Type of members - enthusiasts
One of the most common sports club member types are the enthusiasts. Their general characteristic is that they truly love the sport and enjoy participating in it. However, being overzealous can come at a cost.
Let’s explore this type of athlete in more detail today.
What defines them?
An enthusiast has passion and energy. They radiate passion for the sport and have an contagious energy that spills over to their teammates and creates a positive atmosphere. They live and breath the sport which manifests in them working hard during practice session but they also use downtime to improve their knowledge about the sport.
They are the ones who show up constantly. It doesn’t matter if it’s practice, an event or something else. They will be there to help out. They are the ones who set examples when it comes to your club’s culture.
Where they excel?
They have a great work ethic by putting in extra effort. They arrive early, stay late and give their all during practice. Their work ethic translates into rapid skill development and overall performance. This in turn motivates their teammates who look up to them.
Their positive attitude boosts moral and helps provide a supportive environment which can especially be seen when they are not competing but are on the sidelines and lifting the spirits of their teammates.
Enthusiasts embrace change, they can adapt to changes that range from having a new coach, different tactics being employed, or new team dynamics. They see those things as just another challenge they need to overcome in order to get better.
Where they have problems?
One of the tell tail sign of an enthusiast is their overzealousness. Sometimes, it can even turn into impatience. If they don’t see a result they work for it can turn into frustration. Coaches have to remind them that achieving results takes time.
The impatience can turn into overdoing it practice or outside of it which can then cause burnout. Their coaches have to monitor their workload carefully and encourage rest.
As a coach you also have to try to get information on their life outside of sport. Because of tunnel vision they can focus too much on their sport and neglect other aspects of their life. They might start falling behind in school or their job. It’s important to encourage them to slow down and look at sport as an extension of their life and not as the sole purpose for them being who they are.
If you, as a coach, can help them find a healthy balance between all parts of their life, you will have an athlete who will take your club to the next level.
Until next time, stay healthy.
