Training and Performance Habits
How do I motivate an athlete who is not putting effort into practice?
Rhema Adelaja · National Champion & 4x DUX
Before you call it laziness, find the reason. Talk to the athlete privately, look at their whole week for tiredness or school stress, and agree what effort looks like in practice. Then give specific feedback when you see it, and follow up.
The answer
- Talk privately. Say what you saw, how it affected the session, then ask a question.
- Look at the whole week: sleep, school load, pressure. Low effort is often a system problem.
- Define effort in things you can see: arriving on time, finishing reps, helping teammates.
- Give the athlete a say in the session.
- Name effort when you see it: "good hustle", "nice effort".
- Follow up in a week.
If the athlete seems withdrawn or low for weeks, speak to their parent and suggest they see a doctor.
For information only. This is general information for student-athletes, not medical, legal, financial or professional advice. Talk to a qualified professional about your own situation. Terms
Rules and amounts change. Check the official source before you act. Last checked: 12 October 2026.