Type of members - who are they

Every club is different. The people in the club can be even more diverse. Sometimes it can be a challenge to organize practice sessions and make sure that everyone is working as hard as they should (or can).

It’s not always just about the physical capabilities of an individual that will determine how a coach has to approach training with them.

Psychology plays a big role as well. That’s why we will dive into some of the most common types of members you will encounter throughout your training career and discuss some of the most common ways how to get the most out of those athletes.

One size does not fit all

We want to emphasize right away that the list is in no way exhaustive and that people never fit neatly into a single bucket but are always on a spectrum of different traits that we would like to tap into.

We will list out some of the most common types of athletes you will work with but you are free to add more.

Birds eye view

Over this week we will look into each of the four types in more detail but today we will just have a quick look on the most common traits for each of the different types:

• Enthusiasts

  • Showing true passion for the sport

  • They will attend (almost) any event your club participates in

  • Have a contagious energy that motivates others

  • Sometimes coaches have to push the breaks with them a little

• Team players

  • Enjoy training with others (support, camaraderie…)

  • Work well with others and enjoy the team’s success more than their personal

  • They are very supportive and encourage others

  • Coaches have to remind them to be a little selfish

• Competitive spirits

  • They thrive on challenges and work hard to win

  • Driven, ambitious and push themselves hard

  • Always looking for a new personal best or podium finish

  • High risk of overtraining

• Social butterflies

  • Enjoy the social aspect of a club more than the physical

  • Build connections inside the club and help organize different events

  • They help make the club environment welcoming for everyone

  • Sometimes they “forget” why they joined in the first place

As you can see, people in your club come in all shapes and sizes and it’s up to you to figure out how you can use them in the most effective way to help them progress and increase satisfaction inside your club.

Do you think we should have added some other types as well? Let us know in the comments!