is built through embracing discomfort.
Sometimes, the best way to motivate a player is by showing them the choice they’re actually making—not between success and failure, but between growth and stagnation. The shift from passive participant to active contributor can be a game-changer.
When players make this shift, they become some of the most valuable teammates—not because of natural talent, but because they learned to embrace the discomfort that leads to real strength. That transformation, when it happens, is the true reward of coaching.
