Engagement, Connection, and Inspiration in Coaching

In this presentation, Wayne Goldsmith, a respected coaching mentor, highlights three essential elements in coaching: connection, engagement, and inspiration. Goldsmith argues that while sports science is a useful tool, it only represents 2% of what coaches do day-to-day in their role. True success in coaching is an art—focusing on the heart, mind, and motivation of athletes.

The Decline in Sports Participation and its Roots

Wayne begins by discussing a significant trend: the decline in youth participation across sports globally, including track and field. Factors such as increased screen time, a shift in youth interests, and COVID-19 have accelerated this trend. Studies back this observation, with a global decline in youth sports attributed to competitive pressures, inflexible structures, and a lack of enjoyment (Bailey et al., 2013). Goldsmith suggests that a reinvestment in personal connection rather than physical infrastructure is key to reversing this trend.

Your Coaching Takeaway: Invest time in understanding YOUR athletes' unique motivations and reasons for participating. Conduct periodic informal one-on-one check-ins to see how your athletes are feeling about their sport experience and how you can adjust things if necessary. This can reveal why an athlete is disengaging and allow for adjustments to retain their interest.

A ‘Neck-Up’ Approach to Coaching

Goldsmith argues that coaching should be "neck up" - focused on the heart, mind, and emotions of the athlete - rather than just physical conditioning. Relationships between coaches and their athletes are the bedrock of long-term engagement and performance. Furthermore, athletes who develop strong intra-squad relationships with other athletes are more likely to stay in the sport and attend training more than those who feel socially isolated. Research by Jowett (2017) corroborates this, indicating that coach-athlete relationships grounded in mutual trust and respect enhance athletes' motivation and performance outcomes.

Your Coaching Takeaway: Rather than concentrating solely on technical drills, consider integrating team-building activities or personal sharing sessions to foster trust. These moments create a supportive culture, making athletes more likely to push themselves and persevere in challenging workouts.

Engagement and the Power of Choice

Throughout the presentation, Wayne highlights the concept of "discretionary effort," where athletes go above and beyond because they want to, not because they have to. He links this with the "power of choice," suggesting that athletes become more motivated when they feel a sense of autonomy and ownership over their goals. This is consistent with Self-Determination Theory, which emphasizes autonomy, competence, and relatedness as key motivators (Deci & Ryan, 2000).

Your Coaching Takeaway: Empower athletes by involving them in goal-setting and training decisions. For example, allow them to choose between workout variations, enabling them to feel a sense of agency in their development.

The Inspiration Equation: Connection + Engagement = Inspiration

Athletes who feel emotionally connected to their coaches are more likely to experience heightened intrinsic motivation (Vallerand, 1999). By fostering connection, coaches can create a more resilient and committed team environment.

Your Coaching Takeaway: Focus on creating a sense of belonging and community within your squad. Create simple rituals, like weekly team reflections or agreed shared group goals, which can strengthen the sense of connection and create a shared purpose that connects and engages your squad.

Evolving from Measurement to Meaning

While track and field relies heavily on metrics (times, distances, reps), Wayne argues that these alone cannot inspire. He suggests that athletes stay committed to sport not for the metrics but for the meaningful connections and enjoyable experiences. He recommends that you add an ‘engagement’ column to workout plans, aligning with the idea that purpose drives effort, not just quantitative goals. This is supported by research that shows over-reliance on measurable outcomes can undermine an athlete’s intrinsic motivation.

Your Coaching Takeaway: Try incorporating purpose-driven goals as part of an athlete’s training plan. For example, instead of solely measuring sprint times, set relational goals like "support a teammate" or "lead the warm-up session." These soft goals reinforce the value of relationships and squad cohesion.

Managing Parents and External Pressures

Goldsmith speaks on balancing ambitious parents’ expectations with a healthy developmental approach for young athletes. Parents should be viewed as partners in creating an environment of love, respect, and encouragement, fostering confidence and self-worth in athletes. This aligns with findings that supportive parental involvement—rather than pressure—improves youth motivation (Fredricks & Eccles, 2004).

Your Coaching Takeaway: Organise workshops for parents and clarify their role in athlete development. Emphasise the importance of unconditional support over performance-based approval. This could be in the form of digital newsletters, parent meetings, or online resources on your club’s website.

In conclusion, see yourself as more than technicians but as architects of environments where athletes feel valued, motivated, and inspired. By focusing on the art of coaching—building connection, fostering engagement, and sparking inspiration—track and field coaches can cultivate athletes who are not only resilient in sport but also in life.